Do I need prior fossil hunting experience to join?

No previous experience is necessary. Our expert paleontologist provides full instruction and support throughout the excavation.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring sturdy boots, gloves, sun protection, layered clothing, and plenty of water. We provide all excavation tools.

Is the terrain suitable for children or older adults?

The tour is best suited for physically able adults as the terrain is rugged and involves sustained physical activity.

Will I be allowed to keep any fossils I find?

Fossils remain property of the landowner and paleontological heritage laws apply; participants may take home non-significant finds like fragments or souvenirs.

What if the weather is bad during my tour?

Tours may be rescheduled in case of severe weather. Minor rain usually won’t cancel the day but dress accordingly.

Are meals included on the tour?

Meals are not included; participants should pack food and snacks for the full day on-site.

2 Day Explorers Tour: Fossil Hunting in Belle Fourche, SD

Discover a unique hands-on adventure with Paleo Adventures’ 2 Day Explorers Tour near Belle Fourche, South Dakota. This private outdoor experience offers participants the rare chance to learn fossil hunting and excavation techniques directly from an experienced paleontologist. Set on private ranch lands, you'll spend two full days focused on uncovering real dinosaur bones, maximizing your time with expert guidance in rugged landscapes that feel untouched and wild. Beyond the thrill of discovery, the tour immerses you in the fascinating geology and prehistoric history of the area, known for its rich fossil deposits. Each day presents new opportunities to uncover fossils buried deep in the earth, providing an authentic paleontology fieldwork experience for beginners and enthusiasts alike. The remote setting also allows you to enjoy breathtaking open skies and the quiet beauty of South Dakota's Badlands. Whether you seek a deep dive into prehistoric history or an active outdoor challenge, this adventure is an unforgettable journey into the past.

About Paleo Adventures

Paleo Adventures is a field-based paleontology outfitter based in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. The organization offers hands-on fossil hunting trips on private ranches and in the Hell Creek Badlands. Programs include Kids Dig, two-day and four-day Explorers Tours, the 1st Annual Dino Kids Camp (June 20th - 22nd), and four-day Adventure Tours including Tooth Draw and Tooth Draw West. Experiences combine guided excavation, on-site instruction, and laboratory fossil preparation so participants learn collection and preparation techniques.

Guides include experienced fossil hunters and paleontologists who supervise excavations on remote ranch sites. Several tours are led by Walter W. Stein, a seasoned fossil hunter noted within trip descriptions and credited with decades of fieldwork and a dinosaur named in his honor. Private land access allows extended digs across multiple days, maximizing discovery potential while maintaining safety and respect for ranch properties.

Family-focused options provide age-appropriate instruction and museum tour opportunities for children. Kids Dig and the Dino Kids Camp emphasize hands-on discovery, in-field education, and supervised lab time where young participants prepare their finds for transport. The two-day and four-day Explorers Tours concentrate on targeted excavation at single sites to improve the likelihood of meaningful discoveries.

Paleo Adventures emphasizes responsible collecting practices, on-site safety, and educational outcomes. Operating from Belle Fourche, the company connects visitors to South Dakota’s rich paleontological landscape through immersive fieldwork, expert guidance, and practical fossil preparation. Bookings are organized by trip type and date, with clear pre-trip information and guidance provided to participants for travel, safety, and logistics.