Unearth a Dinosaur Adventure Across Gaston County On The Gaston County Dino Trail

Melissa McCauley
5 hours ago
3 min read

How many dinosaur adventures can you have before the dinosaurs arrive at The Schiele?

September 1 – December 31, 2026

The dinosaurs are coming to Gaston County—and the adventure starts before you even step inside The Schiele Museum of Natural History.

Beginning September 1, dinosaur lovers of all ages can explore the Gaston County Dino Trail, a county-wide adventure that takes you to local restaurants, shops and family-friendly attractions in communities across Gaston County. Along the way, collect exclusive dinosaur trading cards, discover new places and build your own prehistoric itinerary.

And with the opening of The Schiele Museum's new Elizabeth Williams Robinson Hall of Dinosaurs this month, there's never been a better time to plan a dinosaur-sized adventure.

Turn a Dinosaur Visit Into a Day of Adventure

Why make the museum your only stop?

The Dino Trail gives you a reason to explore beyond the exhibit and discover the communities, local businesses and experiences that make Gaston County worth the trip.

Grab a bite in one town, stop for a sweet treat in another, browse a local shop, challenge your friends to a game or bring the kids along for an afternoon of exploring. Whether you're a lifelong dinosaur fan, a collector looking to complete your trading cards, or simply looking for something fun and different to do, there's a trail waiting for you.

You can visit a handful of stops during a day trip or spread your adventure across multiple outings. Every stop offers another opportunity to explore, collect and connect.

SchieleDinos.org

The Gaston County Dino Trail Trading Cards

How To Play

Start Your Dino Mission!
Pick up a Dino Trail map at The Schiele Museum of Natural History or a participating location.
Explore the Stops
Visit Dino Trail partners across Gaston County and discover prehistoric surprises.
Collect the Cards
Gather dinosaur trading cards and complete your collection.
Keep Exploring
Experience the Hall of Dinosaurs at The Schiele Museum and continue your prehistoric adventure. Collect an exclusive trading card at The Schiele too!

Your Gaston County Dino Trail Stops

From Bessemer City to Mount Holly, the Dino Trail stretches across Gaston County, giving you plenty of ways to explore the destination while building your dinosaur collection.

Bessemer City

Wicked Waffle Co. 130 W. Virginia Ave.

Cherryville

TAS Drug 500 W. Church St.
The Fuzzy Cow 204 E. Main St.

Dallas

Dallas Tavern & Taphouse 130 W. Trade St.
Front Porch & Provisions 140 N. Gaston St.

Gastonia

Bubba's 33 3287 E. Franklin Blvd.
Graze & Piece Charcuterie Boutique 200 W. Main Ave., Ste. 1A
Monster Mini Golf 3924 E. Franklin Blvd.
Tony's Ice Cream 604 E. Franklin Blvd.
The Wandering Cup 121 W. Main Ave.

Then, Meet the Dinosaurs

After you've explored the trail, make your way to The Schiele Museum of Natural History and step into the new Elizabeth Williams Robinson Hall of Dinosaurs. Be one of the first to see the Elizabeth Williams Robinson Hall of Dinosaurs at the Opening Night Gala. on September 24, 2026. Or the official opening to the public on the 26th.

Walk among the giants during an extraordinary evening featuring first access to the new exhibit, craft cocktails, curated small bites, live music, and immersive experiences throughout the museum.

The 4,200-square-foot exhibit brings the prehistoric world to life with fossils, full-bodied dinosaur casts and interactive experiences that invite visitors to discover what life was like millions of years ago.

Whether you're fascinated by fossils, obsessed with dinosaurs, bringing your family for a day of discovery or simply curious to see what The Schiele has uncovered, the new hall is the perfect finale to your Dino Trail adventure.

And don't forget to collect your exclusive Dino Trail trading card at The Schiele and add it to your collection.