Hot Springs, Arkansas – Hot Springs, Ark., is about to step back millions of years in time as the Mid-America Science Museum prepares to unveil its latest traveling exhibition, Expedition: Dinosaur, on Saturday, April 25. Promising to deliver a thrilling combination of education and entertainment, the exhibit will feature life-size animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar, offering visitors of all ages a chance to experience prehistoric life like never before.
Located in the museum’s Hall of Wonder, Expedition: Dinosaur will remain open to the public through August 16, giving families, school groups, and dinosaur enthusiasts an extended opportunity to explore the massive showcase. Developed by Stage 9 Exhibits, the traveling exhibition is designed to immerse visitors in the science and excitement of paleontology through hands-on, interactive experiences.
The exhibit features 11 fully robotic dinosaurs that replicate realistic movements and sounds. Species on display include the iconic Stegosaurus, the cunning Velociraptor, the horned Triceratops, the elongated Amargasaurus, and the fierce Albertosaurus. Each dinosaur is carefully engineered to simulate lifelike movement, from tail swings to realistic head motions, while roaring to add an extra thrill for visitors.
Beyond the mechanical marvels, the exhibit emphasizes the science behind the prehistoric giants. Guests can participate in activities that mimic real paleontological work. One station allows visitors to dig for simulated fossils, while another enables them to examine specimens through a Wentzscope, a specialized tool that provides a closer look at fossilized structures. The exhibit also includes a field tent inspired by the historic “Bone Wars,” where scientists of the late 19th century competed to discover and classify new dinosaur species.
Visitors can even engage directly with cutting-edge technology, such as operating a robotic arm to scan and rotate simulated dinosaur eggs, giving them a sense of how modern paleontologists study fragile fossils. Additional interactive elements include an augmented reality sandbox where guests can shape landscapes and witness how ecosystems develop over time, a Pangea puzzle to reconstruct ancient continents, and a giant dinosaur jaw that doubles as a photo opportunity.
“This exhibition is part of our ongoing effort to bring large-scale experiences to the region,” said Diane LaFollette, CEO of the Mid-America Science Museum. “We’ve worked with Stage 9 Exhibits on several traveling exhibitions over the years. Partnerships like this allow us to bring large-scale, interactive experiences to Hot Springs that might otherwise only appear in much larger cities. With Expedition: Dinosaur, visitors can encounter lifelike animatronic dinosaurs while also learning how paleontologists excavate fossils and interpret what they find.”
Museum officials emphasize that the exhibit is included with regular admission, making it accessible to all who wish to explore it. By blending cutting-edge robotics with educational engagement, the museum hopes to inspire curiosity about science and history among young visitors and adults alike.
For those planning a visit, the Mid-America Science Museum encourages checking hours and ticket information in advance. Visitors can find more details by visiting www.midamericamuseum.org or by calling 501-767-3461.
With towering dinosaurs, immersive activities, and hands-on exploration, Expedition: Dinosaur promises to transform the Mid-America Science Museum into a portal to the prehistoric past, where learning and adventure go hand in hand. It’s an event that both local families and travelers to Hot Springs won’t want to miss.
