The Atlas Obscura Podcast Why Is There a Dinosaur Here?
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May 27, 2025 
Diana Hubbell, the Places Editor, explores the quirky world of roadside dinosaurs across the U.S. She shares the creative transformation of a retired teacher's yard into a whimsical park featuring a blue brontosaurus named Boris. Listeners will discover a remarkable Dinosaur House with 62 life-sized models attracting thousands annually. The saga of Bronto, a beloved brontosaurus who faced neglect yet sparked a community restoration effort, highlights the importance of local history and collective passion.
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Teacher Creates Dinosaur Park
- Retired teacher Steve Springer transformed his front yard into a dinosaur park.
- His collection grew to 62 large dinosaur statues, attracting 40,000 yearly visitors.
Dinosaur House Community Impact
- The Dinosaur House in Henderson is beloved by locals and visitors alike.
- It serves as a community spot for joy, education, and calming autistic children.
North Carolina Brontosaurus Saga
- Durham's 77-foot Brontosaurus, part of a museum's Prehistory Trail, suffered vandalism and hurricane damage.
- The community restored it after a 2009 decapitation incident, showing local attachment.