Penn Dixie will close at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 due to excessive heat. Final entry is at 12:45 PM
Category: Blog
Stargazing in Hamburg
Join us at Penn Dixie for an out-of-this-world experience! Our astronomers, along with our friends from the Buffalo Astronomical Association – will map the night sky — including stars, planets, constellations, and deep space objects — for you using a variety of telescopes and specialized equipment.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, warm clothing, blankets, a flashlight, and food/beverages. We’ll have plenty of telescopes, but you can bring yours along, too, if you’d like some expert advice. All ages welcome. Registration is not required.
Please plan to arrive a few minutes before the scheduled start time so that you have time to use the restroom and set up your lawn chairs / blankets. If you arrive after the start time, we ask that you dim your headlights when pulling into the parking lot.
Check our social media (Facebook & Instagram) for weather-related updates. Stargazing will be cancelled in the event of rain or heavy cloud coverage.
2026 Dates:
- June 20, 9-11 pm – Rain date: June 27, 9-11 pm
- July 25, 9-11 pm – No rain date
August 15, 8-10 pm(cancelled due to clouds) – Rain date:August 22, 8-10 pm(cancelled due to rain)- September 19, 7-9 pm – Rain date: September 26, 7-9 pm
Thanks to the generous support of the Town of Hamburg, there is no charge for our evening astronomy programs.
Thinking about purchasing a telescope? This telescope guide offers some great suggestions from Penn Dixie astronomer Ernie Jacobs. You can also download our Astronomy Night guide — also prepared by Ernie Jacobs — to learn more about our programs.
Summer Hours
The sun is out! This summer, Penn Dixie is open to the public from Wednesday through Sunday beginning June 24 and continuing through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026. We are closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays. We are open on Friday June 19 and Saturday July 4. After September 7, we return to weekends-only through the final day of the season, Sunday September 27.
During our season, the park opens at 9 am and closes at 4:30 pm. A 20-minute guided tour is included with all admissions. Tours are offered every 30 minutes; the first tour departs at 9:15 am and the final tour departs at 2:45 pm. There is no public entry after 2:45 pm. After your tour, you are welcome to stay and collect fossils until the park closes. Basic collecting tools and a souvenir bag are provided to all patrons.
| Adults | Adult, Erie County Residents | Seniors (62+) | Military | Students | Children (3-17) | Members |
| $25 | $20 | $17 | $17 | $17 | $15 | FREE |
Each General Admission includes:
- A 20-minute tour led by a professional educator
- Unlimited fossil collecting at the #1 fossil park in the USA
- Use of basic fossil collecting tools (trowel and bucket)
- Fossil ID card
- Souvenir cloth bags to store fossils
- Safety briefing
Full information regarding hours and rates can be found here: https://penndixie.org/hours-and-rates/
New to fossil hunting? Not quite sure what to expect from Penn Dixie? Wondering what to bring? Check out our frequently asked questions page: https://penndixie.org/faq/
Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve is generously supported by Erie County and the Town of Hamburg.
Paul Moretti
1956 – 2026
With heavy hearts we announce the death of our colleague and friend, Paul Moretti, who passed away on March 7.
Paul began his time with Penn Dixie in 2017 as a volunteer then quickly became involved with leading school field trips and stargazing programs. His role grew to include just about everything; he was most recently involved in guiding our upcoming construction projects.
If you spoke with Paul once then you’d know about his passion for astronomy and science education. We offer our condolences to Paul’s family and friends. He will be missed.
Photo Credits: Construction images, Mark Castner. Astronomy images, Pat Crants. Tour images, Graycliff Conservancy, Explore & More, and Penn Dixie.
Obituary
https://www.lombardofuneralhome.com/obituaries/paul-j-moretti
Town of Hamburg Moment of Silence
https://hamburgny.new.swagit.com/videos/377490
The announcement begins around 1 hour, 20 minutes and 48 seconds.
Seasonal Educator
Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Natural Reserve is a top-ranked destination for science enthusiasts of all ages! With a mission of hands-on science education, we encourage our visitors to learn about the natural world in an outdoor setting. Our programs emphasize natural history — including geology and paleontology, ecology, and astronomy. We serve 18,000 guests annually, including many who travel across the country to dig our fossils and explore our park.
Educators are the initial connection that visitors have with Penn Dixie. Educators are responsible for introducing Penn Dixie to guests, from admission to departure. The ideal candidate is driven to provide an outstanding learning experience for visitors of all abilities and backgrounds. Educators are expected to be friendly, helpful, and consistently maintain a positive attitude despite the challenge of working outdoors with large groups of visitors. Candidates do not need a formal background in geology or paleontology, but must be willing to learn.
Please note that this position is seasonal and part-time. Priority will be given to applicants who are available from April – September and are able to work at least 12 hours per week. This position pays $16.50 / hour.
Essential Functions
- Provide tours for guests (various group sizes)
- Demonstrate enthusiastic and welcome behavior at all times.
- Greet guests, accept admissions, conduct introductions, guide guests throughout the site.
- Monitor and enforce safety rules.
- Ensures cleanliness and organization throughout the site, including, but not limited to, collecting, cleaning and sorting fossils, organizing gift shop merch, garbage pick up, light trail maintenance.
- Provide excellent customer service and be knowledgeable in Penn Dixie’s science, history, and programming (training provided).
- Explain and promote Penn Dixie programs, membership, gift shop merchandise, birthday parties, and special events.
- Respond to guest needs immediately, including issues requiring first aid.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Documentation of U.S. citizenship or proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.
- Obtain criminal background check clearance.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including some weekends, holidays and evenings.
- Knowledge or interest in science and / or education.
- CPR and First Aid certifications (may be provided if employee is not currently certified)
- Must have your own reliable transportation to/from work.
Experience, Skills and Personal Qualities Required
- Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Comfortable speaking in front of groups
- Exceptional customer service skills
- Detail-oriented
- Reliable and punctual
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
Physical Demands
- Speaking in small and large groups
- Walking and standing outdoors, sometimes for extended periods
- Bending/stooping frequently
- Dealing with highly variable weather conditions
- Ability to lift/carry up to 40 lbs
To apply, send a resumé and cover letter to our Marketing and Development Coordinator, Matt Wheaton at matt@penndixie.org
Applications will be accepted through March 6th, 2024