ST. LOUIS, MO – What does a dinosaur brain reveal? What prehistoric creatures once lived in Missouri? And could that mysterious rock in your backyard actually be a fossil? St. Louisans can find out Saturday, October 17, at the inaugural St. Louis Prehistoric Life Show, a free, all-ages event at the Saint Louis Science Center.
From 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., six spaces throughout the Science Center’s lower level will be filled with real fossils, private collections, working scientists, fossil hunters, university researchers, artists and hands-on discoveries.
VISITORS CAN:
- Bring possible fossils for expert identification at the Fossil Road Show
- Split Green River limestone slabs in search of fossil fish
- Sort fossil-bearing gravel and keep their discoveries
- Watch fossil preparation and a live volcano demonstration
- Explore private collections rarely displayed publicly
- Make bracelets using real crinoid fossils
- Meet the people who discover, study and preserve prehistoric life
- Bring a toy dinosaur to trade at the Dino Trading Post
The show’s speaker series brings remarkable experience to one stage. Presenters include Mike Fix, who helped excavate Missouri’s state dinosaur; Washington University researcher Dr. Ashley Morhardt, who studies dinosaur brains; internationally recognized evolutionary geneticist Dr. Alan Templeton; and Washington University lecturer Maggie Limbeck.
SCIENCE, ART AND DISCOVERY IN ONE PLACE
The Paleoart Gallery will show how artists use science and imagination to bring extinct life back into view. Its centerpiece is Lola, a giant Tyrannosaurus skull sculpture created by St. Louis artist Nicki Mizell and previously featured in Smithsonian Magazine. Visitors will also encounter leather trilobites, scientific illustrations, paintings, ceramics and other fossil-inspired works.
Original documents connected to the designation of the crinoid as Missouri’s official state fossil will be displayed alongside fossils from ancient Missouri seas and specimens collected around the world. The event brings together fossil clubs, museums, universities, artists, collectors and science organizations whose participants represent decades of research, excavation, preparation, education and field experience.
The independent community event began with conversations among three local fossil enthusiasts, Jon Porter, Kristen Tippit and Asa Kaplan, around a kitchen table. It has grown into an entirely volunteer-organized event hosted in partnership with the Saint Louis Science Center. Its guiding belief is simple: fossils are for everyone.
EVENT DETAILS
St. Louis Prehistoric Life Show
Saturday, October 17, 2026
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saint Louis Science Center
5050 Oakland Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
Free admission | All ages | No ticket required
slpls.org
ABOUT THE ST. LOUIS PREHISTORIC LIFE SHOW
The St. Louis Prehistoric Life Show brings scientists, fossil collectors, museums, universities, educators, paleoartists and the public together for an accessible celebration of prehistoric life. The independent community event is organized entirely by volunteers and hosted in partnership with the Saint Louis Science Center.
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