It depends on what you want to do. Early June is generally wetter than the rest of the summer, so we use this time to do nearly all of our exploration and field search before we have to open up our dig sites.
July and August are our prime dig months. We’re soaking up the sun and taking our time exposing as many fossils as possible. In September we tend to pick up the pace in preparation for snow (which usually comes the last week of September or the first week of October). This time of year we try not to expose anything new and instead focus on getting the stuff we know about back to the museum. Warning: You will get very messy! We use plaster and burlap to create “jackets” to secure our larger fossils – very messy indeed!
Although we plan on having sunny days most of the summer, June 1st-mid June tends to be rainy and we do get scattered thunderstorms throughout July and August. When it’s not raining, expect temperatures to be in the 80-90s, but pack a warm jacket nonetheless. Temperatures have been known to drop up to 50 degrees in one day. We have seen snow in Bynum every month of the year.
We typically don’t know what site we’ll be working on until that day. We choose what sites we visit based on group size, skill level, and scientific priority. However, I can tell you that you’ll most likely be working on a duckbill dinosaur. They are known as the Cows of the Cretaceous and they are everywhere!
With few exceptions we do not set age limits, however, we do ask that you seriously consider the conditions we will be working in and whether they are right for you. We will be walking over loose and uneven terrain. It will be hot and sometimes buggy. The work can sometimes be tedious and boring.
No, we are not equipped to accept guardianship for minors, so a parent or guardian is required to attend the fossil expedition with the minor.
Yes, adults accompanying children on our Montana Dinosaur Dig expedition must also pay. We charge per seat in our vans, which accommodate up to 10 people. Since seats are limited, all participants, including adults, are required to secure and pay for their spot to experience this unique and exciting fossil dig.
We try to keep groups small – around 5-6 people – although we do occasionally have larger groups. The largest combined group we will take out is 10 unless everyone for the day is from a single group, like a rock club or Scout Troop. If you have a group larger than 10 please contact us at info@tmdinosaurcenter.org.
All bookings are handled via our booking system on a first come, first serve order.
Yes, the costs incurred by coming out to our fossil sites happen whether you are just watching or actively participating in the expedition.
Long pants
Sunscreen
Wide-brimmed hat
Bug spray
Sunglasses
Camera
Snacks
Hiking boots (or good walking shoes – closed toe required)
Allergy or other medications if needed
Car seats for children under age six (6) weighing less than sixty (60) pounds
Your enthusiasm!
Water (it is provided, although you are welcome to bring your own)
Tools & equipment (these are provided)
Pets
Firearms