An Ice Age sinkhole in the Black Hills, excavated in place and roofed over, holding more than sixty mammoths, fifty-eight Columbian and three woolly, alongside at least eighty-seven other late Ice Age species. It is the largest mammoth research facility in the world and an active dig, so visitors watch real excavation from a walkway in any weather. Admission is fifteen dollars for ages 13 to 59, fourteen for over sixties and military, thirteen for children.
Hands-on options are the summer Junior and Advanced Paleontologist programmes and the Family Dig at forty-eight dollars plus tax per family, up to six people with an adult present. Note the honest caveat: the family digging happens in a prepared simulated pit with plaster and dirt, not in the bonebed itself. Indoor and accessible, which makes it the safest choice for a rainy day or slow walkers.
Address: Hot Springs, South Dakota
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