A remarkable dinosaur discovery found at Winona State, which trod the Earth 66 million years ago

Dec. 4WINONA, Minn.A remarkable dinosaur that once roamed the Earth 66 million years ago now rests in a laboratory at Winona State University, marking one of the most significant fossil discoveries in recent years. The dinosaur, an Edmontosaurus, was a large duck-billed species, comparable in length to a city bus. It lived alongside iconic dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops, shortly before the mass extinction that ended the reign of the giant reptiles.

The fossil was uncovered in the North Dakota badlands by Adam Schroeder, a 2013 Winona State geoscience graduate. Unlike typical fossil finds that often consist of isolated bones, this discovery includes a substantial portion of the skeleton, encompassing the back, hips, and limbs. Experts believe it may also preserve traces of skin and soft tissue, which is extremely rare and adds to the significance of the find.

Lee Beatty, a geoscience professor at Winona State who participated in the excavation and installation, highlighted the rarity of the discovery. The skeleton is articulated, meaning the bones remain in the positions they held in life, and there is a chance that some of the skin could be intact. If confirmed, this dinosaur mummy could provide insights into dinosaur biology and evolution that bones alone cannot reveal. There are only a few specimens like this worldwide, Beatty noted. We may very well have one here.

The dinosaur has been named Medusa, inspired by the wild-haired figure of Greek mythology. While the specimen was found headless and missing most of its tail, its size rivals that of a T. Rex. The fossil was discovered in a remote, rocky area teeming with rattlesnakes, highlighting the challenges of the excavation.

Edmontosaurus lived during the Cretaceous Period, the last of the three major dinosaur eras, spanning from 145 million to 66 million years ago. This period ended with the extinction event that eliminated non-avian dinosaurs. At its largest, Edmontosaurus reached dimensions similar to Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Schroeder located the fossil in July 2024 while surveying private land near Marmarth, North Dakota. His company, Hell Creek Fossils, allows enthusiasts to assist paleontologists in fieldwork within the Hell Creek Formation. The northern Great Plains and adjacent Canadian regions are among the richest areas for fossil discoveries due to their dry, sparse landscapes.

The fossil now resides in Winona States Science Laboratory Center. Its immense size required removing a window to bring it inside. Experts are carefully removing the surrounding rock to preserve any potential skin or soft tissue. Were meticulously extracting rock to avoid damaging the fossil. If more skin is found, it will offer unprecedented insights, Beatty explained.

Eventually, the dinosaur will be displayed for students, researchers, and the public. Beatty hopes Medusa will inspire curiosity and foster interest in science. Many aspects of this dinosaur are extraordinary. I hope this discovery opens a door for people to explore science, whether or not they pursue paleontology, he said.

Author's Commentary: Medusa’s Significance in Dinosaur Research

The discovery of Medusa, the Edmontosaurus fossil at Winona State University, represents a rare and scientifically valuable find. Unlike most fossils that consist of scattered bones, this specimen is largely articulated and may preserve traces of skin and soft tissue. Such preservation is extremely uncommon and offers unique opportunities to study dinosaur biology beyond skeletal structure.

Medusa’s size and completeness place it among the most important Edmontosaurus finds globally. The articulated nature of the skeleton allows researchers to examine posture, limb structure, and potentially even musculature. If skin or soft tissue is confirmed, it could shed light on dinosaur physiology, appearance, and evolutionary relationships in ways bones alone cannot.

From a research perspective, this discovery also underscores the value of collaboration between professional paleontologists and dedicated enthusiasts. Adam Schroeder’s role, alongside Winona State experts, highlights how private initiatives and academic research can complement each other to achieve exceptional scientific outcomes.

Finally, Medusa offers more than academic insight. Its eventual display at the university will engage students and the public, fostering interest in paleontology and science more broadly. This fossil reminds us that discoveries in remote, challenging locations continue to expand our understanding of prehistoric life in profound and tangible ways.

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• It trod the Earth 66 million years ago; now Winona State is home to a remarkable dinosaur discovery