QUARRY FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the Quarry Dig Experience
When is Quarry digging season?
The Quarry opens May 1st and closes around the end of October.
What should I wear/bring?
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:
Sunscreen: Protect yourself while you dig in the sun—no one wants a sunburn to ruin the fun!
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.
Wipes/Towels: Things might get a little messy, so pack some wipes or towels to clean yourself up after your dig.
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!
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.
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! 🦖
What should I expect on the day of my Quarry dig?
Please arrive at the outdoor Fossil Field Station approximately 10 minutes before your scheduled time slot. Your experience will last around 75 minutes and includes orientation, digging, and fossil identification with our Explorer Guides.
Do I need to dig deep?
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!
Can I keep what I find?
You can take home up to three 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.
What if I find something really cool?
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!
Can I just come to dig in the quarry?
You may purchase a standalone quarry-only ticket here.
Can I come down to the quarry and just watch my kids dig?
Anyone going down into the Quarry will need to purchase a ticket (with the exception that 2 years of age and under are free). Also, please note that children under the age of 16 must have a parent or guardian present with them in the quarry.
What is EFM’s inclement weather policy?
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.