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.

2024 Annual Update

Check it Out!

405 North 1st St East | Malta, Montana (406) 654-5300 [email protected]

Adult Paleontology Program

Dig Dinosaurs & Explore Montana – 2025 Dates & Details Coming Soon!

Online Booking Available Soon!Options for Kids Under 12

Dino Dig Details

Packages Include:

  • Digging equipment
  • Short haul transit to and from dig site back to Grass Range. (or to and from Malta MT for Days 4 & 5)
  • Intensive 3 day dig with our Director of Paleontology, Harris Boekenheide in the Little Snowy Mountains and two optional days of exploration of Malta, Montana & Phillips County!

Not included. Attendees Must Provide/Arrange:

  • Transportation
  • Lodging (cost for lodging in Grass Range will be divided among participants. We can provide recommendations for lodging options in Malta).
  • Meals & Snacks (cost for groceries will be divided among participants)
  • Personal Items (proper footwear, clothing, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, etc.) See complete list here.

Policies, Cancellations & Deposits:

  • Participants must be age 12 or older and able to hike short distances on rough terrain and sit on the ground.
  • All youths (under 18) must be accompanied by an appointed guardian and standard fees apply for each.
  • Advance registration with a $200 deposit is required for all dig participants.
  • If the minimum requirement of 4 participants for each week is not met, you will be notified, and deposit will be returned.
  • Fees are not refundable for your cancellation or inability to participate. You will forfeit your deposit. We will only refund deposits if a minimum of 4 attendees do not register.
  • Please reserve your spot ASAP as space is limited.

Note: Is your child younger than 12? Please go to the Museum’s “Junior Paleontologist Program.”

For reservations and more information, please email us at [email protected] or leave us a message at (406) 654-5300.

(our former Director of Paleontology, Dr. Cary Woodruff, with pedal (foot) bones from a Tyrannosaurus found during our 2018 Hell Creek Formation dig)

Reserve my Spot Online!Options for Kids Under 12

Recommended Gear for the Dino Digs in Montana:

  • 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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