NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Pembina Gorge
Walhalla, North Dakota
mosasaur bonegiant squid fossilssea turtle bonefish fossilsclams
State-designated locality · Fee
NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Pembina Gorge
Eighty million years ago this corner of North Dakota lay under the Western Interior Seaway, and the Pierre Formation near Walhalla still holds mosasaur, giant squid, sea turtle, aquatic birds, and fish. The state survey runs half- and full-day digs here each August at $30 to $50, with staff teaching excavation technique on the outcrop. Everyone rides in by van, so plan the whole day around it.
The card catalog
| What you can find | mosasaur bone, giant squid fossils, sea turtle bone, fish fossils, clams |
|---|---|
| Access | State-designated locality — Fee |
| Fees | $50 full day (15+), $30 half day (10+ for the family sessions, 15+ for the adult session). First-come registration opens January 31 at 10 a.m. Central via Eventbrite. Specimens are not yours to keep — NDGS returns all finds to the State Fossil Collection. |
| Season & hours | August 2026 only: family half days August 7-9, full days August 10-15, adult half day August 16. Weather can shut a day down; the Pierre Formation shale turns to slick clay when wet. |
| Kids | Better for experienced collectors — Ten is the floor for the family half-day sessions and 15 for everything else, which rules out younger kids. Minors 17 and under need adult supervision and everyone rides the vans — no personal vehicles at the site. |
| Official source | North Dakota Geological Survey, Department of Mineral Resources |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
More drawers in North Dakota
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NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Bismarck Area (Hell Creek Quarry)
Bismarck, ND
tyrannosaurus teeth, triceratops bone, edmontosaurus bone
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NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Dickinson Area (Little Badlands)
Dickinson, ND
hornless rhino bone, three-toed horse teeth, entelodont bone
Before you go
What does NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Pembina Gorge cost?
$50 full day (15+), $30 half day (10+ for the family sessions, 15+ for the adult session). First-come registration opens January 31 at 10 a.m. Central via Eventbrite. Specimens are not yours to keep — NDGS returns all finds to the State Fossil Collection. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Pembina Gorge open?
August 2026 only: family half days August 7-9, full days August 10-15, adult half day August 16. Weather can shut a day down; the Pierre Formation shale turns to slick clay when wet. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Pembina Gorge good for kids?
NDGS Public Fossil Dig — Pembina Gorge is better suited to experienced collectors than young kids. Ten is the floor for the family half-day sessions and 15 for everything else, which rules out younger kids. Minors 17 and under need adult supervision and everyone rides the vans — no personal vehicles at the site.