WHAT LIES BURIED JUST UNDER THE SURFACE

In our Palaeontologist for a Day program, you will join a real palaeontological excavation this summer. Go shoulder-to-shoulder with researchers and field crews as we explore the Pipestone Creek bonebed for dinosaurs, and with them, the answers to what was really happening right here millions of years ago! As one of the densest fossil sites in the world, Pipestone Creek is a treasure trove of prehistoric information, but there is still much we don’t know.

PROGRAM DETAILS

As a part of the excavation team, you will start your day with a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum. Following the tour, you will get equipped with a museum tote bag, water bottle, and real fossil hunting tools. From there you will follow our team to Pipestone Creek Park in your vehicle, take a short hike to the bonebed, then set about excavating fossils with the assistance of our palaeontologists. There will also be time to take a break, breathe in the serene landscape, and have lunch hand-packed by our catering team. Book today for your fossil dig experience or to give a fossil dig experience to others!

*All youth 12-16 years must have a paying adult with them. Youth 17-18 years can attend PFAD on their own (without an adult), although they are still responsible for their own transportation to and from the bonebed. Includes free admission to the museum.

2026 DATES

July 2nd, 3rd, 4th

July 11th, 12th

July 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 21st

July 23rd, 24th

August 20th, 23rd

August 28th, 29th, 30th

September 5th

PRICE LIST

• $225.00 per person

PROGRAM SCHEDULE (8HRS):

• 9 am: Behind-the-scenes tour of paleontology lab. Museum tote and water bottle provided.
• 9:30 am: Participants will follow the Palaeontologist for a Day supervisor to Pipestone Creek Park in their own vehicles. Short hike to the bonebed.
• 10:00 am: Tour to the Bonebed and begin digging for fossils.
• 12:30 pm: Packed Lunch will be provided at the bonebed.
• 1-1:30 pm: Short geology/nature hike down Pipestone Creek
• 3:30-4pm: Wrap up at the bonebed and short hike back to vehicles
• 4-5 pm: Return to museum on own to visit the Galleries and Gift Shop (optional, included in cost of program)

NOTES

• As the Palaeontologist for a Day program is an outdoor physical activity, participants must bring their own weather-appropriate attire, including sunscreen.
• Palaeontologist for a Day programs will proceed rain or shine. Cancellations will only occur in the event of extreme or dangerous weather conditions.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• If you are unable to make your booking for any reason, you need to change or cancel your program booking. Please contact us at 587-771-0662 at your earliest convenience.
  • Changes made up to one week prior to the program’s start date are eligible for a 90% refund.
  • Changes made between one week and three days (72 hours) are eligible for a 50% refund.
  • Changes made less than 3 days (72 hours) prior to the program start date are not eligible for a refund.
• In addition to this, if the cancellation is due to circumstances beyond your control (travel delays or extreme weather ie. smoke), the first option is to explore re-booking.  If re-booking is not an option, 100% will be refunded.