Quarry Dig

dig for fossils in south jersey

Dig into Adventure!

Dig into the past at the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum’s Quarry in Mantua, NJ, where you can unearth real fossils from 66 million years ago! Located at the former Inversand marl quarry, this unique site has yielded over 100,000 fossils, including sea creatures like mosasaurs, sea turtles, and marine crocodiles, shark teeth, and more. Guests are invited to dig and explore, discovering remnants of the catastrophic asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs and shaped our planet’s history. With hands-on excavation, you'll have the chance to keep five fossils from your dig, while paleontologists continue their groundbreaking research on-site.


Come prepared for an adventure! The experience lasts 75 minutes, and you'll need comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear—rubber boots are highly recommended for muddy or wet conditions. Whether you're a seasoned fossil hunter or a curious beginner, the Quarry offers an unforgettable glimpse into the world that existed long before us.

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general admission quarry

General Admission & Quarry Tickets

Add the Quarry Dig to your general admission tickets for an additional $25.

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quarry only digging

Quarry Only Tickets

Interested in just coming to dig? Our $40 Standalone Quarry ticket is for you!

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member quarry dig discount

Reserve Member Museum & Discount Dig Tickets

Members make museum reservations and add your discounted Quarry Dig for $20 (50% off Standalone Quarry). Make sure to add your Member number, discount applied at checkout.

Reserve Tickets & Add Discount Quarry Dig
member quarry dig only discount

Quarry Only Discounted Tickets for Members

Just coming to dig? Members may reserve discounted Quarry Dig tickets for $20 (50% off Standalone Quarry). Make sure to add your Member number, discount applied at checkout.

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What common fossils are found in the Quarry?

common fossils found
quarry tooth

UNEARTH REAL FOSSILS

from one of the most scientifically important sites for paleontology!

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QUARRY FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the Quarry Dig Experience


  2. When is Quarry digging season?

  3. The Quarry opens May 1st and closes around the end of October.



  6. What should I wear/bring?

  7. Get ready to get your hands dirty and have an adventure! Here's what you'll want to bring to make the most of your epic quarry experience:


  9. Sunscreen: Protect yourself while you dig in the sun—no one wants a sunburn to ruin the fun!

  10. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated as you uncover ancient treasures. Your water bottle is your best friend on this adventure. There will be water, hats, lip balm, water bottles, magnifying glasses, and sunscreen available for purchase at the fossil field station.

  11. Wipes/Towels: Things might get a little messy, so pack some wipes or towels to clean yourself up after your dig.

  12. Spare Shoes/Clothes: We recommend keeping an extra pair of shoes and clothes in your car to keep everything nice and clean for the ride home!



  15. Important Reminder: To help us keep the museum clean and enjoyable for everyone, we kindly ask that you save your Quarry Dig Experience for the end of your visit. If you happen to get too muddy, we may need to ask you to clean up before entering the museum. We will have storage containers next to the site for small personal items while you're busy digging, but leave at your own risk - EFM is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

  16. No personal or metal tools allowed. We'll provide plastic shovels and buckets for digging fun! So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the dirt, and let’s dig into the adventure of a lifetime! 🦖



  19. Do I need to dig deep?

  20. Luckily, we’ve done most of the hard work! Our quarry is already 45 feet deep – the perfect depth for uncovering amazing finds! So, when you're searching for fossils, you'll only need to dig a small hole; keep it shallower than your wrist to ensure you don't miss any treasures. After you've made your discoveries, please remember to fill in your hole to help us keep everyone safe. Happy fossil hunting!



  23. Can I keep what I find?

  24. You can take home up to five fossils from your dig! While we’d love for you to take home more, we’ve got to make sure there are enough for everyone to discover. But don't worry, you’ll leave with some amazing pieces of ancient history.



  27. What if I find something really cool?

  28. If you discover something truly special, EFM may keep it for scientific research, but you’ll get credit in our Collections notes and future displays. Your discovery could be famous!




  32. Can I just come to dig in the quarry?

  33. You may purchase a standalone quarry-only ticket here.



  36. What is EFM’s inclement weather policy?

  37. The Quarry Dig Experience is an outdoor, seasonal event operating from May to the end of October and is designed to be an all-weather experience. However, in the event of extreme weather conditions that could cause the Quarry to close, guests can either reschedule their experience within six months or receive a full refund. If weather delays occur but the Quarry reopens within a reasonable timeframe, no refund will be issued, though efforts will be made to provide the best possible experience. For more info on our inclement weather policy, visit www.efm.org/terms.