Dinosaur Digs

Dig for real dinosaur fossils in the badlands of North Dakota. Since 2019 I have worked as a field guide with Hell Creek Fossils, helping hundreds of people, from curious beginners to lifelong fossil enthusiasts, find fossils in the Hell Creek Formation, one of the most important dinosaur-bearing formations in the world.

What a Dinosaur Dig Looks Like

The Hell Creek Formation preserves one of the last dinosaur-dominated ecosystems on Earth, just before the mass extinction 66 million years ago. In the field I spend my days prospecting, excavating and carefully documenting fossils. Just as important, I work closely with guests to teach proper field methods, fossil identification and the science behind what we uncover.

From Field to Lab

Beyond the field, I have prepared fossils, completed lab work, and helped clean, stabilize and study specimens at many stages of completion. That hands-on experience bridges the gap between discovery and display, and it lets guests see how a raw find becomes a scientifically meaningful fossil.

Who Goes on a Dig

What makes Hell Creek Fossils special is the people it brings together. I have guided teachers, students, families, artists, scientists and travelers from around the world, each bringing their own curiosity to the badlands. No two weeks are ever the same, but every trip reinforces the same truth: paleontology is best experienced firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do the dinosaur digs take place?
In the badlands of North Dakota, in the Hell Creek Formation.

Do I need experience to join a dig?
No. Guests range from curious beginners to lifelong fossil enthusiasts, and I teach field methods and fossil identification along the way.

What kinds of fossils come from Hell Creek?
Hell Creek is known for dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops and Edmontosaurus, plus crocodilians, turtles and plants from the Late Cretaceous, about 66 million years ago.

How do I learn more or ask about a dig?
Use the Contact page and send me a message.

Want a piece of the Hell Creek Formation at home? Browse the Paleo Prairie shop for real fossils displayed in labeled Riker boxes.