Please check back later for more information about the 2021 season.
The Big Dig is a one-of-a-kind, roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, paleontology experience offered by Hands On! Discovery Center and the East Tennessee State University Museum of Natural History!
Participants will have the opportunity to work alongside paleontologists and follow the process from beginning to end, from searching for fossils in the field to curating them in the museum collection.
For ages 14 to adult. Ages 14-16 must be accompanied by a paying adult, age 18+
Each participant will receive:
Participants will get to:
The area being excavated will include sediment that was collected from under the museum during building construction. For over a decade, the crew has been finding fossils from this site including tapir, elephant, rhino, and panda.
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to allow time for check-in at the front desk.
$125, per person
Space is limited. Reservations are required two weeks in advance.
Please select your date of choice to complete your registration.
Bring a copy of the email confirmation (printed or digital) with you on the day of the event, along with the signed waiver form, included in your confirmation email.
For more information or help with registration, please email reservations@visithandson.org.