The Mammoth Site is a hidden gem that most adults may not have on their itinerary. We were nearing the end of our road trip and several changes on our trip left us with some extra time. For every road trip I always have a list of “other adventures” handy in case we have this opportunity. The Mammoth Site is in Hot Springs, South Dakota and just a few miles south of Wind Cave National Park.
Do You Really Want to Go?
So you look for itinerary items for two adult empty nesters. Oh look, dinosaurs. An awesome visit if we had young children. That was our thought too. But hey, what the heck. Better than sitting in the hotel room. So off we go to see the dinosaurs.
Parking and Costs
Parking is ample and no concern. The center is open depending on time of year so check the website before attending. The center opens between 8am to 9am and closes usually between 5pm and 6pm, except during the winter when it may close earlier. The costs is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors (60 and older).
How Long For a Visit?
You can easily enjoy the tour and activities with 1-2 hours, but it is really worth the time invested in the center. Currently the tours are self-guided with an app that you can download upon arrival with the center’s free wifi.
What to Do During Your Visit
After downloading the app we immediately went into the research area. Once you open the door you are indoors and under a roof, but you are in the middle of an archealogical dig. We started our self-guided tour, but very quickly became interested in more than just the mammoths. It is incredible the amount of mammoths that are concentrated in one place. Understanding why here? How the owner of the land understood the significance of the site and sold the land back for research.
We watched as graduate students sat in the dirt and carefully exposed. The bones are actual bones and not fossils or petrified remains. They are very brittle and require great care. We watched and realized the significance of their work. The size of the mammoth bones and tusks were really impressive. After our tour, we passed a research room with several young adults working on bones. Several had opened their windows which we took as an invitation. We began talking to them.
What We Learned?
Graduate students in archeology come to do experiential learning at this site. They showed us their work and how them may or may not know what they were trying to restore. Careful study goes into each fragment no matter how small. They talk about their most exciting discover. Or maybe they tell you a story about what the bone is and where it is located on a mammoth. They talk about how fortunate they feel to be able to work with the site and gain experience with discovery and research.
Why Visit?
Yes, you will be surrounded by tons of kids who are more impressed with the plastic model. But this is an experience that we never realized should be on our bucket list. Make sure you talk to the researchers and ask their stories. It was a highlight of our day and would go back any time we were in the area.
