Did you know that June 1 is National Dinosaur Day? A fun way to learn and explore more about these now prehistoric inhabitants of our earlier world, here in the Mid-Atlantic, we hold a wealth of engaging opportunities to mingle with dino-minded interests. From dig sites to museums and special themed attractions, there is no shortage of exciting, explorative endeavors.
One widely popular pursuit, and one of the most awe-inspiring to boot, can be found right in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley region. I’m referring to the one and only Dinosaur Land in White Post.
It’s a striking sight to be sure, when you’re driving down Stonewall Jackson Highway, and you happen to glance at larger-than-life dinosaurs on the side of the road. But that’s been the situation onsite at this very location since 1963, when Dinosaur Land officially got started. While today’s historic walk-through theme park is a widely acclaimed attraction in and of itself, back in the day, it was established more or less as featured eye-candy markers to draw tourists and locals into an existing side-road gift shop.
It was WWII veteran Joseph Geraci who established the legacy that would evolve into Dinosaur Land. In 1962, he purchased several acres of land next to the highway on which to open a roadside corner shop he named “Rebel KORN’R.” Later that same year, while vacationing in Florida with the family, Geraci was struck with inspiration after seeing the larger-than-life dinosaur statues at a putt-putt mini golf course.
As it came to light, the mastermind artist behind the amazing, monumental figures was none other than James Q. Sidwell, another WWII veteran, former employee at Disney World, and then-designer for the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Geraci commissioned Sidwell to create five huge dinos to be placed outside of his storefront. The task was completed in 1963, and the dinos were assembled on location.
It was much to the delight and amusement of everyone, and the dinos succeeded in bringing in visitors and tourists en route. Seven more dinos were soon added, and in 1967, the business was officially rebranded as “Dinosaur Land.” Throughout the years, the park continued thriving and evolving to even include other large creature features and replicas.
By the mid-1980s, there were more than 35 sculptures. In addition to dinos, the lineup included a giant shark, octopus, cobra, praying mantis, and even King Kong. It’s since become somewhat of a rite of passage to sit in King Kong’s hand and pose for a photo op.
Sadly, Joseph Geraci passed away in 1987, but the business is still family-owned and operated, with Joseph’s four daughters and their families at the helm of all daily operations. Since then, the park has expanded even further to its current 55+ sculptures. New ones are always being added, largely due to the updated contributions of local sculptor Mark Cline. Cline himself was a fan of the park since childhood.
Visitors to Dinosaur Land today get to experience more than 50 life-sized dinosaurs of various kinds, along with other creatures. All these and more are spread out across a wheelchair-friendly, disability accessible paved walking trail. All attractions are go-at-your-own-pace walkthrough offerings.
In addition to the dinosaur-dense trails that prove to be the main attraction, visitors can stop into the resident Toy Shop, which offers a delightful range of toys and educational items. These include everything from books to posters, and more.
Then there is the original gift shop that started it all. Visitors here can find various ranging themed merchandise and everything else Dinosaur Land, including plush toys, jewelry, T-shirts, rocks and minerals, “Jim Shore”, and more.
Dinosaur Land has something to offer for everyone and makes for a most enticing, one-of-a-kind, family-friendly tourist destination of incredible acclaim. You just have to come out and experience it firsthand for yourself!
Dinosaur Land can be found at 3848 Stonewall Jackson Highway, White Post, Virginia 22663. Discover more on the website at www.dinosaurlandva.com.