NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Bismarck Area (Hell Creek Quarry)
Bismarck, North Dakota
tyrannosaurus teethtriceratops boneedmontosaurus bonecrocodile material
State-designated locality · Fee
NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Bismarck Area (Hell Creek Quarry)
The state survey opens its own Hell Creek Formation quarry to the public and puts real tools in your hands: Tyrannosaurus teeth, Triceratops and Edmontosaurus bone, crocodile material. Go for the experience, not the specimens — everything found goes into the State Fossil Collection. Vans leave from the Heritage Center in Bismarck because private vehicles cannot reach the site, and registration opens January 31 at 10 a.m. Central and goes fast.
The card catalog
| What you can find | tyrannosaurus teeth, triceratops bone, edmontosaurus bone, crocodile material |
|---|---|
| Access | State-designated locality — Fee |
| Fees | $75 full day (15+), $45 family half day (10+), $150 for the two-day experienced-digger shift. Registration opens January 31 at 10 a.m. Central through Eventbrite, first-come, and sells out. You do not keep what you find — the survey is explicit that all fossils return to the State Fossil Collection in Bismarck. Tools are provided. |
| Season & hours | July only in 2026: full days July 6-9, 20-23 and 27-29; family half days July 13-17 and 24; experienced-digger shift July 30-31. Full days run about 7:45 a.m. to 4-5 p.m.; half days are morning or afternoon blocks. |
| Kids | Better for experienced collectors — Minimum age is 10 for family half days and 15 for full days, so most grade-school kids are too young. Anyone 17 or under needs adult supervision, and no personal vehicles reach the quarry — vans run from the Heritage Center in Bismarck. There is a shade tent, seating, and a port-a-potty at the quarry; cell reception is poor. |
| Official source | North Dakota Geological Survey, Department of Mineral Resources |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
More drawers in North Dakota
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NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Dickinson Area (Little Badlands)
Dickinson, ND
hornless rhino bone, three-toed horse teeth, entelodont bone
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NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Pembina Gorge
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mosasaur bone, giant squid fossils, sea turtle bone
Before you go
What does NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Bismarck Area (Hell Creek Quarry) cost?
$75 full day (15+), $45 family half day (10+), $150 for the two-day experienced-digger shift. Registration opens January 31 at 10 a.m. Central through Eventbrite, first-come, and sells out. You do not keep what you find — the survey is explicit that all fossils return to the State Fossil Collection in Bismarck. Tools are provided. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Bismarck Area (Hell Creek Quarry) open?
July only in 2026: full days July 6-9, 20-23 and 27-29; family half days July 13-17 and 24; experienced-digger shift July 30-31. Full days run about 7:45 a.m. to 4-5 p.m.; half days are morning or afternoon blocks. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Bismarck Area (Hell Creek Quarry) good for kids?
NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Bismarck Area (Hell Creek Quarry) is better suited to experienced collectors than young kids. Minimum age is 10 for family half days and 15 for full days, so most grade-school kids are too young. Anyone 17 or under needs adult supervision, and no personal vehicles reach the quarry — vans run from the Heritage Center in Bismarck. There is a shade tent, seating, and a port-a-potty at the quarry; cell reception is poor.