About Paleo Prairie

Paleo Prairie is a small, Kansas-based paleontology business dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and sharing the ancient past. Rooted in hands-on field experience and a deep respect for scientific integrity, Paleo Prairie bridges the gap between professional paleontology and public discovery.

Founded by field guide and fossil preparator Ian Compton, Paleo Prairie draws inspiration from the long tradition of exploration that shaped our understanding of Earth’s history. From the badlands of the Hell Creek Formation to the fossil-bearing strata of the Great Plains, Paleo Prairie emphasizes ethical fossil collection, accurate documentation, and meaningful education.

The business specializes in real fossils, high-quality replica casts, and paleo-inspired art, as well as outreach efforts including public talks, workshops, and traveling exhibits. Each specimen and project is approached not as a commodity, but as a piece of a much larger story, one that connects deep time to the present.

At its core, Paleo Prairie exists to make paleontology accessible. Whether through a fossil you can hold, a cast that captures a moment from deep time, or a story from the field, the goal remains the same: Unearth the past—one day at a time.