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.