Natural Science Collection

The Natural Science Collection contains over 10,000 unique specimens that foster both curiosity and enthusiasm for the natural world. Specimens represent a variety of sciences including zoology, botany, geology and paleontological materials. The curators strive to acquire specimens that have intrisic interest to children and families.

Field Work

Curators conduct extensive fieldwork in vertebrate paleontology. In particular we examine the rocks of the Late Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation in north central South Dakota. Our site, the Ruth Mason Quarry, contains the remains of such dinosaurs as T. rex, Triceratops, duckbill dinosaurs, and many others. Each year, with the assistance of families and teachers, we continue to excavate and research the fossil bones from this site. 

Lab Work

Items collected in the field are prepared in the Polly Horton Hix Paleo Prep Lab inside the Dinosphere Exhibit.  Here they are cleaned, consolidated and readied for exhibit and research—all under the curious eyes of our visitors. We also work on specimens from other sites, geologic ages, and institutions.