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Join the CCM for a one-day of local fossils and geology! A perfect experience to dip your toes into paleontology! Book one of our longer programs to experience more!
- Prospect and dig for fossils
- Tour of Southeast Montana’s geology and history!
Tour of Southeast Montana’s geology and history!
Transport to and from sites during the experience is provided.
Ages 8 and up: minors must be accompanied by 1 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 sit down and use tools to dig into rock in search of 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 rain day? Weather can be unpredictable in SEMT! Hazardous weather events may prohibit us from taking participants into the field because of inclement weather, hazardous road conditions, or hazardous terrain. Everything from thunder storms, wildfire, and even severe heat may impact an excursion. In replacement of a proper dig we offer a variety of other activities to supplement your visit!
- Tour of Museum Collections and Lab Facilities!
- Molding & Casting Workshop: make your own fossil replica!
- Microvertebrate Fossil Lab: Sort and identify microfossils!
- Atlatl Throwing: Learn the history of the first projectile weapon and throw them yourself!
- Visits to nearby parks or monuments!
What happens to the fossils we collect? All the fossils will be deposited at the Carter County Museum per agreements with our private landowners and the Federal Agencies. There, they will be sorted, prepped, cataloged, and made available to researchers. All finds will include participant names as collectors and will be identified as such if put on display at the CCM!
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.
- Closed-toed outdoor shoes, no flip-flops!
- Light, breathable clothing
- Extra Jacket
- Water Bottle
- Snacks and Lunch
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and/or Headwear
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!
- Digging Tools
- Bags and containers
- Coolers
- Firearms
- Alcohol & Tobacco- please no smoking
- Pets
- Portable Speakers
Things to keep in mind
These experiences are largely hosted outdoors. We try to accommodate all abilities present, but expect the following.
- Hiking various distances across rugged terrain
- Bending down and sitting in awkward positions in quarries
- 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.
Please Note- During Our Experiences, 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. All fossil material is deposited in the museum for scientific research and public education for generations to come!