More than 125 years ago, one of the world’s most remarkable Brachiosaurus fossils was discovered on Riggs Hill in Grand Junction, Colorado. Today, we’re bringing that story home.
The Brachiosaurus replica casting at the Grand Junction Regional Airport will create an iconic gateway experience, celebrating the Colorado Plateau’s world-renowned paleontological heritage while inspiring travelers from around the globe to continue their journey into our museums, public lands, communities, and outdoor adventures.
More than a sculpture, it is an invitation to explore, discover, and connect with the remarkable story beneath our feet. Together, we are building a landmark that will welcome millions of visitors for generations to come.
Join us in bringing this vision to life.
- +The Vision
- This project is more than a sculpture.
It is a gateway to the stories that define our region.
Through this installation, visitors will experience:
- A scientifically accurate full-scale Brachiosaurus cast
- Engaging interpretation about Riggs Hill and the discovery of Brachiosaurus altithorax
- Connections to local fossil sites, museums, trails, and public lands
- Opportunities to learn about ongoing paleontological discoveries in Western Colorado
- A lasting symbol of our region’s scientific and cultural heritage
- +Why a Brachiosaurus?
- More than 120 years ago, just a few miles from where travelers arrive today, paleontologist Elmer S. Riggs made a discovery that forever changed our understanding of dinosaurs.
In 1900, while excavating what is now known as Riggs Hill in Grand Junction, Riggs uncovered the remains of one of the largest land animals ever discovered. The dinosaur he named Brachiosaurus altithorax challenged scientific thinking and became one of the world’s most recognizable dinosaurs.
Today, visitors from around the globe travel to Western Colorado to experience the landscapes where these giants once roamed.
This gift honors that extraordinary legacy by welcoming every traveler with a life-sized Brachiosaurus—a symbol of the discoveries that helped establish Western Colorado as one of the world’s great paleontological destinations.
Together, we have an opportunity to bring this remarkable story home.
- +Why Here?
- Every year, thousands of visitors arrive in Grand Junction to experience the Colorado National Monument, the Grand Mesa, our public lands, mountain biking, rafting, wineries, and museums.
Imagine their first impression being a towering Brachiosaurus rising inside the terminal—an unmistakable reminder that they have arrived somewhere extraordinary.
The installation will:
- Celebrate Grand Junction’s role in one of the most significant dinosaur discoveries in history
- Honor the legacy of Riggs Hill and the scientists who continue that work today
- Inspire curiosity about the natural history of the Colorado Plateau
- Encourage visitors to explore the Museums of Western Colorado and other regional attractions
- Strengthen tourism, education, and community pride
- +About the Project
- The Brachiosaurus at the Airport Project is a collaborative partnership between community leaders, the Museums of Western Colorado, Grand Junction Regional Airport, businesses, donors, and residents who believe in creating an inspiring gateway for our region.
The Museums of Western Colorado serves as the project’s fiscal sponsor and long-term steward of the Brachiosaurus cast, ensuring that all charitable contributions directly support the project’s planning, fabrication, interpretation, and public engagement.
It Started Here.
Before the museums. Before the airport. Before millions of visitors discovered Western Colorado.
It started on a hillside overlooking Grand Junction, where a remarkable discovery changed science forever.
Now, together, we can ensure every visitor who arrives here knows they’re standing where history was made.
Help Bring History Home
For more than a century, the story of Grand Junction’s Brachiosaurus has inspired people around the world.
Now we have the opportunity to celebrate that legacy where it began.
Your gift helps create an unforgettable gateway experience that connects millions of future visitors with the extraordinary history, science, and landscapes of Western Colorado.
Together, we can honor the discovery at Riggs Hill while inspiring the next generation of explorers.
Together, We’re Building More Than a Dinosaur.
And an unforgettable welcome gift for generations of travelers yet to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- +Who is leading the project?
- The project is guided by a community Steering Committee in partnership with the Museums of Western Colorado and Grand Junction Regional Airport.
- +Are donations tax-deductible?
- Yes. Donations are processed through the Museums of Western Colorado, the project’s fiscal sponsor, and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
- +How will donated funds be used?
- Contributions support project planning, fabrication, interpretation, fundraising, community engagement, and related project expenses necessary to bring the Brachiosaurus installation to life.
- +When will the project be completed?
- The project is currently in the fundraising and planning phase. Additional milestones and timelines will be shared as they are finalized.
- +Can my business become a sponsor?
- Absolutely. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses, organizations, and foundations interested in supporting this signature regional project.
Follow the project’s progress as we move from vision to reality. Sign up to receive campaign updates, construction milestones, fundraising news, and opportunities to get involved.
