The Mammoth Site

The Mammoth Site is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the mission of preservation, research, and interpretation of the late Ice Age record found at our site in Hot Springs, South Dakota. We are the world’s largest mammoth research facility and one of the top fossil interpretive sites in North America. Over 60 mammoths (58 Columbian, 3 woolly) have been unearthed, along with at least 87 other Late Ice Age animals.

Discover The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota. You can tour this indoor active dig site and view Ice Age fossils. The Mammoth Site offers self-guided tours, enhanced educational experiences, and Summer Educational Programs. The Mammoth Site is open year-round

Take a self-guided tour of this indoor active dig site and view Ice Age fossils. The Mammoth Site offers self-guided tours using QR codes, a diverse Ice Age Exhibit Hall, The Paul Wittenberg Prep Lab, an enhanced educational experience with their AR Sandbox, Streaming Table, and Summer Educational Programs. The Mammoth Site is open year-round.

Educational programs include:

Jr Paleontology Program – designed for ages 4-12 allows children to become a Junior Paleontologist while they dig for fossil replicas. A guardian must accompany children and is required to purchase admission to the Mammoth Site.

Family Dig Program – designed for the whole family. In this class, families will work together to excavate fossils in a simulated dig site. Lead by a qualified guide, participants will learn how paleontologists discover and excavate a site, using the same tools we use in the Bonebed.

Atlatl Family Throw – This class is for participants 8 and older. Weather permitting, this class is held 7 days a week at The Mammoth Site from June 1st through August 15th. Sessions are held daily at 10 am and 3 pm. Closed-toe shoes are required. The Atlatl Family Throw allows families to test their skills with hunting technology first developed during the Ice Age. Participants in this program will learn how atlatls work, how they are used, and their history. Participants will also get to try atlatls out while conducting some Citizen Science!

Regular Museum admission is not included in the Atlatl Family Throw fee.

The Mammoth Site is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, & Christmas.

Hours:

Open Daily

May 15 – August 15

8:00 am – 6:00 pm

August 16 – August 31

8:00 am – 6:00 pm

September 1 – October 31

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

November 1 – February 28

9:00 am – 3:30 pm

March 1 – May 15

9:00 am – 5:00 pm