Want a more personalized fossil hunting experience? Your small group (2 – 10 people) can book a private collecting expedition in the true style of field paleontology. Your guide — a knowledgeable and experienced member of our staff — will take you on a journey through our 54-acre park in search of a range of fossils.
During the two-hour guided tour, you’ll visit our most prolific spots where you’re guaranteed to find fossils — all of which you can keep for your collection. Your guide will also take you to some unexpected places, off the beaten path, to search for trilobites, brachiopods, corals, crinoids, and maybe some of our more elusive species. After the guided portion, you can remain on site to continue collecting at your leisure on days we are open to the public.
Included:
- Two-hour professionally guided expedition
- Tool and bucket rental for collecting
- One complimentary copy of ‘Field Guide to the Devonian Paleontology of New York’ by Karl A. Wilson for the group
Adults $79, Children $69, Members save 10% – please note that our ticketing software charges a 6% processing fee.
Private Expeditions are available for all ages but recommended for fossil hunters ages 10 & up. We can schedule an expedition for any day of the week, even when Penn Dixie is closed to the public. Advance booking is essential, but timing is flexible. Please book your tour as early as possible as availability can fill up quickly. Private Expeditions should be booked a minimum of two weeks before your visit, and there may be a 20% additional charge for tours reserved fewer than than two weeks from the desired date.
Since expeditions are outdoors, we recommend appropriate footwear (e.g., sturdy boots), seasonal dress in layers, sunscreen, shade hats (e.g., wide brim hats or pith helmets), and sunglasses. Adverse weather conditions affect our ability to provide private expeditions, especially during the winter months. If we must cancel your expedition due to weather, you will receive a full refund. Contact us if you have concerns about accessibility. We will work with you to plan an expedition best suited to your needs.
To request a Private Expedition outside of the listed availability, please call the office at 716-627-4560 or complete the form below.
