They dug under a Denver museum parking lot—and unearthed a historic fossil: “nothing short of magical”
While drilling a geothermal test well a prehistoric breakthrough was made when a 70-million-year-old fossil was discovered buried deep beneath the ground.
Sometimes, the most remarkable discoveries are hiding right beneath your feet—literally.
That was the case at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where a routine geothermal test beneath the building’s underground parking lot led to the unexpected discovery of a 70-million-year-old dinosaur fossil. Buried nearly 760 feet (232 meters) below ground, the bone is believed to be a section of the spinal column of a massive herbivorous reptile, offering what scientists call a “magical” window into Colorado’s prehistoric ecosystem.
It started as a geothermal test—and turned into history
The fossil wasn’t uncovered during a planned dig. Instead, it surfaced during a project meant to explore sustainable energy options for the museum.
But it then expanded into an analysis to study the geology of the Denver Basin, when their drills hit something unexpected: fossilized bone deep within the Earth. The discovery, now officially documented in the journal Rocky Mountain Geology, is being hailed as the oldest and deepest dinosaur fossil ever found within Denver city limits.
A scientifically and historically fascinating discovery
“This is a scientifically and historically thrilling find for both the Museum and the larger Denver community,” said Dr. James Hagadorn, curator of geology at the museum, in a statement to People magazine.
The fossil dates back to a time just before the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs, offering an unparalleled glimpse into a lost world. According to Hagadorn, it provides “a rare window into the ecosystem that once existed right beneath modern-day Denver.”
Why this fossil changes our understanding of Denver
Dr. Patrick O’Connor, professor at Ohio University and Director of Earth and Space Sciences at the museum, described the fossil as “exceptionally rare” and a unique opportunity for collaboration among scientists.
Adding to its significance, Dr. Holger Petermann authored a detailed geological analysis, noting how rare it is to find prehistoric remains at such extreme depths in an urban environment.
“In my 35 years at the museum, we’ve never had an opportunity quite like this — to study the deep geologic layers beneath our feet with such precision. That this fossil turned up here, in City Park, is nothing short of magical,” added Dr. Bob Raynolds, a research associate at the museum.
Now on display: a window into the past
The fossil has been added to the museum’s “Discovering Teen Rex” exhibit, where visitors can get an up-close look at the ancient bone that’s rewriting what we thought we knew about Denver’s underground history.
This once-in-a-lifetime discovery serves as a powerful reminder of the deep, layered past beneath the city’s surface—and the prehistoric secrets it still holds.
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