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Ranger Programs

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One of the best ways to experience a national park site is by participating in a ranger program! Fossil Butte National Monument offers a variety of ranger programs during in the summer months.

Fossil Preparation Demonstrations

To display fossils on exhibit takes a lot of work and patience. Join a ranger in our Visitor Center daily between 10am and 3pm to observe the process of preparing a fossil in person.

 

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Fossil Quarry Program

Ever wonder how fossils are found and collected? Join us in our scientific research quarry to learn more about ongoing research, and help look for fossils! While you cannot keep any fossils, you can contribute to science.

Available on Fridays and Saturdays from June 16 to August 26, from 11am to 3pm. Prepare to hike 1/2 mile up hill. Wear comfortable hiking boots, sunscreen, and bring drinking water and insect repellent. All fossils remain in the monument's museum collection for scientific study. Allow 1.5 hours for this program, reservations are not required. If you discovered a fossil while participating in this program, go here to view the data collected.

 

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Drop In Talks

Experience a National Park Service tradition and join a ranger for a short presentation exploring one of the many fascinating stories of Fossil Butte. Available on request at the Fossil Butte Visitor Center, daily from 10am-3pm. Programs are approximately 20 minutes long.
Programs include:

• Monument Exhibit Tour: learn more about our fascinating fossils with a personalized tour of over 300 fossils on exhibit.
• Fossil Butte Past & Present: explore the changes from an ancient tropical lake to a sagebrush steppe ecosystem that have taken place over time.
• Timeline Tour: geologic time can be a big concept, walk the timeline exhibit around the visitor center to learn about some of the highlights of earth’s past.
• Just for Kids: join a ranger for a program designed just for juniors to learn more about fossils!