Top Fossil Dig Sites in North Dakota, USA
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Bismarck Area Dig (NDGS)
Location: Near Bismarck, ND 58501
GPS Coordinates: 46.8083, -100.7837
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Tyrannosaurus, Edmontosaurus, Triceratops)
- Crocodilian bones (Brachychampsa)
- Dromeosaurus teeth
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Hell Creek
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: NDGS registration
Entry Fee: $100-$150/day
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Guided, full/half-day
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Bismarck
Contact Information: dmr.nd.gov/fossildigs, (701) 328-8000
Famous Discoveries: Edmontosaurus tooth
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (120 reviews, 4.7) -
Medora Dig (NDGS)
Location: Near Medora, ND 58645
GPS Coordinates: 46.9139, -103.5244
Fossil Types Found:- Crocodile bones
- Turtle shells
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Paleocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Sentinel Butte
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: NDGS registration
Entry Fee: $100-$150/day
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Guided, full/half-day, family-friendly
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Medora
Contact Information: dmr.nd.gov/fossildigs, (701) 328-8000
Famous Discoveries: Crocodile fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (150 reviews, 4.8) -
Pembina Gorge Dig (NDGS)
Location: Near Walhalla, ND 58282
GPS Coordinates: 48.9171, -98.0564
Fossil Types Found:- Mosasaur bones
- Giant squid remains
- Marine mollusks
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Pierre Shale
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: NDGS registration
Entry Fee: $100-$150/day
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Guided, full/half-day
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Walhalla
Contact Information: dmr.nd.gov/fossildigs, (701) 328-8000
Famous Discoveries: New mosasaur species
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (100 reviews, 4.6) -
Dickinson Dig (NDGS)
Location: Near Dickinson, ND 58601
GPS Coordinates: 46.8792, -102.7896
Fossil Types Found:- Mammal bones (rhinos, horses)
- Tortoise shells (Stylemys)
Geological Period: Oligocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Brule
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: NDGS registration
Entry Fee: $100-$150/day
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Guided, full/half-day
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Dickinson
Contact Information: dmr.nd.gov/fossildigs, (701) 328-8000
Famous Discoveries: Stylemys tortoise shell
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (80 reviews, 4.5) -
Hell Creek Fossils Dig (Marmarth)
Location: Near Marmarth, ND 58643
GPS Coordinates: 46.2950, -103.9203
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, Edmontosaurus)
- Crocodilian teeth
- Garfish scales
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Hell Creek
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Hell Creek Fossils registration
Entry Fee: $1000-$1500/week
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Guided, multi-day
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Bunkhouse, parking in Marmarth
Contact Information: hcfossils.com
Famous Discoveries: Triceratops skeletons
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.9/5 (200 reviews, 4.9) -
Watford City Bird Fossil Dig (NDGS)
Location: Near Watford City, ND 58854
GPS Coordinates: 47.8022, -103.2834
Fossil Types Found:- Bird skeletons
- Mammal bones
Geological Period: Paleocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Fort Union
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: NDGS registration
Entry Fee: $100-$150/day
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Guided, full-day
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Watford City
Contact Information: dmr.nd.gov/fossildigs, (701) 328-8000
Famous Discoveries: 60-million-year-old bird skeleton
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (70 reviews, 4.6) -
Bowman Fossil Dig (Pioneer Trails)
Location: Near Bowman, ND 58623
GPS Coordinates: 46.1831, -103.3949
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Triceratops, Hadrosaurus)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Hell Creek
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Pioneer Trails registration
Entry Fee: $75-$125/day
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Guided, full-day
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Bowman
Contact Information: ptrm.org, (701) 523-3600
Famous Discoveries: Hadrosaurus remains
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (60 reviews, 4.5) -
Marmarth Research Foundation Dig
Location: Near Marmarth, ND 58643
GPS Coordinates: 46.2950, -103.9203
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops)
- Turtle shell fragments
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Hell Creek
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: MRF registration
Entry Fee: $800-$1200/week
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Guided, multi-day
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Lodging, parking in Marmarth
Contact Information: marmarth.org
Famous Discoveries: Tyrannosaurus rex partial skeleton
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (90 reviews, 4.7) -
Seeman Park (Linton)
Location: Seeman Park, Linton, ND 58552
GPS Coordinates: 46.2477, -100.2178
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves
- Ammonites (Hoploscaphites)
- Gastropods
- Crabs
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Fox Hills
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for invertebrates
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms at park, lodging in Linton
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (30 reviews, 4.2) -
Cannonball River (Solen)
Location: Near Solen, ND 58570
GPS Coordinates: 46.3886, -100.7960
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves (Ostrea, Anomia)
- Gastropods (Fasciolaria, Polinices)
- Plant fossils (Halymenites)
- Crocodilian teeth
Geological Period: Paleocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Cannonball
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for invertebrates; permit for vertebrates
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited parking, lodging in Solen
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (40 reviews, 4.3) -
Beaver Creek (Emmons County)
Location: Near Linton, ND 58552
GPS Coordinates: 46.2475, -100.5000
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves (Gervillia, Inoceramus)
- Ammonites (Acanthoscaphites, Sphenodiscus)
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Pierre Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for invertebrates
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited parking, lodging in Linton
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (25 reviews, 4.1) -
Cooperstown (Sheyenne River)
Location: Near Cooperstown, ND 58425
GPS Coordinates: 47.3990, -98.0461
Fossil Types Found:- Marine invertebrates (mollusks)
- Shark teeth
- Mosasaur bones
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Pierre Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for invertebrates; permit for vertebrates
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Cooperstown
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (35 reviews, 4.2) -
Burnstad Road Cuts
Location: Near Burnstad, ND 58495
GPS Coordinates: 46.3856, -99.6322
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves
- Ammonites
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for invertebrates
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited parking, lodging in Burnstad
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (20 reviews, 4.0) -
Fort Yates (Fox Hills)
Location: Near Fort Yates, ND 58538
GPS Coordinates: 46.0869, -100.6297
Fossil Types Found:- Ammonites (Hoploscaphites)
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Fox Hills
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for invertebrates
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Fort Yates
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (25 reviews, 4.1) -
Judson (Bullion Creek)
Location: Near Judson, ND 58545
GPS Coordinates: 46.8264, -101.2781
Fossil Types Found:- Non-marine mollusks
Geological Period: Paleocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Bullion Creek
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for invertebrates
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June-August)
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited parking, lodging in Judson
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (20 reviews, 4.0)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites in North Dakota
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck Area Dig (NDGS) | North Dakota | Dinosaur bones, crocodilian bones, teeth | Guided, permit-only | 4.7/5 |
| Medora Dig (NDGS) | North Dakota | Crocodile bones, turtle shells, plant fossils | Guided, permit-only | 4.8/5 |
| Pembina Gorge Dig (NDGS) | North Dakota | Mosasaur bones, squid remains, mollusks | Guided, permit-only | 4.6/5 |
| Dickinson Dig (NDGS) | North Dakota | Mammal bones, tortoise shells | Guided, permit-only | 4.5/5 |
| Hell Creek Fossils Dig (Marmarth) | North Dakota | Dinosaur bones, crocodilian teeth, fish scales | Guided, permit-only | 4.9/5 |
| Watford City Bird Fossil Dig | North Dakota | Bird skeletons, mammal bones | Guided, permit-only | 4.6/5 |
| Bowman Fossil Dig (Pioneer Trails) | North Dakota | Dinosaur bones, plant fossils | Guided, permit-only | 4.5/5 |
| Marmarth Research Foundation Dig | North Dakota | Dinosaur bones, turtle shells, plant fossils | Guided, permit-only | 4.7/5 |
| Seeman Park (Linton) | North Dakota | Bivalves, ammonites, gastropods, crabs | Public, self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Cannonball River (Solen) | North Dakota | Bivalves, gastropods, plant fossils, crocodilian teeth | Public, self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Beaver Creek (Emmons County) | North Dakota | Bivalves, ammonites | Public, self-guided | 4.1/5 |
| Cooperstown (Sheyenne River) | North Dakota | Marine invertebrates, shark teeth, mosasaur bones | Public, self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Burnstad Road Cuts | North Dakota | Bivalves, ammonites, gastropods | Public, self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Fort Yates (Fox Hills) | North Dakota | Ammonites | Public, self-guided | 4.1/5 |
| Judson (Bullion Creek) | North Dakota | Non-marine mollusks | Public, self-guided | 4.0/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in North Dakota
North Dakota is a premier destination for fossil hunting, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in the USA for families, beginners, and avid paleontologists. Renowned for its Cretaceous riches, the state’s public dinosaur excavation areas, like the Hell Creek Fossils Dig in Marmarth and Bismarck Area Dig, yield iconic Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops bones, making it a hotspot for dinosaur dig vacations. Fossil hunting in North Dakota spans diverse geological periods, from the Cretaceous Hell Creek and Pierre Shale, teeming with dinosaur and mosasaur fossils, to the Paleocene Cannonball and Sentinel Butte, home to crocodile and plant remains, and the Oligocene Brule, with mammal bones. Low-cost paleontology tours, guided by the North Dakota Geological Survey (NDGS) or commercial operators, provide thrilling experiences at sites like Medora and Pembina Gorge, while public sites like Seeman Park and Beaver Creek offer free, self-guided fossil hunting for families. Unlike national parks, where collecting is prohibited, North Dakota’s guided digs on private lands and public sites like Cooperstown allow enthusiasts to uncover common fossils like ammonites and bivalves, though significant finds are reserved for research. Summer is the ideal season for jurassic fossil parks in North Dakota, with warm weather perfect for exploring rockhounding destinations in the badlands. Facilities like bunkhouses in Marmarth or lodging in Dickinson ensure comfort during your paleontology field adventures. Organizations like the Marmarth Research Foundation and Pioneer Trails Regional Museum enhance prehistoric site tours with educational programs. Whether seeking fossils of marine animals in North Dakota at Pembina Gorge or dinosaur bones near Bowman, these sites cater to all skill levels. Register early for guided digs, as spots fill fast, and follow regulations, especially for vertebrate fossils requiring permits on public lands. With top user ratings and an adventurous vibe, North Dakota’s fossil dig sites are a must-visit for where to find fossils in North Dakota, promising unforgettable discoveries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in the USA
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in North Dakota?
No, fossil collection in national parks like Theodore Roosevelt is prohibited without a research permit. Report finds to rangers.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in North Dakota?
Guided digs provide tools; bring sturdy shoes, long pants, hat, sunscreen, water. Self-guided sites allow hand tools like trowels.
Are permits required for fossil hunting in North Dakota?
Guided digs require registration. Public lands need permits for vertebrate fossils; invertebrates are free to collect.
What fossils can I find in North Dakota?
Dinosaur bones, mosasaur remains, ammonites, bivalves, crocodilian teeth, bird skeletons, plant fossils from Cretaceous to Oligocene.
Is fossil hunting in North Dakota family-friendly?
Yes, sites like Medora Dig offer half-day family sessions for ages 10+, with educational support.
Can I keep fossils I find in North Dakota?
Invertebrates from public sites can be kept; significant fossils from guided digs go to museums, but some commercial digs allow keeping common fossils with fees.
What’s the best time to hunt fossils in North Dakota?
Summer (June-August) offers warm weather, ideal for digging in the badlands.
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