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This is a hands-on experience in which participants learn what it is like to be a paleontologist. You will learn first-hand paleontological field techniques, fossil preparation, mapping, Earth history, and hopefully gain a new excitement toward the sciences.

Below is some information on the general weather, working conditions, meals, schedule, and lodging.

Charter Schedules (times in Mountain Time):

We are offering 4 public dinosaur dig charters for this upcoming 2024 dig season. Lodging, and transportation to field sites is included.

3 Day Charters consist of 3 full days and 4 nights. These charters begin with check-in from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. the night preceding the first full field day followed by a brief orientation. After the final full field day, check-out is at 9:00 a.m. the next morning.

2 Day Charters consist of 2 full days and 3 nights. These charters begin with check-in from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. the night preceding the first full field day followed by a brief orientation. After the final full field day, check-out is at 9:00 a.m. the next morning.

The Kids Digs consists of 2 days and 2 nights and is for families with children under the age of 12. It will begin with check-in on day one from 8:30-9:00 a.m. and end with check-out at 9:00 a.m. the morning following the 2nd full field day. Following check-in we will have a brief orientation and safety briefing before heading into the field. Anyone arriving late may be left behind.

Tentative Daily Schedule:

• 7:00 am - Breakfast (on your own)

• 8:15 am - Vehicle loading

• 8:30 am - Leave for field

• 4:30 pm - Return to Marmarth

• 5:30 pm - Lab opens

• 7:30 pm - Lab closes

• 8:30 pm - Evening Activity (lecture, movie, etc)

  See the Dinosaur Digs page for more on the Hell Creek Fossils experience.

Work Conditions:

All tools, adhesives, collecting supplies and paleo gear are provided for you by your guide. Guests should pack as if they are going on a day hike. Hat, sunscreen, water bottles, small lunch box, back pack, personal toiletries, camera, notebook, hiking boots, knee pads, and seat cushions are recommended. Working on the dig usually entails long periods of hiking and sitting. Also, the badlands are generally hot, dry, and sunny during the day. Keep that in mind when considering this dig. The field day usually depends on the weather. If it is abnormally hot we may cut the field excavation short for the day or, in the event of heavy rain, we may choose to work in the field lab or visit a local museum. Excavations often require the use of heavy machinery, sharp tools, etc. for proper removal of specimens. A safety overview will be provided at the beginning of the dig. You must acknowledge the natural dangers of working in a remote, arid environment, (local wildlife, dehydration, severe weather, etc.). You will get to keep some fossils and can review our policy here: Fossil Souvenirs Policy. Further info on our digs can also be found in the Sign Up section and on the Dinosaur Digs page. 

Lodging:

For the 2024 season guests will be lodged in the Marmarth bunkhouse, which is a dormitory-style historic railroad building. Bunkhouse commons area has AC and includes: a seating area, table with chairs, common fridge, microwave, and coffee pot. Rooms are furnished with a bed and nightstand or similar. Rooms do not have AC but do have window fans and an electrical outlet (115V outlet in room if bringing AC powered cooler, fan, portable AC, etc). There are two restrooms, each with shower stalls as well as toilets and sinks.

Please inquire if you will be needing any other arrangements. Camper/RV sites are available with electrical hookups only. Please give advance notice.

Meals:

Food is not provided and you are welcome to dine at the Pastime or any of the restaurants in the neighboring towns. Guests will have access to aproximately 1.25 cubic feet of refrigeration for food storage and are responsible for all of their meals including packing their own lunches. There is one common Bunkhouse refrigerator as well as a second full-size refrigerator located in the lab house, along with some freezer space available. You will want to bring a cooler and purchase any grocery items for your breakfasts and lunches in advance. There is a grocery store in the nearby towns of Baker, MT and Bowman, ND if needing additional items. Ice and snacks are usually available at the Marmarth coffee shop and convenience store (Little Missouri Smoke Shop). The Pastime is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and there are other options available in nearby Baker, MT as well.

Vehicles:

Generally only Hell Creek Fossils vehicles are permitted to enter ranch lands, and parking is available for personal vehicles at the Bunkhouse. In the rare event of a vehicle issue and for the purposes of reaching a site, you may be required to caravan to a ranch entrance along maintained public roads for purposes of shuttling to the site.

Arrival and Checkin:

We will meet at the Marmarth Bunkhouse. Check-in is from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. the night preceding the first full field day and is followed by a brief orientation. The map shows the location of the Bunkhouse at the North end of Main Street. Please familiarize yourself with the location and print anything you need to navigate the town ahead of time as cell service is limited.

AIRPORT PICKUP: Not available for 2025 charters