HAMBURG GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Devonian Detectives: An Extended Fossil-Hunting Tour at Penn Dixie
A one-hour guided Extended Tour that teaches fossil-hunting techniques, supplies collecting tools, and lets you keep your finds — with access to the site until closing.
Devonian Detectives: An Extended Fossil-Hunting Tour at Penn Dixie.
Adventure brief
Devonian Detectives: An Extended Fossil-Hunting Tour at Penn Dixie
At Penn Dixie, an hour-long Extended Tour offers a hands-on window into the Devonian past: guided fossil hunting with expert interpretation, provided collecting tools, and the rare privilege of keeping whatever you find. The format is deliberately practical — an instructor-led hour of excavation followed by the freedom to remain on-site until Penn Dixie closes — making this an accessible, memorable geology outing for a broad range of visitors.
Penn Dixie, located in the heart of Hamburg, New York, is a prime destination for fossil enthusiasts. This site offers a window into the Devonian era, with layers of ancient sediment revealing treasures that date back over 370 million years. The Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc. leads visitors through this fascinating landscape, turning fossil hunting into an exhilarating journey. The guided extended tour allows guests to deep-dive into the geological history, equipped with tools to excavate and take home their discoveries. What sets Penn Dixie apart is its accessibility—Whether you're a seasoned paleontologist or a curious beginner, the site accommodates all skill levels. Visitors will encounter distinctive shale formations and rare fossils like trilobites, plant impressions, and brachiopods, nestled within the site's layered cliffs. The experience is more than just collecting; it's an interactive lesson in Earth's prehistoric past, complemented by the knowledgeable guidance from expert staff. The site’s significance extends beyond fossil hunting—it’s a beacon for education and conservation, fostering sustainable practices to ensure the fossils and environment are preserved for future generations. Besides fossil hunting, Penn Dixie offers a chance to learn about regional geology and paleontology through interpretive displays. It’s an ideal outing for families, school groups, or anyone eager to connect with Earth's deep history. The site’s remote location in Hamburg makes it a perfect day-trip destination from nearby Buffalo or Rochester. Visitors are encouraged to dress for outdoor conditions, bring cameras, and be prepared for an active adventure. The Hamburg Natural History Society's commitment to sharing Earth's ancient story makes Penn Dixie a standout destination for unique, hands-on fossil discoveries, making every trip a memorable chapter in geological exploration.
Route Schematic
Itinerary route schematic
A concise sequence of the tour’s phases and where you’ll be during the hour and afterward.
Check-in & briefing
Arrive early to be checked in; tours leave promptly at their scheduled start time and participants are expected to be ready at departure.
Guided excavation
A one-hour guided session in the collecting area where instructors explain local geology and fossil-hunting techniques while participants use provided tools to recover specimens.
Independent collecting until close
Once the guided hour concludes, visitors may continue to collect at the site until Penn Dixie closes at 4:30 pm without additional charge.
Participants should note age and ticketing categories prior to booking; operators may adjust routing or procedures as needed for safety or site operations.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands-on fossil collecting — tools provided
Every participant receives a small bucket and trowel for on-site collecting, and all fossils uncovered during the tour are yours to keep — a tangible takeaway from digging into Devonian strata.
Guided context for each find
The Extended Tour focuses on the geologic history and practical techniques of fossil hunting: an instructor-led hour that pairs interpretation with field practice so you understand what you find and where it fits in the Devonian record.
Stay after the tour ends
After the hour-long guided portion concludes, visitors may remain at the site until Penn Dixie closes at 4:30 pm at no extra charge, allowing extra time for independent collecting or to reassess earlier finds.
What the day feels like
What the hour feels like
The tour moves at a deliberate, hands-on pace: check-in and a short briefing, then an hour of guided fossil hunting where instructors demonstrate how to spot and extract Devonian specimens using the supplied bucket and trowel. The guided portion is designed to equip you with practical skills; when it ends you are free to continue exploring the beds until the site closes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this Extended Tour suits — and who should check details before booking.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Penn Dixie provides each participant with a small bucket and trowel for collecting; visitors keep any fossils they find.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Extended Tour?
The Extended Tour is one hour long.
When do tours depart?
Tours depart promptly at their scheduled start times (examples provided include departures at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm).
What equipment is provided?
All participants receive a small bucket and trowel for fossil collecting.
Can I keep the fossils I find?
Yes — participants may keep all of the fossils they find during the tour.
Can I stay at the site after the tour?
Yes — after the guided hour ends, visitors are permitted to remain at Penn Dixie until it closes at 4:30 pm at no additional charge.
What are the ticket prices and age categories?
Tickets are $25 for adults (ages 18 and up) and $20 for children ages 3–17.
When should I arrive for the tour?
Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early so your group can be checked in and prepared; tours leave promptly at the scheduled time.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:27:15.913Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.