Paleo Prep
Paleo Prep is a hands-on experience that allows you to learn the detailed task of fossil preparation.
You’ll go behind the scenes into the Wyoming Dinosaur Center preparation laboratory, where you will receive a tour of the lab and see the amazing projects the staff and volunteers are working on. At your lab station, you’ll find all the tools you will need, along with a fossil you will be working on. Most fossils are from long-necked sauropods (Camarasaurus, Diplodocus, Apatosaurus). Your guide will introduce each of the tools and demonstrate the preparation techniques you will use to remove the matrix, the hard rock encasing the fossil.
You will work on your fossil for the duration of the three-hour program, and your guide will work right alongside you and be available for any questions or preparation tips. At the end of the program, your guide will lead you out of the lab. The program fee includes admission to the museum, so you are welcome to tour the museum before and after your program.
The Paleo Prep program operates September 16th through May 13th from 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Starting May 14th through September 15th, the Paleo Prep program operates from 9:00 am to noon Monday through Friday. Arrive 15 minutes early to fill out the necessary paperwork and meet your guide. The Paleo Prep Program is open to all ages, regardless of experience; however, a parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone under age 18.
The program is limited to first come-first serve, with a maximum of 8 people per session. The program cost is $80.00 per person, and this includes museum admission.
Our staff will be on hand to answer questions and to help at all times. Tools are provided, and everyone is required to wear closed-toe shoes (tennis shoes or hiking boots). You will not be allowed to participate if you are wearing sandals, flip-flops, crocs or any open toes shoe.
Your registration fees will be refunded if you cancel outside of 30 days, minus a $25.00 cancellation fee, or we will work with you to reschedule your program if possible.
Can’t find the information you need? Please call us directly at (800) 455-3466.