Roadside Wonders: Meet Dinny and Mr. Rex—California’s Iconic Dinosaur Duo!

Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey

You can't miss the towering 100-foot giants standing proudly by the highway! That was exactly the vision of restaurant owner and artist Claude Bell when he created a colossal replica of a Brontosaurus, affectionately named Dinny. Built from leftover materials from the construction of the nearby I-10 freeway, this awe-inspiring creature came to life in 1964, complete with a gift shop nestled inside to entice hungry travelers to the Wheel Inn Restaurant. Fast forward to 1981, and Dinny welcomed a formidable companion—a Tyrannosaurus Rex named Mr. Rex! Initially, Mr. Rex was equipped with a slide for adventurous kids, but safety concerns led to the slide being removed and plastered over, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the spectacle without worry.

The excitement didn't stop there! In the 1980s, these two legendary dinosaurs burst onto the scene as pop culture icons, making memorable appearances in the music video for the British duo Tears for Fears' hit song "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" and the whimsical film "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" in 1985. Their fame only grew as they captured the imagination of audiences far and wide.

Although the Wheel Inn Restaurant closed its doors in 2013, Dinny and Mr. Rex have continued to thrive, now part of the vibrant Mr. Rex's Dinosaur Adventure, an incredible dinosaur-themed attraction that has sprung up next door! The gift shop inside Dinny is still rocking and rolling, offering a fantastic selection of dinosaur toys, t-shirts, and other fun memorabilia for fans of all ages.

With the addition of a large outlet mall and an Indian casino just down the road, there are now even more reasons to stop off the I-10 in Cabazon. Yet, it’s these two amazing concrete leviathans that continue to ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike, reminding us of the wonder and excitement that comes with a love for dinosaurs. Whether you're a nostalgic traveler or a curious explorer, a visit to see Dinny and Mr. Rex is an unforgettable adventure waiting to happen!

Comments

From Resilience to Ruins: The Rise and Fall of Sunrise, Louisiana

Above Photo: From the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development All other photos by Ken Hulsey The Rise and Fall of Sunrise: A Historical Journey In the heart of the American landscape lies a story of ambition, community, and transformation—a narrative encapsulated in the small town of Sunrise, once a bustling hub that has since faded into the annals of history. Founded in the late 19th century, Sunrise’s journey is a striking reminder of how the passage of time can reshape our surroundings, leaving only echoes of what once was.

Discover the Hidden Gem of Olla: Why Burger Barn is Worth the Detour!

Story and Photos by Ken Hulsey Whenever I travel through the more rural parts of our country, I enjoy experiencing the local flavor by avoiding chain restaurants and dining at small mom-and-pop eateries. This past weekend, Terri and I were on the road from Alexandria to West Monroe, so we decided to stop at one of our favorite roadside spots, the Burger Barn in Olla, Louisiana.

Haunted Landscapes and Hollywood: The Dark Secrets of Dead Man’s Point

Photos By Ken Hulsey / Story By Terri Hulsey Victorville is on the southwestern edge of the Mojave Desert. Established in 1895, the downtown area grew around historic Route 66 (now 7th Street). The town soon became known as a prime location for shooting westerns in the 40s and 50s but Victorville was also a memorable setting during the Hollywood heyday of space sagas. Infamous director Jack Arnold (“Creature from the Black Lagoon,” "This Island Earth,” “The Incredible Shrinking Man”) shot the opening scene of “It Came from Outer Space” (1953) here. The UFO flew over the rocks on the east side of the Narrows, near the Rainbow Bridge, and crashed in Old Town Victorville.

When Plans Go Awry: The Wild Journey Behind the Cinema Insomnia Ultraman Festival Episode That Never Happened

Photo and Story by Ken Hulsey Sometimes in life, things don’t go as planned. Today, I took a deep dive into my photo archives and resurfaced with a long-forgotten treasure. The above image features the late-night horror host Mr. Lobo standing in front of a statue of the Japanese superhero, Ultraman. This photo was taken outside the famed Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Before I get caught up in the story behind this image, I think it’s a good idea to provide some background on Mr. Lobo and his show, Cinema Insomnia. This information comes straight from the archives of my old blog, Monster Island News:

Steaming Back in Time: The Enchantment of the Legendary Red River and Gulf Railroad - Southern Forest Heritage Museum

Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey This past Saturday, I spent the afternoon exploring the grounds of the Southern Forest Heritage Museum in Long Leaf, Louisiana. The museum is situated on the site of the former Long Leaf Sawmill Complex, which was one of many mill complexes in the region. While the mill itself is fascinating to explore, I chose to focus on the old facilities of the Red River and Gulf Railroad on this gloomy day.

Spreading Good News: A Simple Guide to Sharing the Gospel

Imagine you’ve just discovered the best sandwich shop in town. You can’t help but tell your friends about it! Sharing your excitement about a yummy sandwich is a lot like sharing the Good News of the Gospel: it’s all about spreading joy and great news to others. Everyone has something to say, and in this case, what we have to share is truly life-altering.

Unlocking Your Purpose: How Connection and Faith Can Transform Your Life!

Photo & Story by Ken Hulsey As human beings, we weren't designed to keep all of our love, talents, and blessings to ourselves. There is a real sense of purpose in spreading all of those things around. As a Christian, are you required to be perfect? No, of course not. It also doesn't give you an excuse to indulge in unhealthy behavior either. How do you get the balance right? Life will throw you curve balls, place hurdles and pitfalls in your path. There is a way to navigate around and over these issues that can strengthen you and ultimately lead you to a purpose for your life that will be better than you could ever imagine!

Lost Landmarks: The Heartbreaking Demise of Gibson's in Vernon - My Childhood Memories

Photos and Story by: Ken Hulsey It’s interesting how certain places from our past stick in our memory. Recently, I have been reminiscing about my time in the northern Texas farming town of Vernon from 1974 to 1978. One landmark that stands out in my mind is the Gibson's department store located just off the Highway 287 frontage road. Like many retail and five-and-dime stores of its time (pre-Walmart and Target for you younger folks), Gibson's offered a little bit of everything—clothes, hardware, household goods, and toys.

Just a Thought: Not My Will, But Thine | Pastor Steve Smothermon | Legacy Church

Not My Will, But Thine When someone surrenders to someone or something, it means they have ceased resisting an enemy or opponent and have submitted to their authority. That is what God requires of us.

Rev Up Your Road Trip: Uncover the Hidden Gems of Amarillo on Route 66

Exploring Texas Route 66: A Journey Through History and Charm Get ready to hit the open road and experience the vibrant tapestry that is Texas Route 66, a vital stretch of America’s most iconic highway. With its quirky roadside attractions, historic diners, and small-town charm, the Texas section of Route 66 offers an unforgettable journey that combines stunning landscapes with rich history.

Miracle Mindset

Search This Blog