Uncover Ancient Wonders: Fossil Tracks Await You in New Jersey
Travelers can dig for ancient dinosaur fossils in New Jersey. Searching for these prehistoric remnants not only nourishes curiosity but also connects one to Earth’s extensive history. Families eager for adventure can visit the Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University (EFM) in Mantua, New Jersey, where they are invited to hunt for treasures that are millions of years old.
On March 29, the museum will unveil a unique opportunity for aspiring paleontologists. Visitors will have the chance to sift through layers of earth, uncovering fossils that have been dormant for 66 million years.
Admission prices are tailored for everyone: Explorers aged 13 and above will pay $29, while Junior Explorers aged 3-12 can join the fun for $24. Toddlers aged 2 and under have free access—a thoughtful consideration for families.
Upon entering the museum, guests will immediately be captivated by the vastness of the exhibits. The excitement buzzes through the air like electricity.
*According to geologist Dr. Kenneth Lacovara, the EFM stands out due to its proximity to a real fossil site. “The museum is built adjacent to a four-acre fossil quarry,” he explains. Here, he states, visitors can observe real paleontological excavations in progress, witnessing the meticulous work of scientists dedicated to uncovering history.*
Visitors partake in the thrill of discovery. Dr. Lacovara emphasizes that each participant is guaranteed a 66-million-year-old fossil to take home, adding a personal touch to each visit. With an estimated 100,000 fossils on site representing over 100 species of prehistoric marine and terrestrial animals, the possibilities feel endless.
“There aren’t many opportunities nowadays that allow you to get outdoors and in close contact with nature,” he reflects. This quarry fossil dig is more than just a fun family activity; it’s an invitation to reconnect with the world and contemplate our role in protecting its future.
The enjoyment extends beyond simply digging. Visitors also get a behind-the-scenes look at paleontologists at work, including Rowan researchers engaged in the painstaking process of cleaning and cataloging newly discovered fossils. Such glimpses into the scientific method foster a deep appreciation for the dedication enveloped in these fossil finds.
While dinosaur fossils spark excitement, other geological gems beckon explorers across the United States.
On another adventure, in July, the Barnet family ventured to Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park. During their quest for gemstones, Will and Marshall Barnet unearthed a dazzling 2-carat diamond—a moment of joy that echoed the excitement felt by over 35,000 successful treasure seekers who have discovered diamonds here. Nestled in Murfreesboro, this park’s expansive 37-acre field offers a channel for dreams to flourish, charging a modest $15 for adults and $7 for children.
For those seeking a touch of adventure along with their mining experiences, Role Coleman Mining in Jessieville, Arkansas, provides not only crystal mining but also a zipline to glide over stunning crystal formations just below. The prices here are friendly: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and an incredible $5 for kids aged 7-15.
Seekers of something unique can venture to other states like Nevada and New York, both of which have their own distinctive mining experiences to offer. If you find yourself along the coastlines of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina, searching for fossilized shark teeth becomes a thrilling possibility. Venice, Florida, claims the title of the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.”
Planning an early morning treasure hunt at the beach can significantly improve your chances, especially during low tides or after storms when the ocean tempers are more likely to reveal hidden treasures. Those patient enough to sift through the sands will likely discover that treasures often lie just beneath the surface, where the ocean’s tide laps at the shore.
With a small shovel in tow, one can dig deeper for those elusive finds—the kind that, once discovered, fills not just a collection but a heart with joy. Whether you’re a curious child or a reflective adult, the simple joys of exploration remind us of our connection to nature and the past.
