2026 Fossil Collecting with the New Jersey State Museum

The New Jersey State Museum is pleased to offer another season of fossil hunting with Dr. Dana Ehret, curator of Natural History and vertebrate paleontologist! The fossil collecting trips are being offered 10:00 am - 12:00 noon on June 27th (sold out,) July 18th (rescheduled to August 29) or August 15th 2026, at Big Brook Preserve in Colts Neck, NJ.

Dr. Ehret and guests will collect and learn about prehistoric marine life, including fossil sharks! Families are welcome and encouraged to attend, but all attendees must have a ticket, including parents/guardians and children.

Big Brook Fossil Preserve is known by fossil collectors along the East Coast as a hotspot for fossils from the Age of Dinosaurs. What better way to explore the area than with a New Jersey State Museum paleontologist? You'll learn the techniques of fossil collecting and Dr. Ehret will help you identify your discoveries.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the site. Water and snacks will be provided. Tools will be made available but you may bring your own, provided they meet the specifications set by Colts Neck Department of Recreation and Parks. 

Full details, including GPS location/address, waivers, what to wear, bring and expect, will be sent in a confirmation email from Dr. Ehret the week of your event.

Cost: $15, children under 5 years of age are free. If you are bringing a child under 5, please make sure you provide that information during the reservation process.

• All children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult and ALL participants MUST have a paid ticket.

• Museum Members enjoy a 50% discount! Contact Melissa.Mantz@sos.nj.gov before making your reservation to confirm membership status and receive the discount code.

• Advance reservations are required and space is limited. EVERYONE who attends must be a paid participant. All participants must sign a waiver to attend. 

• Full refunds will be provided should we need to cancel the trip for any reason. If you or anyone in your party finds they are no longer able to attend, please contact our office at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance of your trip date for a full refund. NO refunds will be provided for late cancelations.

• There is one rain date, August 22nd, if it becomes necessary to cancel a date.