The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum

Description:

 

The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Field Station is located in the rich land mass of Northeastern Montana, where some of the world’s best preserved dinosaur fossils have been discovered. The Museum also provides the opportunity for both youth and adults to learn,  explore, dig, and excavate fossils with Museum staff and paleontologist partners at onsite dig programs and other educational programs.

 

Both the adult and junior field programs take place in the Judith River Formation, renowned for being the location where, in 1855, the very first dinosaur fossil in the western United States was discovered.

 

The early American paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope led expeditions to this area in the 19th century and since then, a dizzying array of all kinds of prehistoric life has been discovered here. Amazing and new dinosaur discoveries continue to be reported from Northeast Montana all the time, even after 160 years of exploration!

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What to Expect:

 

There are two digs offered at the Great Plains Dinosaur Field Station.

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1~Junior Paleontology Field Experience 

• Ages 5-11 (must be accompanied by an adult)

• 3 hours

At a special site just a short trip from Malta, this program is designed to teach children about the science and techniques of geology and paleontology in the real setting and by practicing with real dinosaur fossils! All participants must be accompanied by an adult.

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*Also available is a private Junior Field Experience, for an additional $25/participant.

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2~Adult Paleontology Program  

• Ages 12+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

• Participants have the option of signing up for 1-5 days

This summer, fieldwork will consist of prospecting or looking for fossils and finding new places to dig. Prospecting is the important initial step to fieldwork. Participants will learn to recognize fossil bone eroding out of a hill, basic local geology, and how to collect and record scientific data. If we are lucky enough to find any substantial specimens, we’ll record locations and might even open up a quarry to start digging!

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Each day starts by meeting up the Museum bright and early to begin our day of discovery! These prospecting days will consist of walking along the hills and slopes of the badlands all day in search of the elusive fossil treasures waiting to be discovered. We’ll have access to a vehicle, but be prepared to spend all day walking around and exploring what the badlands have to offer. That can mean little if any shade, and no comfort of modern indoor plumbing.

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Every single fossil the Museum collects is donated and prepared at the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum for research and exhibits. That means that fossils you find could be preserved locally for everyone to enjoy!