2023-12-29 17:34:58
Long before humans explored South Dakota, dinosaurs roamed the land. Explore the evidence at these attractions throughout the Black Hills and Badlands. WORLD FOSSIL FINDER MUSEUM, HOT SPRINGS Home to several of the first fossil discoveries in the world, the World Fossil Finder Museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying fossils, several of which were found by amateur paleontologists in South Dakota. Here, visitors can marvel at the massive bones of one of the last American mastodons, the largest Tylosaurus (lovingly named “Debby Sue”) found in the Mount Rushmore State and much more. For more hands-on exploration, stop by on Science Saturdays for an ever-changing array of kid-friendly activities. MUSEUM OF GEOLOGY, RAPID CITY Located on the campus of South Dakota Mines, the Museum of Geology features a wide array of exhibits dedicated to geology, mineralogy and, of course, paleontology. The museum showcases a rare collection of fossils from the White River Badlands as well as mounted skeletons of dinosaurs, mammals and more. Guided tours are available by request. Guests can also attend several museum-hosted events throughout the year, including the Dinosaur Eggstravaganza and Rock, Fossil and Mineral ID Day. BLACK HILLS INSTITUTE, HILL CITY For nearly 50 years, the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research has been collecting and preparing fossils, garnering one of the finest accumulations of both vertebrates and invertebrates in the country. From the largest compilation of a Tyrannosaurus rex to an enormous assortment of ammonites and cephalopods, paleontology enthusiasts can spend hours meandering through robust exhibits, all of which were collected by the institute’s renowned research team. FOSSIL PREPARATION LAB, INTERIOR Did you know Badlands National Park houses a working paleontology lab? Located inside the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, the Fossil Preparation Lab allows you to watch paleontologists identify species, remove fossils, and prepare and catalog fossils and other specimens for display. Take a guided tour with one of the park’s rangers for the opportunity to ask these scientists about their astounding work and observations. DINOSAUR MUSEUM, RAPID CITY Nestled between the iconic Reptile Gardens and Rushmore Candy Co. sits the Dinosaur Museum. You’ll find life-size replicas of dinosaur fossils and skeletons, including an authentic dinosaur leg bone, as well as an educational movie theater, mini golf course and mirror maze. Future paleontologists will also be thrilled to learn the museum offers a hands-on exhibit where you can try your hand at digging for fossils. Find more adventures at TravelSouthDakota.com/Things-To-Do/Culture-History. CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF THE MAMMOTH SITE While excavating a dig site in Hot Springs in 1974, paleontologists in South Dakota stumbled upon the remains of a 14-foot woolly mammoth. Since then, scientists have uncovered 60 mammoths and more than 80 different species around the area now known as Mammoth Site. Fifty years later, this site continues to be one of the state’s most revered attractions, playing a vital role in our understanding of what our world looked like 2 million years ago.
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