The Dinosaur Hotel: Why Plant Riverside District Has Savannah's Most Unexpected Attraction

TL;DR: JW Marriott Plant Riverside District in Savannah isn't just a hotel — it's a museum hiding in plain sight. The lobby features a massive 135-foot chrome replica of Amphicoelias Fragillimus (one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered), giant citrine and amethyst crystal slabs, and an extensive collection of fossils and artifacts. You don't need to be a hotel guest to visit — the dinosaur and exhibits are free to see, making it one of Savannah's most unexpected attractions for families and dinosaur enthusiasts.

What Is the Dinosaur at Plant Riverside District?

The centerpiece of Plant Riverside District is a chrome-plated replica of Amphicoelias Fragillimus — one of the largest dinosaur fossils ever discovered. Standing 22 feet tall and stretching 135 feet long with over 230 individually crafted bones, this massive sculpture greets visitors the moment they enter the lobby.

The original Amphicoelias Fragillimus fossils were discovered in Colorado in the 1870s. This herbivore was known for its extremely long, slender body — imagine a creature longer than a blue whale, walking the earth during the Jurassic period. While the original fossils were tragically lost to history, the replica at Plant Riverside gives visitors a sense of this prehistoric giant's incredible scale.

Fun fact: The dinosaur replica took over two years to create. Paleontologist Dave Trexler from the Two Medicine Dinosaur Center in Montana led the project, with artisans carving each of the 230+ bones from foam before coating them in plaster, primer, and chrome paint. The result is unlike any dinosaur display you've seen in a traditional museum.

Why Does a Savannah Hotel Have a Dinosaur?

The story behind Plant Riverside's dinosaur is as fascinating as the display itself. Richard Kessler, Chairman and CEO of Kessler Collection, has been passionate about fossils, minerals, and natural history since childhood. When he acquired the historic power plant that would become Plant Riverside District, he envisioned more than a hotel — he wanted to create a museum experience.

"When I walked into what would be the Plant Riverside District, I felt like this should be a museum," Kessler has explained. "Not only did we want to have a place to exhibit pieces of history, but we wanted something that would excite all and take it to the next level. We needed a dinosaur."

The result has been so successful that Plant Riverside is now known nationally as "The Dinosaur Hotel," with visitors traveling specifically to see the prehistoric display. The hotel even offers fossil scavenger hunts for kids and history tours for guests wanting deeper dives into the collection.

What Else Can You See at Plant Riverside?

The dinosaur is the showstopper, but Plant Riverside's collection extends far beyond prehistoric bones. Throughout the property, you'll discover:

• Giant crystal displays: Two massive citrine and amethyst slabs — the kind you'd expect in a natural history museum — catch the light in the lobby
• Fossil collections: Smaller fossils and artifacts are displayed throughout the hotel's public spaces
• Industrial history: The building itself is a restored 1912 power plant, with original machinery and architectural details preserved
• Rotating exhibits: The property regularly adds new pieces to its collection

Walking through Plant Riverside genuinely feels like being in Night at the Museum — history surrounds you at every turn, from the prehistoric to the industrial age.

Can Anyone Visit the Dinosaur at Plant Riverside?

Yes! You don't need to be a hotel guest to see the dinosaur and exhibits. The lobby and public areas of Plant Riverside District are open to visitors. This makes it an excellent free attraction for families visiting Savannah — especially those with dinosaur-obsessed kids.

Tips for visiting:

• The lobby is open 24/7, but visiting during daylight hours gives you better lighting for photos
• Combine your visit with a meal at one of Plant Riverside's restaurants or bars
• Ask the concierge about fossil scavenger hunts if you're visiting with children
• Allow 20-30 minutes to explore the dinosaur and crystal displays

Where Is Plant Riverside District Located?

Plant Riverside District sits on Savannah's riverfront at 400 West River Street. It's an easy walk from the Historic District, making it simple to add to any Savannah itinerary. The district also includes restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, so you can easily spend a few hours exploring.

If you're staying on River Street or in the Historic District, Plant Riverside is within walking distance. Parking is available on-site for those driving.

More Unique Attractions in Savannah

Plant Riverside's dinosaur is one of many unexpected experiences waiting in Savannah. For more unique things to do:

• Ghost tours — Savannah is one of America's most haunted cities, with walking tours exploring centuries of supernatural history
• Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room — A legendary family-style Southern restaurant where strangers share tables and pass dishes
• Bonaventure Cemetery — The hauntingly beautiful cemetery featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
• Riverboat cruises — See Savannah from the water on historic paddlewheel boats

And if the dinosaur at Plant Riverside sparks a prehistoric obsession, Jurassic Apparel offers dinosaur-themed clothing that lets you wear your fascination proudly — because some of us never outgrew our dinosaur phase.

---

Plant Riverside District proves that Savannah's surprises extend beyond ghosts and Southern cuisine. Whether you're a paleontology enthusiast, traveling with dinosaur-loving kids, or simply appreciate the unexpected, the Dinosaur Hotel deserves a spot on your Savannah itinerary.