Family Dinosaur Digs
Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect?
Family Dig—Our day begins at 8 a.m. at the Prairie Vista Inn in Faith, South Dakota. From there, museum staff take dig participants to the site in museum-sponsored vehicles. A digging day for families typically starts with surface collecting for fossils, followed by "Digging 101" with museum paleontologists. Families dig freely until 4 p.m. with a one-hour break in the middle of the day for lunch at the ranch.

Most fossils found while surface collecting may be kept by digging participants, however, larger fossils that are found while digging become property of The Children's Museum; they will be taken to museum's Paleo Prep Lab. As a dinosaur dig participant, you are helping the museum excavate fossils that will be prepared in the lab in Dinosphere. Diggers may return to the museum throughout the year to help prep and clean bones for research.

Teacher Dig—Teachers meet museum staff at the Rapid City airport on the first day of the dig. We spend our first two days traveling in the Badlands and Black Hills. Our first dig day includes an afternoon of surface collecting and an introduction to digging. The day concludes with dinner at the ranch. On dig days we leave the hotel at 8 a.m. and dig until 4 p.m. Evenings include professional development sessions led by museum education staff. Bones that are found on the dig are the property of the museum and will be prepared in the Paleo Prep Lab at The Children's Museum.

Am I guaranteed to find a fossil?
Working on a real scientific dig guarantees everyone the chance to find a fossil. Participants help to further the study of the site, and if they have not found a fossil, they may be given the opportunity to dig or remove fossils found by others.

How many people participate in the digs?
The capacity for the family trip is 16 total participants and 4 museum staff. Having a small group allows more personalized attention.

The teacher dig is limited to 12 teachers and 4 staff.

Will children under age 8 be able to participate in the dig?
We have found that the digs are developmentally appropriate for children ages 8 and up.

How physically challenging are the digs?
Digging in the dirt for dinosaurs is hard, dirty work. The average high is 90° F and the average low is 70° F. Participants must be able to sit or stand for up to 8 hours while working in hot, arid conditions. Optional hikes require participants to walk on uneven terrain for up to two miles. Although there is an on-site EMT, all diggers must be cleared by a physician before going on the digs. The nearest hospital is 42 miles away in Eagle Butte, SD.

What amenities are available at the dig?
Water and light snacks are provided. All participants are required to drink large quantities of water to maintain hydration. Restroom facilities are limited to an outhouse. Lunch is provided on dig days.

Will I see wildlife?
The area around Faith is home to pronghorn, mule deer, whitetail deer, grouse, and prairie dogs. The chance of encountering wildlife is high. South Dakota is also home to spiders, snakes, and scorpions, all of which may be present at the dig site. While an encounter with a prairie rattler or scorpion is rare, following the instructions of museum staff limits the possibility of an encounter.

What if it rains? Will I get a refund if we can't dig due to weather?
The dinosaur digs are dependent upon dry weather. Average July rainfall in Faith is less than one inch. 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.

What are the accommodations like?
The town of Faith has three restaurants and one store, all within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel accommodations are basic and adequate. Cash is recommended in Faith as few locations accept credit or debit cards. Hill City and Rapid City offer more amenities.

What should I bring to the dig site?
Digging tools, sunscreen, bug spray, and water are provided. The digging area is covered by a canopy or tent, but diggers are encouraged to bring a hat to block the sun. And don't forget to bring your cameras!