Smail's Giant Dinosaurs
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Visible from the road 24/7; Nursery hours vary by season
- Duration
- 5-15 minutes
- Parking
- Free parking available in the nursery lot
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible from the parking area, easily viewed from a vehicle
These towering, hand-crafted metal dinosaurs stand guard over a local landscape nursery, delighting passing motorists. Created by the nursery's late owner, the prehistoric beasts include a massive T-Rex and a long-necked Apatosaurus. It's a whimsical, quick roadside photo op that captures classic Americana spirit.
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Created by Bud Smail in the late 20th century, these towering prehistoric beasts originally served as an eye-catching advertisement for Smail's Landscape Nursery. Over the decades, the massive sculptures have become a beloved landmark for travelers driving along Interstate 70 and Route 119.
Visitors will find a collection of giant, colorful dinosaur replicas, including a towering Tyrannosaurus Rex and a long-necked Brontosaurus, standing guard over the nursery grounds. While the nursery itself is a functional business, the owners have long welcomed roadside travelers to stop and admire their whimsical creatures.
These nostalgic, folk-art-style dinosaurs capture the classic spirit of mid-century American roadside kitsch. They offer a delightful, quick detour for families looking to stretch their legs and snap some memorable, quirky photos.
Ratings
roadside attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Bring a camera to capture photos with the towering T-Rex and other prehistoric beasts.
- ◆ Combine your visit with a stop at the nursery to browse their plants and landscaping supplies.
- ◆ Look for them easily from the adjacent highways, but pull safely into the nursery's parking area for a close-up view.
Heads Up
- ◆ The dinosaurs are located on the property of an active landscape nursery, so be mindful of moving heavy machinery and work vehicles.
- ◆ Do not attempt to climb on or touch the sculptures, as these aging art installations can be easily damaged.
Common questions
Can you walk up to the Smail's Giant Dinosaurs to take pictures?
No, the dinosaurs are located on private property and are fenced off from the public. You can easily view and photograph them from the adjacent road or the nearby park-and-ride lot.
Where is the best place to park to view the dinosaurs?
The best place to park is the PennDOT Park and Ride lot on Smail Road, which provides a safe vantage point to view and photograph the sculptures. Do not park on the shoulder of the busy main highway.
What materials were used to build the giant dinosaurs?
The sculptures were built by John Smail using a framework of recycled structural steel, wire mesh, and painted concrete.