Do I need prior fossil hunting experience?

No experience is necessary. The staff provide thorough instruction and hands-on guidance throughout the digs.

How long are the dig tours?

Tours range from half-day sessions of about 3 hours to full-day expeditions lasting up to 8 hours.

Is the museum accessible separately from the dig tours?

Yes, museum admission and tours of the fossil lab are available independently for those not taking part in digs.

What should I bring with me to the dig site?

Comfortable clothing, sun protection, sturdy footwear, gloves, water, and snacks are recommended for a full dig day.

Are children allowed on dig tours?

Children are welcome, often ages 8 and up, with adult supervision. The staff make efforts to engage young participants in age-appropriate tasks.

Is transportation provided to the dig sites?

Transportation can be arranged, but visitors should be aware the dig site is about an hour’s drive from the museum, on rough roads.

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.

About The Montana Dinosaur Center

The Montana Dinosaur Center is a community-focused museum and field program located in Bynum, Montana, in the heart of dinosaur country. The Center offers hands-on museum exhibits and guided field experiences that connect visitors to real paleontology work. Its core offerings include the Fossil Dig Site Tour Expedition, Day Dig Expeditions, and Museum Admission, each designed for family-friendly learning and active discovery.

Visitors participate in real fossil digs and learn basic fossil identification, surface mapping, and field searching techniques under expert guidance. The Fossil Dig Site Tour Expedition provides an accessible introduction to a real dig site and is suitable for all ages. Day Dig Expeditions deliver more in-depth paleontology experience, emphasizing fossil identification, mapping, and practical field skills. Museum Admission grants access to interactive exhibits, hands-on excavations, and displays including the world's first baby dinosaurs, offering context for local geologic history.

Located near attractions such as the Old Trail Museum and Blackleaf Canyon, The Montana Dinosaur Center serves as a gateway to regional dinosaur heritage. Programs emphasize education, safety, and respectful field practices. The Center welcomes families, school groups, and curious travelers seeking authentic, expert-guided experiences that reveal Montana’s fossil-rich landscapes.

Programs are perfect for all ages and appeal to families and schools. Interpreters explain regional geology and the origins of dinosaurs to help visitors place fossils in context. Many guests combine museum admission with a fossil dig tour for an experience that includes interactive exhibits, excavations, and time at a real field site overlooking Montana’s fossil-bearing landscapes.

Dinosaur Dig Adventures at The Montana Dinosaur Center, Bynum

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