barnes county historical society

Great museum to visit in Valley City, ND. Currently home to the "Worlds Largest & most complete Triceratops, BOB!" He was excavated right here in North Dakota. Open 7 days a week.

I've been to the BCHS museum a couple of times, about five years ago, and again this past November. It's a fairly small place, a former retail shop, right downtown. There is enough material to take an hour or more, just to look around. The model railroad display is amazing, with a replica of the town's signature High Line bridge. Best of all is their triceratops fossil, something one might expect at a major urban science museum. It's one of the largest, most complete, such fossil skeletons known. No charge, but they appreciate donations.

The museum has a variety of exhibits that are updated quite often. Last time I was there a huge dinosaur skeleton was in the main area. It is very impressive. The model railroad is fun to see. i also like the player piano, photo displays, and the historic items are displayed in interesting settings.

I think a person could spend a fascinating week going through the Barnes County Museum. Items are extremely well presented, the displays are fascinating and change often. I've seen people from 4 years old to teenagers to adults and the very elderly enjoy every minute of their time spent there. It's truly a treasure. It's a wonderful collection that captures one's imagination and truly sparks a recognition of not just what happened, or what was used, but what life was like -- what it must have actually felt like -- living in those long-ago times. I cannot imagine anyone regretting taking the time to visit this fine Museum... but knowing how fantastic it is, I know how much I'd regret it if I'd never visited it.

I love seeing valley city's history and what was once. My family and I have visited over a hundred times. The kids can't get enough of the train.

You must come see the REAL Triceratops fossil currently on display at the Barnes County Museum. It is soooo cool! Nowhere else would you ever have the opportunity to get this close up to something so rare and valuable as "Bob" the triceratops is. He is the largest and most complete fossil of his kind yet found. This little museum in the interior of North Dakota has many many surprises all offered with free-will admission to the public Mon-Sat 10-4 PM and other times by appointment. Groups are welcome too!. Come see Bob and the other treasures at the Barnes County Museum.

This triceratops named "Bob" is authentic and not a replica. The display is huge and nearly complete. Anyone passing through on interstate 94 should take the time to stop in and see this!