Question 1

Is there an age minimum / maximum?

Accepted Answer

Each of our digs has a minimum age of 15 years for a Full Day or Adult Half Day, or 10 years for a Family Half Day.  This is done for the safety of our participants, as well as the fossils.  All minors (17 years and under) must be accompanied by a paying adult.  There is no maximum age.

Question 2

What is the difference between a Full Day and a Half Day?

Accepted Answer

A Full Day (ages 15+) starts in the morning ~7:45am, and ends between 4-5pm.

A Half Day is broken into a morning and afternoon shift.  Morning shift starts at 7:45am, and runs to ~11:30am.  Afternoon shift starts at 12:45pm, and runs to ~4:30pm.  You may only sign up for ONE session per day.

Question 3

How many days can I sign up for?

Accepted Answer

Every dig is set up so that participants may sign up for one or more days.  It is not necessary to sign up for the whole dig week.  Not every dig includes weekend days.

**If you are a first-time digger, you will be limited to two days per dig.

Question 4

Fossil Dig means “Dinosaur” right?

Accepted Answer

No!  Here in North Dakota we have many types of fossils – not just dinosaurs.  Please see the FAQs below to see what you may find on each of our digs.  The short versions is:  Bismarck = dinosaur age, Pembina Gorge = sea monsters, Medora = swamp critters, Dickinson = early mammals.

Question 5

Do you have a beginner dig? An advanced dig?

Accepted Answer

We removed the “beginner / advanced” titles on the digs, as over time they have evolved to include more amenities, allowing more people to attend any dig site successfully.  However, if you have never dug before, we strongly suggest registering for the Medora dig.

Question 6

I’ve never dug before – will you teach us how?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Educating our diggers on proper technique is a big part of what we do.  Paleontology is not a fast science – it is a careful one.  Our staff spends most of the day working with our diggers, to ensure safe, proper removal of fossils.

Question 7

What weather should I prepare for?

Accepted Answer

North Dakota has cold winters, but the summers can be very warm.  June - expect weather in the mid 80s to low 90s.  July - expect weather in the high 80s to high 90s, sometimes up to the low 100s.  August is more toasty, with low 90s to low 100s.

2024 NDGS Paleontology Public Fossil Digs

Follow this organizer to stay informed on future events

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2024 NDGS Paleontology Public Fossil Digs

Follow this organizer to stay informed on future events

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