Aug 7, 2023
Dinosaur Bones in Our Backyard - Academy Ford Blog

Exciting things are happening in our neighborhood! The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County has recently discovered a host of dinosaur bones at Dinosaur Park in Laurel, Maryland, just a stone’s throw away from Academy Ford. This discovery isn’t just a random assortment of bones; it’s a “bone bed,” a rare find of dinosaur bones from multiple different species all in the same geologic layer.

We may be car enthusiasts now, but we grew up loving dinosaurs too, so, we’re thrilled by this landmark discovery, the first of its kind in the state since 1887. Even more impressive is that this find is a significant milestone for paleontological research, shining a light on the rich and fascinating history that lies beneath our wheels.

So, what’s in store for you when you visit the park? Apart from the sheer thrill of stepping into the world of the dinosaurs right in Academy Ford’s backyard, Dinosaur Park provides unique educational experiences. You can play paleontologist for the day and explore early Cretaceous fossils alongside experts. Even better, the park’s environment reflects the landscape of the early Cretaceous period, a trip 115 million years back in time, long before the era of the Tyrannosaurus Rex!

Interestingly, the park is home to fossils of the Astrodon Johnstoni, the Maryland State dinosaur and the largest dinosaur species found east of the Mississippi River. This dinosaur predates the Tyrannosaurus Rex by a whopping 50 million years!

But you don’t have to be a scientist to appreciate this. Think of it as a way to drive back in time, as you navigate your way through the park, exploring the ancient rivers and wetlands of Maryland, not unlike those we see at the Patuxent River Park in Upper Marlboro.

We invite all our customers at Academy Ford, new and old, to make the short trip to Dinosaur Park in Laurel, Maryland. Whether you’ve just purchased a brand-new Ford or you’re driving one of our dependable used cars, let’s show some support for this local gem, this piece of history that we share. Who knows, your next vehicle from Academy Ford could take you not just from A to B, but millions of years into the past! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to combine the excitement of a new car with the adventure of exploring a fascinating piece of prehistory, right here in our neighborhood.

Stop by Academy Ford for your dream car, then take a drive into the past at Dinosaur Park. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!