dinosaur adventure

If you are up for an adventure to see dinosaurs up close and personal, start with our museums and state parks. Eastern Montana’s Hell Creek Formation yields a high concentration of dinosaur fossils due to its unique erosion and ground disturbance. Paleontologists continue to make big discoveries each year as snow and rain expose more finds.

For those dinosaur fanatics who can’t get enough, discover our paleontological treasures along The Montana Dinosaur Trail. Trail followers will have opportunities to see one-of-a-kind specimens like “Margie,” the Struthiomimus or visit a dig site at Makoshika State Park. Visit MTDinoTrail.com to learn more about the Prehistoric Passport and all 14 locations to receive your dino stamps.

Guided Gigs And Digs

We dig dinosaurs out here, and you can, too. If you’re ready to join a dinosaur dig, several organizations lead individuals on private excursions and teach fossil preservation and preparation.

 Glendive Dinosaur & Fossil Museum’s full and half-day private digs

 Baisch’s Dinosaur Digs day trips on private land near Glendive

 Dawson Community College’s Paleo Experience with Dinodave in Glendive

 Earth Sciences Foundation’s open dig or prep days in Roundup

 Makoshika State Park’s Paleo Experience

CARTER COUNTY MUSEUM’S DINO SHINDIG

Listen to lectures from leading paleontologists and excavate fossils alongside paleontologists from one of the museum’s active dig sites. This annual event takes place at the end of July. CarterCountyMuseum.org/Events

Rockhounding

The Yellowstone River is the most prominent river flowing through Southeast Montana, and along its shore you can rockhound a variety of minerals, like jasper, petrified wood and quartz, but the most notable find is the Montana moss agate. These are no ordinary agates; they are one-of-a-kind rocks found only along the banks and beds of the Yellowstone River and its tributaries.

These treasures are believed to have been created about 60 million years ago during volcanic activity from what is now Yellowstone National Park. That volcanic activity makes the rocks so distinctive, ranging from clear to a translucent blue-gray with brown streaks and moss-like dendritic patterns. The best part, rockhounding is free and a great adventure for the whole family.