Family Dinosaur Digs
Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect?
Family Dig—Our day begins at 8 a.m. at the Prairie Vista Inn in Faith, South Dakota. From there, museum staff take dig participants to the site in museum-sponsored vehicles. A digging day for families typically starts with surface collecting for fossils, followed by "Digging 101" with museum paleontologists. Families dig freely until 4 p.m. with a one-hour break in the middle of the day for lunch at the ranch.

Most fossils found while surface collecting may be kept by digging participants. However, larger fossils that are found become property of The Children's Museum; they will be taken to museum's Paleo Prep Lab. As a dinosaur dig participant, you are helping the museum excavate fossils that will be prepared in the lab in Dinosphere. Diggers may return to the museum throughout the year to help prep and clean bones for research.

Teacher Dig—Teachers meet museum staff at the Rapid City airport on the first day of the dig. We spend our first two days traveling in the Badlands and Black Hills. Our first dig day includes an afternoon of surface collecting and an introduction to digging. The day concludes with dinner at the ranch. On dig days we leave the hotel at 8 a.m. and dig until 4 p.m. Evenings include professional development sessions led by museum education staff. Bones that are found on the dig are the property of the museum and will be prepared in the Paleo Prep Lab at The Children's Museum.

What are ‘Double Dig Days’?

• It’s twice the digging, and twice the fun! Families can immerse themselves in the digging experience for twice as long, which could lead to more fossils and more time to excavate finds.
• When you know that you have two days to dig, you tend to slow down and take your time, thus leading to less breakage and better science.
• By your second day of digging you will feel like an expert! You will have developed a better eye for your fossil finds, and your digging technique will be greatly improved.
• Since we are unable to offer refunds for inclement weather, families may still have an opportunity to dig on their alternate day if the one of the days should be rained out.

Am I guaranteed to find a fossil?
Working on a real scientific dig guarantees everyone the chance to find a fossil. Participants help to further the study of the site, and if they have not found a fossil, they may be given the opportunity to dig or remove fossils found by others.

How many people participate in the digs?
The capacity for the family trip is 16 total participants and 4 museum staff members. Having a small group allows more personalized attention.
The teacher dig is limited to 18 teachers and 4 staff members.

Will children under age 8 be able to participate in the dig?
We have found that the digs are developmentally appropriate for children ages 8 and up. The minimum age required to dig is 8. There are no exceptions.

How physically challenging are the digs?
Digging in the dirt for dinosaurs is hard, dirty work. The average high is 90° F. Participants must be able to :

• Sit, kneel, or stand for up to 8 hours while working in hot, arid conditions. The dig site is a 45 minutes off-road drive from the hotel. Once we have arrived at the dig site, we will be unable to make any trips back to the hotel unless there is an emergency.
• Traverse uneven terrain. Optional hikes require participants to walk on uneven terrain for up to 2 miles.
• Provide adequate medical information and a written clearance from a physician to participate in the digs. All medical releases must be current, signed, and returned by May 28, 2011. If medical conditions arise after paperwork has been returned, you must notify the museum staff immediately and must provide an updated written clearance from a physician to participate. Although there is an on-site EMT, all diggers must be cleared by a physician before going on the digs. The nearest hospital is a two-hour drive away in Eagle Butte, South Dakota.

*To be eligible to dig, all paperwork must be provided to the museum in a timely fashion and participants must be in good health. For safety purposes, the museum reserves the right to deny or cancel a person’s dig registration if, in the museum’s opinion, the person has not provided sufficient assurances of his or her fitness to participate in the dig.

What amenities are available at the dig?
Water and light snacks are provided. All participants are required to drink large quantities of water to maintain hydration. Restroom facilities are limited to an outhouse. Lunch is provided on dig days.

Will I see wildlife?
The area around Faith is home to pronghorn, mule deer, whitetail deer, grouse, and prairie dogs. The chance of encountering wildlife is high. South Dakota is also home to spiders, snakes, and scorpions, all of which may be present at the dig site. Encounters with a prairie rattler or scorpion are rare, and following the instructions of museum staff limits the possibility of such an encounter.

What if it rains? Will I get a refund if we can't dig due to weather?
The dinosaur digs are dependent upon dry weather. Average July rainfall in Faith is less than an inch. If inclement weather causes a dig cancellation, the museum will not issue refunds. Museum staff will offer facilitated activities and unique trips to South Dakota learning institutions within a 2- to 3-hour radius of Faith.

What are the accommodations like?
The town of Faith has 2 restaurants and a store, all within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel accommodations are basic and adequate. There is a vending machine on the premises and hot pizzas may be served upon request. Cash is recommended in Faith as few locations accept credit or debit cards. Hill City and Rapid City offer more amenities.

What should I bring to the dig site?
Digging tools, sunscreen, bug spray, and water are provided. The digging area is covered by a canopy or tent, but diggers are encouraged to bring a hat to block the sun. And don't forget to bring your cameras!

What happens in Faith on the Fourth of July?
Faith, South Dakota is a small town with a population of about 500. Typically, both restaurants close by 3 p.m. and the general store closes by 4 p.m., so families staying in Faith on the Fourth should plan accordingly. Fireworks can be enjoyed at the golf course, and there is typically a community cookout for a minimal charge. In addition, pizzas are available at the hotel upon request.