moderate
3–8 hours depending on tour choice
Participants should be in good physical condition for prolonged standing, squatting, and light digging work.
Get your hands dirty at The Montana Dinosaur Center’s active fossil dig site near Bynum. Real paleontologists, real bones, and real stories await in this rugged Montana adventure.
The drive to the dig site includes over an hour on rough, uneven roads. Plan accordingly and bring a suitable vehicle if driving yourself.
The dig sites offer little to no shade. Wear a hat and sunscreen, and consider a pop-up shelter for breaks if you plan a long dig day.
Fossil excavation is detail-oriented and physical—be ready for sweeping dirt and careful brushing, not just digging.
Water isn’t always handed out automatically during digs, and lunch is provided but being self-sufficient keeps you energized through the day.
Bynum lies within a fossil-rich portion of the Morrison Formation, dating back roughly 150 million years to the Late Jurassic period.
The Montana Dinosaur Center emphasizes sustainable fossil collection, ensuring excavations follow strict scientific and environmental guidelines to protect the site for future discoveries.
Protect your feet on uneven terrain and provide support for walking on rocky dirt roads.
Shade your face and neck during long hours exposed to the sun at the dig site.
spring|summer|fall specific
Protect your hands while brushing and handling sediment and fossils.
Stay hydrated during the physically demanding excavation work.
all specific