THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Unearth genuine dinosaur bones and explore ancient landscapes on this immersive 4-day expedition in South Dakota’s Badlands. Perfect for families and adventurers alike, this tour combines science, history, and rugged exploration.
Unearth genuine dinosaur bones and explore ancient landscapes on this immersive 4-day expedition in South Dakota’s Badlands. Perfect for families and adventurers alike, this tour combines science, history, and rugged exploration.
Book with Paleo Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Paleo Adventures · Belle Fourche, South Dakota
Located in the remote badlands of South Dakota, Paleo Adventures offers a rare chance to step back into prehistoric times through its acclaimed four-day dinosaur excavation tour. Led by expert Walter W. Stein, whose 20-plus years of experience have made him a local legend—and with a dinosaur named after him—this trip promises hands-on fossil hunting amid rugged natural scenery. The journey takes families and adventure-seekers into the heart of the Badlands National Park, where layered rock formations, vibrant canyons, and sweeping vistas set the stage for an unforgettable paleontological experience. Participants can expect to dig through sediment-rich layers, unearth authentic dinosaur bones, and witness the natural history that shaped this iconic landscape. The area’s unique geological features, including the Cretaceous-era rock formations, provide ideal conditions for fossil preservation, making this site one of the most exciting in the region.
Paleo Adventures stands out as a true pioneer in outdoor education and paleontological tourism—its expert-led tours forge a rare connection between adventure and science. The guides’ passion for dinosaurs and the rich storytelling embedded in the landscape enhance every moment, providing a truly immersive experience for all ages. Beyond fossil hunting, visitors can enjoy the stark beauty of South Dakota’s open plains and rugged terrain, making this a top destination for families, researchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The tour combines outdoor adventure with scientific discovery, offering a unique glimpse into prehistoric life while fostering a deeper appreciation of conservation and natural history. Whether you’re a seasoned paleontologist or a curious adventurer, Paleo Adventures’ excavation tours in the Badlands promise an inspiring and educational journey through time, right in America’s heartland.
Moderate.
6–8 hours.
Moderate fitness required; participants should be comfortable with outdoor activity.
Yes, children aged 8 and up can participate with adult supervision.
All necessary fossil-hunting tools and safety gear are supplied.
No, guided instruction makes this accessible for beginners.
Wear comfortable, durable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for outdoor terrain.
It involves some walking and digging, but is manageable for most fitness levels.
Meals are not provided; participants should bring snacks and water.
The Badlands have been a significant site for paleontological discoveries since the early 20th century, with ongoing excavations revealing millions of years of history.
Paleo Adventures supports local preservation efforts and emphasizes responsible fossil collection practices to maintain the integrity of the park.
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.
Book with Paleo Adventures