If dinosaurs were still around, staffing Jurassic Park would be a logistical nightmare. High turnover. Serious safety concerns. Probably a lot of paperwork. It’s a company page that you’d take one look at and close out.
Thankfully, Jurassic Park isn’t real and no one has to worry about the headaches that would come with hiring wilderness guides or T. rex trainers. But all this talk of dinosaurs (and imagining how they’d react to morning stand-ups) did get us thinking a bit more about the prehistoric giants.
Since we can’t know for sure which dinosaur would be the overbearing boss and which would be the worksite prankster, we’ll have to settle for a more real-world look at dinosaurs. At least, as real as we can get today.
We turned to Google and set out to learn more about what people think of dinosaurs across the U.S. Specifically, which ones they’re most interested in. Our results reveal a mix of household names, regional trends, and local findings that make these dinosaurs come to life.
So, let’s don our safari gear and head to the heart of Jurassic Park. Let’s just hope the T. rex doesn’t break loose this time.
The Most Popular Dinosaur in Every U.S. State
Some dinosaurs clearly have nationwide appeal:
Pterodactylus: 15 states
- While it’s a flying reptile and not technically a dinosaur, the cultural cache Pterodactylus has forced us to include it in our study. It’s visually distinct, easy to remember, and has a name kids love to shout. Interest across a mix of Midwestern, Southern, and Northeastern states suggests this species has broad appeal from coast to coast.
Tyrannosaurus rex: 9 states
- T. rex remains one of the most iconic dinosaurs thanks to its size, stature, and constant starring presence in pop culture (looking at you, Jurassic Park). Its popularity in major population centers like California, Florida, Texas, and New York reinforce its staying power as the face of prehistoric life.
Brachiosaurus: 4 states
- Known for its long neck and plant-based diet, Brachiosaurus stands out as a classic "gentle giant" archetype. It’s easy to imagine its silhouette stretching above the tree lines in the states it’s most popular in, Alabama, Kentucky, Nebraska, and North Dakota, with more rural, open terrain.
Brontosaurus: 3 states
- As the leading dinosaur in Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, Brontosaurus’ popularity likely stems from nostalgia and reflects its lasting impact from childhood dinosaur education and media.
Titanosaurus: 3 states
- As one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered, Titanosaurus lives up to its name. It saw a popularity spike in Indiana, Oklahoma, and West Virginia, which may be linked to local interest in fossil-rich environments or a more general fascination with the scale of the sizable sauropod.
Archaeopteryx: 3 states
- Often considered a transitional species between dinosaurs and birds, its popularity may reflect increased public interest in the ongoing evolutionary connection between dinosaurs and birds. It’s not hard to picture Archaeopteryx stretching its wings over Martha’s Vineyard, the San Juan Islands, or the Potomac in Massachusetts, Washington state, and Washington, D.C.
Outside of the dinosaurs that topped our popularity index, a few state-specific favorites stood out thanks to their ties to local fossil history.
Mosasaurus: Hawaii and South Dakota
- Though technically a marine reptile, Mosasaurus has gained fresh attention thanks to recent Jurassic World films, but back in the real world, its popularity can be easily explained. Mosasaurus fossils are often found in South Dakota’s Pierre Shale formation and its marine habitat is fitting for its popularity in Hawaii.
Pachycephalosaurus: Montana
- Known for its thick, domed skull, Pachycephalosaurus was discovered in Montana’s Hell Creek Formation, one of the most fossil-rich areas in the country. Its rise to the top here likely reflects local interest in native finds (and maybe some appreciation for headstrong dinosaurs).
Pteranodon: Idaho
- Pterosaur fossils have been reported in and near the region. Idahoans might be leaning into their piece of prehistoric history with its popularity in the state. Plus, as another flying reptile, it likely benefits from strong name recognition and visual appeal, especially among younger dinosaur fans.
Stegosaurus: Colorado
- This one isn’t a surprise. The first Stegosaurus fossil was discovered in Colorado, and the state continues to be a hotspot for new finds. With its distinctive plates and spiked tail, it’s one of the most easily recognized dinosaurs, and a natural local favorite.
Triceratops: Wyoming
- Triceratops fossils are especially common in Wyoming’s Lance Formation. Its popularity here likely stems from both scientific presence and cultural familiarity. With its three horns and solid frame, Triceratops remains one of the most iconic herbivores in dinosaur history. The connection is so strong that it was actually adopted as the state dinosaur of Wyoming in March 1994.
A Regional Divide in Dino Popularity
In the West and through the Midwest, dinosaur interest tends to skew closer to reality, fueled by fossil finds and museum access. In places like Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming, residents might actually spot a dig site on a weekend drive. That kind of proximity drives deeper connections to specific dinosaurs.
In the Northeast and South, where dinosaur fossils are less common, the interest seems shaped more by pop culture and what’s been on screen or in schoolbooks. It's less about who roamed the land, and more about who roamed the imagination—whether from a textbook or spending too much time in Jurassic Park.
Closing Thoughts
From flying reptiles to towering plant-eaters, every state has a favorite when it comes to dinosaurs. Our analysis of trending search interest revealed clear regional preferences, local standouts tied to fossil finds, and a few universally beloved species that continue to dominate the spotlight.
Whether it’s nostalgia, curiosity, or a love for all things prehistoric, dinosaurs still have a hold on the public imagination. And while we may never need to staff a real-life Jurassic Park, it’s fun to imagine how each state’s top pick might fit in.
Just keep an eye on the electric fences.
Methodology
To analyze dinosaur popularity across the U.S., we compiled a list of 24 well-known dinosaurs based on their frequent inclusion in rankings and articles about the most recognizable species. We then used Google Trends data from the past 12 months to compare search interest for each dinosaur in all 50 states.
By running head-to-head comparisons, we identified the dinosaur with the highest relative search interest in each state. For the purposes of this study, search interest served as our measure of popularity.