Rainbow Forest Museum And Giant Logs Trail In Petrified Forest National Park

Rainbow Forest Museum is a geological museum located in Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. It also serves as one of the visitor centers for the park.

Rainbow Forest Museum’s Blue Mesa Room takes you back in time including paleontological exhibits complete with skeleton displays of prehistoric animals.

One of the museum’s main attractions is the reconstructed skeleton of a large prehistoric reptile known as a phytosaur.

Visitors will also learn about the ancient ecosystem that existed in the area.

There are multiple other exhibits in the museum including information on local wildlife, geology, and of course petrified wood.

A ranger is available at the information desk to answer any questions you may have, They can also provide you with maps and brochures on the park.

The rangers can stamp your passport, sign your little ones up for the Junior Ranger program, and make your pets B.A.R.K Rangers.

We signed up our pets as B.A.R.K. Rangers here which makes them rangers at three parks so far this year. They got a little pamphlet and dog treats at this park.

Located behind the museum is the Giant Logs Trail.

This easy, paved 0.4 mile loop trail has a trail guide at the start that can be purchased for a nominal fee providing information on the hike.

There are a number of large petrified logs on the trail including “Old Faithful” which is almost ten feet wide at the base!

You can also reach the Agate House and Long Logs Trails from the parking lot.

The Rainbow Forest Museum serves as an educational center for visitors to learn about the park’s geology, ecology, and cultural history. It’s a cool spot that should not be missed during your visit.

A small gift shop is located on the premises to pick up all your national park swag and you can watch the park movie there.

Restrooms, trashcans, and a picnic pavilion are also provided.

Next door is another gift shop selling local goods and fossils.