The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum (GPDM) is located in the rich land mass of Northern Montana where some the world’s most preeminent dinosaur fossils have been discovered.  A site and member of the Montana Dinosaur Trail, GPDM maintains permanent exhibits of dinosaurs and other prehistoric fossils to advance the visitors experience, allowing them to appreciate, enjoy and fully understand the rich prehistory  of this region.  The Museum also provides the rare opportunity for both youth and adults to explore, dig and excavate fossils with their staff and paleontologist partners in scheduled educational and dig programs.

The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum (GPDM) is governed and operated by volunteer board members of the Judith River Foundation, Inc.   The Foundation is an IRS exempt 510c3 non-profit corporation established in 2002.  The GPDM is not a municipal entity, is not affiliated with any higher education institutions, receives no general tax support, and is entirely self-funded through membership fees, admissions, dig and tour revenue and fundraising.

GPDM is guided by a mission to curate and prepare paleontological resources for use in educational programs, scientific research and interpretive displays in support of the advancement of knowledge and the benefit of all people.

405 North 1st St East | Malta, Montana (406) 654-5300 dinosaur@itstriangle.com
Dino Dig Programs

When was the last time you found yourself in a landscape so quiet that the only sounds came from the wind and birds? Have you ever seen land so vast that the horizon stretched off for 100 miles? Eastern Montana is truly Big Sky Country and home to countless dinosaur specimens.

Yes! You can Dig for Dinosaurs!

We offer dinosaur dig programs each year and many other educational opportunities for both children and adults. 

We are onboarding new staff for 2023 and still working on schedules our dig season.  Please email us at dinosaur@itstriangle.com, leave your name and contact information and we will connect with you soon.  

Click on the program links for historic information for our Junior or Family Program and/or Adult Dig Program

 Understand Your Options – “know before you go”

If you are considering joining a dinosaur dig, it is extremely important that you find out if you are participating with a regional non profit museum or recognized scientific institution. In Montana there are many dig opportunities offered by outfits that are in fact commercial collectors. These are businesses that legally collect and sell fossils. Many of these commercial organizations do work with paleontologists, partner with museums, take excellent scientific data, and have professionally recognized reputations.

Working with a museum such as the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum is a far more rewarding experience. Often field crews are acknowledged in scientific papers and reports, and more importantly you will be working with scientists directly to collect fossils that will one day go into displays or be the focus of scientific research. By working with a museum, you will literally be contributing to the future success of the scientific discipline of paleontology and the community/region it is located in. (if you have questions about any paleontology institutions or individuals, we strongly urge you to contact the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology at http://vertpaleo.org/)

We offer dinosaur dig programs each year and many other educational opportunities for both children and adults. 

We are onboarding new staff for 2023 and still working on schedules our dig season.  Please email us at dinosaur@itstriangle.com, leave your name and contact information and we will connect with you soon.  

Click on the program link for historic information for  on our Junior or Family Program and/or Adult Dig Program

 Understand Your Options – “know before you go”

If you are considering joining a dinosaur dig, it is extremely important that you find out if you are participating with a regional non profit museum or recognized scientific institution. In Montana there are many dig opportunities offered by outfits that are in fact commercial collectors. These are businesses that legally collect and sell fossils. Many of these commercial organizations do work with paleontologists, partner with museums, take excellent scientific data, and have professionally recognized reputations.

Working with a museum such as the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum is a far more rewarding experience. Often field crews are acknowledged in scientific papers and reports, and more importantly you will be working with scientists directly to collect fossils that will one day go into displays or be the focus of scientific research. By working with a museum, you will literally be contributing to the future success of the scientific discipline of paleontology and the community/region it is located in. (if you have questions about any paleontology institutions or individuals, we strongly urge you to contact the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology at http://vertpaleo.org/)

You are responsible for your own travel to Malta, and lodging, breakfast, and dinner in town. A 50% discount is offered to nonparticipating adults who accompany a participating minor.

The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum Supplies: 

  • sack lunch
  • water
  • transportation from museum to dig site and back
  • all tools and instruction necessary

Recommended Gear You Should Bring:

  • small back pack or tote bag
  • refillable water bottle
  • hat
  • neck scarf
  • light weight clothing
  • good boots or hiking shoes (caution with canvas shoes: there is cactus)
  • sunscreen
  • bug spray
  • camera
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