Where collection is allowed
The North Dakota Geological Survey runs public fossil digs at announced sites and publishes registration, age, safety, and event requirements.
Locations rotate and are disclosed through the current program. Join the notification list and use only the route and arrival instructions sent for a registered dig.
Tools, limits, and timing
Tools and methods
Use tools, stabilizers, and excavation methods supplied or approved by NDGS staff. Do not independently prospect around the dig.
Amount and use
Fossils and their data are scientific resources; assume finds remain with the program unless staff expressly say otherwise. Participation is not a permit for later collection.
Season and current status
Events are normally scheduled in summer and fill quickly; use the current waitlist and event page.
Rules to confirm at the site
- Register before attending.
- Meet the event age rule.
- Remain with the assigned crew.
- Turn every find over for documentation.
An old webpage, saved map, app layer, social post, or prior visit cannot override a current closure, posted boundary, permit condition, mining claim, staff instruction, or landowner decision.
What makes the site geologically useful
Each rotating site represents a particular North Dakota rock unit and ancient environment, so the official briefing—not a generic locality list—defines what participants may encounter.
Position, orientation, association, and sediment can be as important as the fossil itself.
A low-impact trip plan
- 1
Open the current official source and check alerts before leaving home.
- 2
Confirm the property boundary, parking location, and activity rules on arrival.
- 3
Begin with observation or surface searching and make the smallest possible disturbance.
- 4
Photograph context before handling any material that the current rules allow you to keep.
- 5
Pack out every item you brought and leave protected or uncertain material in place.
Site-specific preparation
- Expect sun, heat, wind, rough ground, and repetitive hand work.
- Bring every item on the program packing list.
- Stop excavation immediately if staff identify an unstable or delicate find.
Official sources
Open every relevant source shortly before departure. Fees, booking windows, fire rules, seasons, roads, and collection conditions can change without notice.
- Current public fossil dig program North Dakota Geological Survey
Access and rule review: September 18, 2026. This guide is educational planning information, not a permit, reservation, boundary survey, or legal opinion.