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 dinosaur@itstriangle.com

Adult Paleontology Program

Dig Dinosaurs & Explore Montana – 2026 dates announced!

Special 3 day dig – June 24, 25 and 26th, 2026

Traditional 5 day Dig – July 13 thru 17th, 2026

Tentative date of August 25 – 28th if appropriate staff can be secured.

2026 Details:

Dig Dinosaurs & Explore Montana with our Paleontologist and expert paleo team!

Our five-day program includes a 5 day hands one dig with Paleontologist, Harris Boekenheide at an active dig site in Hill County, Montana – one of the region’s richest fossil areas.   Details about the site and discoveries is forthcoming.  Register now to reserve your spot.  

$1200 per person for full 5-day program or  

$750 per person for 3 days – this includes June 2026 3 day option or first 3 days of July 2026 dig only (it’s important that you are there for first days instructions).

This will be our second year at the north Gilford, Hill County, Montana site and our Paleo team has been excited about their discoveries and progress on this  dig site and the surrounding area.

To learn more about or sign up for this truly unique paleontological opportunity in Montana, please email us at greatplainsdinosaurmuseum@gmail.com call  (406) 654-5300 (we do not officially open until May 1st, so please leave a detailed message and we will return your call.)

NOTE: There are no refunds on deposits for any reason unless minimum 6-person requirement is not met for each week. If you cancel, you will lose your deposit. Read full details below.

Online Booking Available Soon!Options for Kids Under 12

Dino Dig Details

Packages Include:

  • Digging equipment, sun shade.
  • Short haul transit to and from dig site back to Gilford, Mt.
  • Intensive 5 day dig with Paleontologist, Harris Boekenheide in the high plains of northern Hill County.  If weather conditions make site in accessible, we will work with participants to provide optional days of exploration of Malta, Montana & Phillips County and fossil preparation in our lab at GPDM in Malta

Not included. Attendees Must Provide/Arrange:

  • Transportation
  • Lodging (connect with us for options – there is minimal lodging in Gilford, but we can assist in arrangements and sharing accommodations among staff and diggers.
  • 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.  Full payment must be made before dig begins.
  • If the minimum requirement of 6 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 6 attendees per dig 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 greatplainsdinosaurmuseum@gmail.com  or leave us a message at (406) 654-5300.

Our 2025 Team – Jeremiah Robinson (Paleontologist), Tom Dill,  Paleo Intern), Harris Boekenheide (Paleontologist. )

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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