Join expert guides at Montana Dinosaur Center for an immersive fossil-hunting experience. Discover ancient secrets, learn field techniques, and ignite your passion for Earth's geological history.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4-6 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate physical fitness; activities involve walking on uneven terrain
Wildlife
History
The Montana Dinosaur Center is situated in a region renowned for some of the richest dinosaur fossil deposits in North America, with discoveries dating back over a century.
Conservation
The center actively promotes responsible fossil collection and environmental stewardship to preserve Montana's geological treasures.
The Montana Dinosaur Center
Join expert guides at Montana Dinosaur Center for an immersive fossil-hunting experience. Discover ancient secrets, learn field techniques, and ignite your passion for Earth's geological history.
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.
Location
Bynum, Montana
In the heart of dinosaur country
Tours Offered
3 experiences
Field digs and museum tours
Family-Friendly
All ages welcome
Suitable for families and schools
Unique Displays
World's first baby dinosaurs
Interactive exhibits and excavations
Choose a Fossil Dig or Museum Admission for a hands-on paleontology adventure in Bynum.
Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear
Fossil hunting involves uneven terrain, so sturdy shoes are essential for safety and comfort.
Bring sunscreen and water
Outdoor fieldwork can be exposed to the sun; staying hydrated and protected is key.
Use gloves when handling fossils
Handling fossils carefully helps preserve them and prevents injury.
Check weather forecasts before visiting
Weather can change rapidly; dress appropriately and plan outdoor activities accordingly.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides support and safety on rocky, uneven terrain.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protects against sun exposure during outdoor digs.
summer
Field notebook and pencils
Perfect for recording findings and sketches during fieldwork.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during outdoor activities.