Dinosaur Dig Adventures at The Montana Dinosaur Center, Bynum

Located in the small town of Bynum, Montana, The Montana Dinosaur Center offers a uniquely hands-on adventure deep in the heart of fossil country. This is no typical museum visit—instead, it’s a chance to connect with the ancient past through active fossil digs and a compact, well-curated museum showcasing real dinosaur bones from the region. Situated in an area rich with Late Jurassic fossil deposits, the center allows visitors to step directly onto an ongoing excavation site, where they can assist paleontologists in uncovering fragments of prehistoric life.

The center’s excursions range from half-day fossil dig site tours to full-day expeditions, each structured to provide authentic field experience. Participants get assigned specific excavation tasks—sifting dirt, brushing away sediment, and carefully exposing bone fragments—in a rugged, open landscape that demands patience and attention to detail. Visitors have praised the staff’s knowledge and dedication, especially their ability to engage both children and adults with genuine enthusiasm for paleontology.

The museum itself is modest in size but packed with compelling displays, including a standout Seismosaur skeleton. The active lab space visible to visitors provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at fossil preparation and research underway. Located about an hour’s drive from the dig site, The Montana Dinosaur Center’s fossil landscapes are shaped by sedimentary rock layers that have preserved some of the best Jurassic specimens known.

While the terrain and the remoteness add an element of challenge—rough roads and exposure to the sun—it’s these aspects that underscore the authenticity of the experience. The center weaves education, adventure, and science into a hands-on program that’s as much about hard work and discovery as it is wonder. For dinosaur lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to participate in real paleontological fieldwork, this is a one-of-a-kind destination in Montana’s outdoor recreation map.