BELLE FOURCHE WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Two Days with Real Dinosaurs: A Field Dig and Lab-Prep Seminar in Belle Fourche
A hands-on, two-day workshop that pairs a full day of field excavation with a full day of professional lab preparation for participants ages 12 and up.
Two Days with Real Dinosaurs: A Field Dig and Lab-Prep Seminar in Belle Fourche.
On the edge of the badlands outside Belle Fourche, this two-day seminar pairs a full day in the field—searching for and excavating vertebrate remains—with a full day inside a professional fossil lab learning prep, molding and research techniques under expert supervision.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Real digs in Hell Creek country
This is not a staged experience: you spend a full day on a working quarry searching for and excavating vertebrate remains, following the same safety and digging protocols used in scientific expeditions.
Professional lab techniques and research
On the second day you learn lab safety and hands-on methods—fossil prep tools, mechanical and chemical techniques, molding and casting, identification and documentation—inside the PaleoAdventures lab and Dinosaurs of the Hell Creek Museum.
The upside and the hard work of true paleontology
The seminar offers the excitement of real discovery and beautiful scenery, balanced by long hours, extreme outdoor conditions and the patience and hard work required on a scientific expedition.
What the day feels like
What the two days feel like
Expect a rigorous, immersive pace: an orientation and museum tour in the morning, a drive to the dig site and extended excavation periods through the afternoon on day one, followed by a focused, tool-driven lab day learning preparation, conservation and documentation techniques.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this seminar suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The seminar consists of a full day in the field followed by a full day in the lab.
Meet at the Dinosaurs of the Hell Creek Museum, 11324 US Highway 212, Belle Fourche, SD for check-in and orientation.
Bring sturdy hiking boots (no open-toed sandals), a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunblock, layers, gloves, a refillable water bottle, lunch, snacks and the other recommended items on the gear list.
Conditions can be rough and hot; guests should be able to walk over uneven terrain and dig all day. The nearest hospital is two hours away.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages are allowed to participate?
Participants must be age 12 and up.
Where and when do we meet?
Meet at the Dinosaurs of the Hell Creek Museum, 11324 US Highway 212, Belle Fourche, SD for check-in and the morning orientation.
How is the two-day schedule structured?
Day one is a full day in the field for orientation, travel to the quarry and excavation sessions; day two is a full lab day covering prep, molding and research techniques.
What should I bring for the field day?
Bring good hiking boots (no open-toed sandals), hat, sunglasses, water bottle, sunblock, gloves, layers, a small cooler, lunch and snacks, a notebook and the other recommended items.
Is this physically demanding?
Yes. The experience includes walking over rough terrain and digging during long hours in potentially hot conditions; people with heart conditions or serious health concerns should not attend.
Are these seasonal or regularly scheduled tours?
Availability and times may vary and tours are seasonal by nature.