Plan a Dinosaur-Sized Weekend in Gaston County

Something prehistoric is coming to Gaston County, Opening September 26–27, 2026.

The Schiele Museum of Natural History will celebrate the opening of the Elizabeth Williams Robinson Hall of Dinosaurs, bringing 4,200 square feet of fossils, full-scale dinosaur skeletons and interactive experiences to Gastonia. And while the new Hall of Dinosaurs is reason enough to visit, it is just the beginning. From mountain views and botanical gardens to family adventures, craft beverages, local barbecue and outdoor thrills, Gaston County makes it easy to connect one experience to the next.

Start With The Giants

The new Hall of Dinosaurs features 14 full-scale dinosaur skeletons, authentic fossils and specimens unique to the Southeast, including Appalachiosaurus—the “East Coast T. rex.” The Schiele's iconic T. rex is also returning in a new display that reflects the latest scientific research.

One of the exhibit's most remarkable specimens is an authentic Edmontosaurus fossil displaying mummified skin and healed wounds from a T. rex attack.

Paleontologist Dr. Nickolas Brand, Head of Research and Collections at The Schiele, says,

“We’ve aimed to create an immersive experience where you can feel the weight of these extinct creatures, imagine what it would be like to walk among them, and learn how they lived. We want to share that these were once real animals that actually lived, breathed, moved around, and were sometimes capable of doing things you wouldn’t have expected – just like animals today!”

But the experience is about more than looking at fossils. Visitors can step into an immersive prehistoric environment and imagine what it was like when these animals actually roamed the Earth.

Dino Days

Opening September 26–27, Dino Days will give visitors an opportunity to be among the first to experience the new Hall, along with hands-on activities, a dinosaur-themed planetarium show, fossil preparation demonstrations and other special programming.

More To Explore At Schiele

There’s plenty more to explore at The Schiele Museum beyond the dinosaurs. Kids can get hands-on at the Explorer Outpost, get up close with animal ambassadors and 80 live animals, and step into the natural and cultural worlds of North American habitats and American Indian history. Make a stop at The Farm, explore the 0.7-mile Nature Trail, or catch a daily show at the James H. Lynn Planetarium on its immersive 360-degree screen. And if you haven’t experienced Dino Safari yet, this is your last chance before it leaves at the end of 2026.

Keep the Adventure Going

Once you've had your fill of dinosaurs, it's time to discover what else is waiting just outside the museum.

Get The View At Crowders Mountain

Trade prehistoric giants for a Piedmont panorama at Crowders Mountain State Park. Hike to the summit of Crowders Mountain for a spectacular view across the region. On a clear day, you can even see the Charlotte skyline in the distance. The summit hike is a challenge, but the view is worth the climb.

The view is worth the climb.

Explore The Gardens At Daniel Stowe Conservancy

Spend a few hours exploring Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont, where beautiful gardens, fountains, tropical plants and art come together across miles of trails. Wander through the conservatory, discover sculptures throughout the grounds, and explore the trails through the surrounding landscape.

For The Thrill Seekers

If your ideal weekend involves a little more adrenaline, make your way to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Whitewater rafting, zip lines, climbing, canopy adventures and miles of trails offer plenty of ways to get outside and get moving. The center's whitewater river features guided rafting on Class II–IV rapids, while its trail system offers more than 50 miles for hiking, running and mountain biking.

Family-Friendly

Traveling with kids? Keep the fun going after the museum. Families can also take on the Adventure Trail, a shaded half-mile forest trail designed for children and leading to the Prairie Castle. It's an easy way to trade dinosaurs for gardens, forests and a little imaginative play. Challenge the family to a round of glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Monster Mini Golf Gastonia, or build an afternoon around the Adventure Trail and Prairie Castle at Daniel Stowe.

Explore Our Downtowns

Explore the Downtowns Make time to explore Gaston County’s downtowns, where locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, boutiques, antique stores and specialty shops give you plenty of ways to spend an afternoon or evening. Follow the Ridge Line Craft Beverage Trail for locally made beer, wine, cider and spirits, or explore the Gaston County BBQ Trail for a taste of the area’s barbecue traditions. Stroll along Main Street, discover unique finds and keepsakes, and leave room for a sweet treat along the way.

Follow the Dino Trail

Want to take the dinosaur adventure beyond The Schiele? The Gaston County Dino Trail gives you a way to do exactly that. Running September 1 through December 31, the Dino Trail connects dinosaur-themed experiences across Gaston County. Pick up a map, visit participating businesses and attractions, and collect exclusive dinosaur trading cards along the way.

Stops include dinosaur-inspired food and drinks, shopping, activities and family-friendly experiences.

Grab the map. Find the stops. Collect the cards. Create your own dinosaur adventure.

It's another way to discover that the dinosaur story doesn't end when you leave The Schiele.

Where It All Connects

That's the fun of a weekend in Gaston County.

A morning with dinosaurs can turn into an afternoon on a mountain trail. A garden walk can lead to a family adventure. A day outside can end with barbecue or a local craft beverage. And a visit to The Schiele can become the starting point for exploring an entire county.

Come for the dinosaurs. Stay for the adventure. Discover where it all connects.