Field Trips / Group Tours

Penn Dixie’s guided tours are led by our trained staff and volunteers who provide age-appropriate presentations on the history of planet Earth. Participants will learn about deep time, extinct life, Western New York’s environment during the Devonian Period and – of course- fossil collecting! Your group will experience earth science in a unique, hands-on, outdoor setting, so be sure to dress for the weather! All geological specimens found during field trips may be kept by participants. Our group tours typically last 2 hours, but can be adapted to shorter lengths to meet your group’s needs.

From mid April to late October, we welcome:

  • School groups (Pre K-12 through college)
  • Homeschool co-ops
  • Day care groups
  • Scout and youth organizations
  • Special needs groups
  • And more!

Our group tour rate is $10 / person. 1 free teacher/chaperone is included with every 10 participants, and additional adults are $10 each. For groups of 10 or less participants, a flat rate of $100 applies. Payment for group tours must be made in one transaction. We accept cash, card, and business checks.

Trips that are not booked by formal educational institutions (schools, colleges, etc.) are subject to a deposit of $100. The remainder of your trip’s balance is due before or on the day of your visit.

A covered picnic pavilion is available for use on most days for group’s to use for lunch. There is a $25 fee to reserve the picnic pavilion for a 30 minute lunch time. There are two large picnic tables & a number of backless benches underneath the pavilion, and there are more picnic tables located just outside the pavilion. We have hand sanitizer at the pavilion as well as a garbage can for trash – you do not need to pack out your group’s garbage. Penn Dixie staff remain with your group during lunch time. You must request use of the pavilion when submitting your booking request.

Any changes to your reservation, including final group numbers, must be made 48 hours prior to your scheduled visit. If your group cancels without giving 48 hours notice, we still will pursue payment for your scheduled trip. Notice of any changes or cancellation must be emailed to our Program Director at robin@penndixie.org. Any trips canceled by Penn Dixie will receive a full refund.

To book a group tour, please use the form below or call (716) 627-4560. Bookings must be requested 2+ weeks in advance.

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Spring Homeschool Day

Monday May 4, 10 am to 1 pm

Rain date: Wednesday May 6, 10 am to 1 pm

Learn about the geological history of Western New York at Penn Dixie! This special program for homeschoolers includes a complete educational tour of Penn Dixie led by our trained educators. All participants are welcome to take home all the fossils they find!

Registration opens late March and is $6 per student — save $1 per student with early registration. Children must be accompanied by an adult. There is no charge for children aged two and under. Program is for grades 1-12; please specify your child’s grade when registering. Register by Monday April 27 to receive $1 off admission. Registration closes at 5 pm on Friday May 1.

The program begins promptly at 10 am; check-in at 9:30. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow for check-in, bathroom use, other preparations. Younger siblings of students are welcome. One free adult/chaperone is included with every registered student. Siblings and additional adults are welcome at $6 per person.

Fossil hunting tools are provided to all attendees. We encourage you to bring your own bucket or bags to store fossils.

Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate registrations made after May 1.

Refund policy: In the event of light to moderate rain, the program will take still place as scheduled. Guests are advised to wear boots and rain gear. If there is heavy rain or we detect lightning on site, the program will be rescheduled to the rain date. We will make this announcement via email and over our social media. If both programs are canceled by Penn Dixie due to weather, all guests will receive a refund. Otherwise, our usual cancellation policy applies.