Small Town, Giant Discoveries: Winifred’s Two Remarkable Dinosaurs

Winifred’s history reaches much further back than homesteaders, wheat fields, and cattle ranches. About 76 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed this corner of what is now central Montana—and two discoveries near our community have helped scientists uncover previously unknown branches of their family tree.

Meet Spiclypeus shipporum, affectionately known as “Judith,” and Furcatoceratops elucidans. Both were discovered in the fossil-rich Judith River Formation near Winifred, and both were recognized as new species. Today, their stories give visitors another reason to explore our small town.

Meet Judith: The Dinosaur with a Spiked Shield

In 2005, a fossil discovery near Winifred began a journey that would eventually introduce the world to a new horned dinosaur. Scientists formally named the species Spiclypeus shipporum in 2016. Its name refers to a “spiked shield” and honors the Shipp family. The specimen’s nickname, Judith, comes from the Judith River Formation where it was found.

Judith belonged to the same broad family of horned dinosaurs as the familiar Triceratops, but had a distinctive appearance. Its brow horns pointed sideways, while the bony frill behind its head carried an unusual arrangement of spikes—some curling forward and others projecting outward. Those features helped researchers identify it as a separate species.

The bones also preserve a remarkable glimpse into Judith’s life. Scientists found evidence of severe arthritis and infection in its left upper arm bone, suggesting that this dinosaur lived with significant pain and difficulty walking. Beyond revealing a new species, the discovery offered a personal window into the challenges faced by an animal that lived millions of years ago.

Furcatoceratops: A Second Discovery Comes to Light

In 2012, another extraordinary horned dinosaur specimen was discovered near Winifred. After years of study, researchers formally described it in 2023 as Furcatoceratops elucidans. It lived approximately 75.6 million years ago.

The name Furcatoceratops means “forked horned face,” referring to the paired horns above its eyes. These horns extended forward and curved slightly inward, giving this plant-eating dinosaur a striking profile.

Its discovery was especially valuable because the skeleton was unusually complete and well preserved. Researchers determined that the individual was still growing when it died, probably between two and three years old. Its bones provide an important reference for studying horned dinosaur anatomy and identifying more fragmentary fossils from the region.

Discover Clues Along the Trail

A hike through the Missouri Breaks can reveal its own glimpses of ancient history. Keep an eye out for fossilized shells and other traces of prehistoric life among the rocks and exposed layers of earth. These small discoveries offer a reminder of how dramatically this landscape has changed over millions of years. Photograph your finds and leave them in place for others to enjoy, respecting private property and public-land collecting rules.

Experience Winifred’s Prehistoric Past

You don’t have to be a paleontologist to appreciate these discoveries. The Winifred Museum displays a cast of Judith and has added an exhibit featuring Furcatoceratops, bringing these remarkable local finds within reach of residents and visitors alike.

Located in the Community Center at 210 Main Street, the museum invites you to explore the stories of the people—and prehistoric creatures—that shaped this corner of Montana. Visit the Winifred Museum.

Winifred Museum Hours:

Winter by appointment only. Call Nichole Spang (Museum Curator) 406-462-5458

Open Season Hours

June-November

9:30-4:00 Wednesday-Fridays

9:30-2:00 Saturdays

11:00-3:30 Sundays

Come for the wide-open views and small-town hospitality. Stay curious about what lies beneath them. Here in Winifred, even the oldest stories can still hold new discoveries.