Public Dinosaur Digs and Fossil Hunting

Our Mission

We support scientific research of the Hell Creek Formation ecosystems preserved in the 67-million-year-old rocks and fossils of North Dakota and Montana in an effort to benefit the scientific community and promote a better understanding of paleontology and Earth history to the general public. To support those goals, we offer public dinosaur digs that allow anyone to take part in the entire fossil-hunting process, from discovery to excavation to preparation in the lab.

Join Us!

Each field season we offer the opportunity for anyone to join our dinosaur digs alongside scientists and research students. Gain a new excitement toward the sciences. Become part of our team and unearth the full paleontological dig experience, from discovery to preparation in our field lab. You will prospect for fossils and learn to use proper scientific field techniques—having the opportunity to be the first to lay eyes and hands on the fossilized remains of an animal that has not walked this earth in over 66 million years.

This is a hands-on experience in which participants learn what it is like to be a paleontologist digging up Cretaceous fossils. You will actually be digging up the dinosaur bones as part of our team. You will learn first-hand paleontological field techniques, fossil preparation, mapping, and geology. We also incorporate several evening activities and educational seminars each week, often utilizing guest speakers. Lodging, and transportation to field sites is included with each dinosaur dig charter.

Lodging: For the 2024 season guests will be lodged in the Marmarth bunkhouse near the Pastime bar and steakhouse. 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.

Food: Food is no longer 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. The Pastime is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and there are other options available in nearby Baker, MT as well.

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. Each day we try to include a couple of different processes such as prospecting for fossils and working on known dinosaur excavations. The field day usually depends on the weather. If it is abnormally hot we may cut the field excavation short for the day. In the rare event of rain we may visit a local museum and have a lab intensive day.

DISCLAIMER: 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.). Further info can be found in the Sign Up section.

 Thank you for considering our dig, we look forward to hearing from you!