The Cabazon Dinosaurs are a popular roadside attraction near Palm Springs, Calif. // (c) 2013 Mindy Poder
On a recent weekend road trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, Calif., I discovered dinosaurs. Mr. Rex and Ms. Dinny (pronounced Dine-y) are located off the Interstate 10 freeway in Cabazon, Calif., and were built by Claude Bell, a former Knott's Berry Farm sculptor, who began construction on the dinosaurs in 1964. The World's Biggest Dinosaurs-Cabazon Dinosaurs, as they are now called by their owners, are an appealing roadside stop for all kinds of people: families, art fans, dinosaur enthusiasts, lovers of weird things and, as I found out, creationists, who bought the dinosaurs circa 2005. In the gift shop, located inside of Dinny's belly, creationist propaganda and dinosaur-themed tchotchkes sit side by side, increasing what was already a very high kitsch-factor. No matter your beliefs for or against evolution, the concrete structures are still an impressive sight to behold against the desert backdrop.
The Cabazon Dinosaurs are located at 50770 Seminole Dr., Cabazon, Calif., 92230 __ 13 miles west of Palm Springs. Take the Main Street exit off Interstate 10. The attraction is open every day, except for Christmas, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
