An Adventure for explorers ages 12 and up!
2024 SUMMER SCHEDULE
(last update February 13, 2024)
Sorry, but we are now full for the 2024 dig season. If you would like to be added to our back up list, please email me your contact information, ages of any kids in the group, range of dates you could dig, and if you want to drive yourself to the quarry with your own 4x4 or need a ride with us. We get cancellations all the time and if when this happens I’ll go down the back up list and call you in order. Thanks for your patience.
If we can’t get you out this year, please start watching the website and Facebook page in November for tour updates. I usually start taking reservations right before Christmas and by February we are full. Thanks!
JUNE- 4-5, 7, 11-12, 14-15, 18-19, 21-22, 25-26- 28-29 (CURRENTLY FULL)
JULY- 6, 9-11, 12-13, 16-17, 19-20, 23-24, 26-27, 30-31. (CURRENTLY FULL)
AUGUST- 20-21, 27-28, 30-31 (CURRENTLY FULL)
SEPTEMBER- 3-7, 17-18, 20-21 (CURRENTLY FULL)
OTHER INFO…
1) In order to get as many families out as we can, guests are limited to a max of 4 days.
2) Guests who would prefer to drive themselves to the ranch may do so, but you will need a 4x4 vehicle (SUV, Truck, jeep) for the last two miles of off-roading action. I will only have 8-12 seats for guests in the company trucks this season. This means that at least 2-6 others each day will need to drive themselves with their own 4x4. Please state your preference when you sign up.
Please watch the website and facebook page for further updates. THANKS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
Dig This!
Take your family on an adventure that they will never forget; a trip to the remote badlands of South Dakota in search of dinosaur bones. ALL TOOLS AND TRAINING ARE PROVIDED and yes, unlike many other trips you may keep some of the common fossils that you find. Commercially significant" fossils like T. rex teeth, and more complete Triceratops and Edmontosaurus bones can also be purchased for an additional fee if you like. "Scientifically significant" pieces are reserved for museums only.
Walter W. Stein, the owner has been exploring for fossil vertebrates for over 20 years and has discovered, excavated, or prepared over 30 well-preserved dinosaur skeletons as well as dozens of other scientifically interesting specimens. In October of 2016, the latest amazing dinosaur from the Hell Creek formation, Dakotaraptor steini was named in his honor. If you are interested in going out for the adventure of a lifetime please inquire about our latest digsite adventure tours. Availability and times may vary and tours are seasonal by nature*.
Guests must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to join our digs.
*Tours are scheduled far in advance as space and availability are limited.
This is an all day adventure, starting at 8:00 am and not returning to town until after 7:00 PM
Exploration and excavation for dinosaur bones is a safe and fun activity but conditions are rugged and temperatures can be extreme. Participation is at own risk. It is recommended that only those in good physical condition join each tour and that all participants have health insurance. Due to the outdoor nature of this activity the weather may affect our ability to explore on any given day. Light rain is a blessing in July and August (please bring a rain poncho in this event) and should not impede our exploration. If serious inclement weather strikes prior to leaving for the field we will make every effort to reschedule the trip. If that is not possible a full refund will be granted. If serious inclement weather hits while we are already in the field a store credit will be considered depending upon the time of day we leave the field and number of fossils already collected.
Will I Find Fossils? You bet!
“Common Fossils”
Unlike most paleontological tour groups, participants are allowed to keep any common fossils that they may find! These include ubiquitous Hell Creek specimens such as Edmontosaurus and Triceratops teeth, unidentifiable dinosaur bone fragments, fish scales and vertebrae, crocodile teeth/scutes, isolated turtle shell pieces, petrified wood, fossil leaves and pine cones, and rock or mineral samples . While this does involve some hard work, and there is no guarantee that you will make a huge discovery, the majority of people do bring back a nice collection of common, Late Cretaceous fossils.
“Commercial Grade”
As a private company we do not receive any grants or university support. As a result we often sell off a handful of isolated, but common genera specimens to pay the electric bill. This provides a positive incentive and thanks to our awesome land owners, without whom we would not exist. If you find a commercial grade specimen, it can be appraised, prepared and offered to you for sale, with first right of refusal. Things we consider commercial grade, include isolated, but unremarkable Edmontosaurus and Triceratops bones and shed Tyrannosaur and Dromeosaur (raptor) teeth.
“Scientific Grade”
We make interesting discoveries all the time! Rare dinosaur specimens (including Pachycephalosaurus, Thescelosaurus, Anzu, dromaeosaur etc.), mammal, lizard, pterosaur, turtle and crocodile elements are found daily. Unlike common fossils however, they are rare and thus, have a scientific significance. These belong in a good home where they can be properly studied. As a result, we either sell or donate them to universities and museums only. We have specimens that have been placed in public repositories all over the USA and the world. Should you find something scientifically significant, it will be properly documented and mapped, and your name goes into the log book as its discoverer.
What People Are Saying
“This was my second trip with Paleoadventures, and my wife's first. Long days, you'll get tired and dusty. But so much fun to find a tooth pop out of the dirt! We found T-rex, raptor, triceratops teeth, a couple of vertebrae, neck bone, rib bones etc. Some you can keep, some have to be kept for science. But you'll love it.”
— Pelicanman | Review on TripAdvisor
“Staff - Walter and David were awesome. Super fun and very knowledgeable as well as helpful. We did a 2 day event. Was a bit exhausted at the end, but also felt like we wanted to go back for a few more days. Learned a lot and found a few great fossils - including a T-Rex tooth! We were a group of older adults, and it was like being a kid again.”
— Bret H | Review on TripAdvisor
“What an incredible experience! Not anything like picking up seashells on the seashore. You WILL find real fossils, but do have to work to unearth them, which is part of the whole adventure. When I found my treasure, they talked me through how to properly excavate it. Walter and crew are very knowledgeable and passionate. They went above and beyond to engage my teen, who has an interest in paleontology. Well worth a day of your time if you are a fossil enthusiasts.”
— Curious733660 | Review on TripAdvisor
“This was my first trip on a dino dig. Walter and his staff were great and made it an awesome experience. I don't know that I would recommend it for younger children, but for young teens and on up, it was a great experience. I did the two day dig, late August and came away with a bag of dino fossil fragments, as well as 3 teeth - including a prized T-Rex tooth. Almost everyone on this tour had great success in finding fossils, some small, some quite large. What could have been a couple boring days was made engaging and informative by Walter and his team - Dave, Dan and Toru (sp?). I would absolutely recommend this to anyone interested in getting out into the field to see (and help) these professionals work.”
— DaveM5509 | Review on TripAdvisor