Family Getaway

Bring the family for an unforgettable paleo experience! For the budding paleontologists or the family that enjoys unique experiences, our 3-day program offers a range of experiences for families:

• Fossil prospecting and excavation
• Driving tour of Southeast Montana's geology and history
• Fossil molding & casting -- take home your own fossil replica!
• Private tour of the Carter County Museum, collections, and lab spaces

This program is a great way to introduce youngsters to the world of paleontology and activities the whole family can enjoy! 

Please note: Transport to and from the sites during the experience is provided. Ages 7 and up. Children must be accompanied by at least one parent/guardian. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prospecting? Prospecting is the practice of searching for fossils and dig sites. It often involves hiking or sitting down, looking for tiny microfossils. Many of our programs feature this, and it is a great way to stretch your legs and explore!

What is Excavation? Excavation is the act of digging, usually for a fossil. You may visit a handful of dig sites where you will use tools to dig into rock in the search for fossils. Much like fishing, excavation is all about patience and diligence: you won't always find something, but when you do, your eyes will be the first to see that fossil in millions of years!

What can I expect during a Driving Tour? Driving Tours will take you across the local region to visit fossil sites and hear local history (and prehistory). Expect a whole day of driving to various locations, seeing beautiful rangeland, farmland, and wilderness. Stops will include geological sightseeing, fossil prospecting and possibly excavation. Be sure to have a camera as you’ll see a variety of species, including native plants and wildlife! 

What can I expect during a Museum Lab? These experiences will include an in-depth tour of the museum as well as behind the scenes spaces like the Collections area and Laboratory! See and learn about the various methods and tools we use to conserve natural history. Try your hand at fossil preparation with the guidance of staff and take part in a molding/casting workshop to make your own fossil replica you can take home!

What should I bring? Many of our programs are outdoors or in a lab, so proper clothing and gear are crucial! We recommend always having a small pack that can carry water and other necessities. Below is a useful checklist of must-haves:

• Close-toed outdoor shoes (no flip flops)
• Light, breathable clothing
• Extra jacket
• Water bottle
• Snacks and sack lunch
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and/or headwear (hat/scarf/etc.)

What not to bring: We do provide a few items and services, so you do not have to worry about packing them with you! There is limited space in our vehicles, so please only pack the essentials!

• Firearms
• Alcohol & Tobacco- please no smoking

Things to keep in mind

These experiences are largely hosted outdoors. We try to accommodate all abilities, but expect:

• Mounting and dismounting vehicles frequently
• Hiking various distances across rugged terrain
• Unexpected weather conditions 
• High temperatures and strong winds!
• Limited access to restrooms, “go before you go!”
• Limited cellular reception
• Bumpy, rural roads
• Bugs and other bothersome critters

Operating in remote outdoor regions, whilst collecting important resources like fossils comes with a few rules. Please follow these rules to ensure a safe experience for you and other guests.

Unfortunately no pet are allowed during our experiences, but you can book them a kennel at:

• Big Hill Boarding
  • 4740 Highway 7, Baker, Montana 59313
  • (406) 891-1364
  • bighillboarding@gmail.com
  • https://bighillboarding.com/

Please Note - During our programs, participants may not remove any material for personal or commercial purposes. The privilege to dig on private and public land is granted only for the duration of this single experience, and participants may not return to the property without receiving permission from the owner. You will be required to sign a waiver upon arrival and may ask the event organizer to see it once you receive your confirmation email.

All fossil material is deposited in the museum for scientific research and public education for generations to come!