Prairie Fossil Museum (By Appointment) - Knoxville, Tennessee

Katie T.

*call and make an appointment, it’s not open all the time and is located in the owner’s place of business*

This little museum is packed full of awesome fossils and other artifacts. The owner is so passionate and loves sharing his interest with other. I was blown away that he let my kids handle anything they wanted, saying “if it breaks I’ll put it back together. I did it once, I can do it again!” So cool!

Brittany V.

This was cool. The man in charge showed us around and told us how he got the bones. It is a little small but that is OK. He also gave the kids a dino bone each. It is free but call to make a reservation.

Erik W.

A unique experience, and one of the only, if not the only, place in the country where you can hold fossils. Mr. Wills enthusiasm is infectious. Absolutely phenomenal.

Brad J.

Talk about a hidden gem, this place is by appointment only and FANTASTIC. We spent over an hour and half listening to Mr. Willis talk about his dinosaur finds, and holding every dinosaur fossil in the museum. He was such a wealth of information, and someone who truly loves to share knowledge about dinosaurs, gems, and fossilized plant life. We learned more at this museum than all the other museums we had been to! You pay $$$ at other museums to look at fossils behind glass, here you pay nothing and the man who found the fossils just picks them up and puts them in your hand. And these fossils are heavy, which how would you know, you never get to hold them anywhere else. Make this one of your stops if you are in the area, you won’t be disappointed. This is how education about dinosaurs is done right - thank you again Mr. Willis!

T C.

It’s a very unique and fascinating, interactive place for adults and kid’s alike. Thank you for such an amazing experience here in Knoxville. Definitely recommend visiting! Can’t wait to see the future exhibits that are coming up.

Heather D.

We were so impressed with the fossil collection at the Prairie fossil museum. Mr. Wills considers dinosaur hunting a hobby, but the knowledge he has attained in the many years he has given to this passion, clearly shows in the variety, size, and the meticulous way he cares for and displays his collection. He has a scute of an ankylosaur and a tooth of a torvasaur; but his most impressive find is several large pieces of a triceratops attained over many years of visiting the same site. One of the best parts is that the museum is hands-on. My son loved the fact that he could hold the horn of a triceratops and touch a piece of a Tyrannosaurus rex. The museum is one room, and only large enough for a max of eight people, so you need to make a reservation. I highly recommend this little known Knoxville gem.

Sarah A. J.

We drove from NC and it was worth every second of the drive! I've been a dinosaur fan since I was young and so thankful that now not only did I get to live my dreams come true, but I got to share it with my son and mother. We will definitely be back!

Patrick K.

Thank you Mr. Wells our experience was amazing. This place is awesome. Please schedule an appointment. It's all free. We were greeted and taken through this man's journey on how he learned to find these amazing artifacts. It's all hands on and the best experience we could have given our daughter. I would recommend this place to any family or person who would love to learn about fossils. I truly can't thank this man enough for his time and knowledge. AMAZING !!!