The Mammoth Site offers a unique indoor experience where visitors can see real Ice Age fossils in an active excavation site. This FAQ covers what you can expect to see, do, and experience during your visit.
What can you see at The Mammoth Site?
Visitors can see real mammoth fossils embedded in the ground within an active excavation site. The facility also includes exhibits and displays about Ice Age animals and environments. The experience combines research and public viewing.
What is inside The Mammoth Site museum?
The Mammoth Site museum includes a large indoor excavation area, fossil displays, and interpretive exhibits. Visitors can walk through the site and view ongoing discoveries. Educational content explains the history and science of the fossils.
Is The Mammoth Site an indoor attraction?
The Mammoth Site is primarily an indoor attraction located within a climate-controlled facility. This allows visitors to explore the excavation site year-round. Weather conditions do not impact the experience.
Can visitors watch paleontologists working?
Visitors may be able to observe paleontologists working on conservation or research activities. The summer season is peak research activity, with a mix of both interns and volunteers conducting research within the Bonebed and prep lab. During the off-season, visitors can still watch as fossils are cleaned and prepared in the prep lab.
Are fossils still being discovered at The Mammoth Site?
Fossils continue to be discovered at The Mammoth Site as excavation and conservation progresses. The site remains an active area of research and discovery. New findings contribute to scientific understanding of the Ice Age.
Can you dig for fossils at The Mammoth Site?
The Mammoth Site offers programs that allow participants to take part in hands-on fossil excavation. The Ice Age Explorers program is intended to provide a hands-on experience in different areas of paleontology encompassed by The Mammoth Site. For more information, click here or call (605) 745-6017.
What is the Mammoth Site Family Dig program?
The Family Dig is a paleontology class designed for the whole family. In this class, families will work together to excavate fossils in a simulated dig site. Led by a qualified instructor, participants will learn how paleontologists discover and excavate a site, using the same tools we use in the Bonebed. Families will learn why we excavate fossils, how we preserve fossils, and what fossils can tell us about a changing world. This class is a hands-on experience in excavating and jacketing replica fossils. Participants also create a replica of a mammoth tooth they can take home as an educational souvenir. Class times are 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm daily from June 1 to August 15.
Are there educational programs for students or families?
The Mammoth Site offers educational programs for students, families, and groups focused on paleontology and Ice Age science. These include our family summer classes, our field trip offerings, and our free summer dig camps for area children. Please visit mammothsite.org or call (605) 745-6017 for updated information.
Is The Mammoth Site a research facility?
The Mammoth Site operates as both a museum and an active research facility. Scientific excavation and study are conducted on-site. This supports both education and ongoing discovery.
What other animals have been found at The Mammoth Site?
In addition to mammoths, other Ice Age animal ncluding llamas, camels, prairie dogs, and giant short-faced bears remains have been discovered at The Mammoth Site.
How are fossils preserved at The Mammoth Site?
Fossils at The Mammoth Site are preserved in sediment within a controlled indoor environment. This protects their condition while allowing for ongoing study and public viewing. The preservation method maintains their original context.