Digging Up the Past

“ You can ask crazy questions and dig up actual bones,” Doug of Iowa said with a laugh, “This is what keeps us coming back year after year.”

It’s an annual reunion for three generations of the Kaupa family who have come to the Dinosaur Center for five years now with no plans of stopping. For three days, they dig up dinosaur bones in the Morrison Formation, look for fossils in the Sundance Sea Formation and tour the museum and working lab.

“We researched other places,” said Butch, the great-uncle of the family who comes from Washington state, “And there was no comparison. One business was just going to drop us off alone 40 miles from town and come back in the evening. We were concerned for our safety – what would happen if one of us slipped and fell?”

“Everything is here,” added Carl, Butch’s brother and Doug’s dad. “We have great guides and we are even served lunch!”

It was Carl’s desire to dig up dinosaur bones that first brought the family to Wyoming. When they researched dinosaur digs, they found that not only could they dig up actual dinosaur bones but were helping the paleontologists preserve the past.

Last year, they found an Allosaurus tooth which is now on display in the museum. This year, on their first day of the dig, they already found another tooth. Everything that is found on these digs contributes more fossils for the nonprofit museum and the finder is given credit for the discovery. If it is a big enough find, such as a new dinosaur, you have the chance to have a fossil named after you.

To book your own dig, fun for all ages, check out the website at wyomingdinosaurcenter.org or give them a call at 307-864-2997. Isn’t it about time to get your hands dirty and touch ancient history for yourself?