Dinosaur Digs
For Families and Teachers

The Children’s Museum mission is to create extraordinary learning experiences that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. Travel with Children’s Museum’s experts and discover the inspiration behind Dinosphere: Now You’re in Their World and have an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experience of your own.

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Dig FAQ

Family Dinosaur Digs Sold Out!
Plan a western adventure for your family that includes digging for dinosaur fossils in South Dakota.

Travel to a treasure trove of dinosaur finds in the Ruth Mason Quarry in Faith, S.D. Under the direction of The Children's Museum paleontologist, you and your family can dig for dinosaur bones and prepare them for their journey to The Children Museum's Paleo Prep Lab.

Dig Dates are July 6 and 7, 2010
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
$125 per member, $155 per nonmember
Costs are per person per day and include lunch at the ranch and transportation to and from the hotel to the dig site. Recommended for families with children ages 8 and above.

Faith is approximately 3½ hours northeast of Rapid City, S.D. You will need to arrange your own transportation to and from Faith, and make your own reservations at the Prairie Vista Inn in Faith. This is the only hotel in the area. The phone number is: (605) 967-2343. Please state that you are with The Children’s Museum.

The dinosaur digs are dependent upon dry weather. If inclement weather causes a dig cancellation, the museum will not issue refunds. Museum staff will have facilitated activities related to science or history. If possible, the trip itinerary will be adjusted to allow maximum time at the dinosaur digs.

For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page or e-mail dinodigs@childrensmuseum.org.

Other South Dakota Treasures
What else can a family do in South Dakota? South Dakota is a state rich with unique treasures. All of the following are highly recommended by the museum.

• Badlands National Park (1-day)
• Mount Rushmore National Park (1/2-day)
• Wind Cave National Park (1/2-day)
• Mammoth Site (1/2-day)
• Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, Hill City (1/2-day)
• Custer State Park (1/2-day)

Dinosaur Science Teacher Dig
Dinosaur Collecting Expedition in South Dakota

Join teacher Rick Crosslin on this dinosaur expedition for teachers and to do the science that you typically only read about in textbooks. Spend two days collecting fossils for The Children’s Museum at the Ruth Mason Quarry—the largest fossil bed of duck-billed dinosaurs in the world. Participants will visit the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research and other sites.

Fees do not include transportation cost to South Dakota. Hotel cost and lunches on the days at the dig site are included. While in South Dakota, transportation will be provided by museum staff.

For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page or e-mail dinodigs@childrensmuseum.org.