It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, fossils are always worth geeking out about. If you’ve been on the hunt for a fascinating destination that can appease all members of the family, then this unique fossil center will definitely be up your alley. Here you can learn all about those gigantic creatures that once roamed the earth and peruse exhibits full of ancient fossils. This little-known museum is the definition of a hidden gem and it’s definitely worth seeking out, so plan a little family field trip soon!
Hiding in Madera County is an awe-inspiring destination that both young and old will find themselves utterly fascinated by. Chock full of old fossils and other fascinating artifacts, the Fossil Discovery Center is bound to please your inner paleontologist.
Most people don't realize Madera County is the site of one of the largest middle-Pleistocene fossil excavations in North America. This is definitely notable considering there are few fossil sites in the world that have been discovered from this specific time period—500,000 to 780,000 years ago.
In fact, the discovery of these fossils was made just over 20 years ago when a crew working at the Fairmead Landfill discovered a giant mammoth tusk 12 feet below the surface. All in all, 15,000 fossils were discovered at the landfill, including horses, Western camels, saber-toothed cats, and other long extinct animal species.
The museum provides the perfect opportunity to see these fossils for yourself. Opened in 2010, the fossil center gives visitors a unique insight into what prehistoric creatures roamed the San Joaquin Valley during the Ice Age.
Inside the discovery center you'll find an abundance of fascinating exhibits. The 13-foot mammoth replica or the 14-foot Western camel are bound to make you feel tiny in comparison.
The cool thing about this museum is that little ones can get a hands-on experience of what it takes to excavate and preserve fossils. You could easily spend a large chunk of time brushing away at old bones and trying to figure out what animal they belonged to.
Admission to the museum is just $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and military, and $5 for students. Kids 3 years old and younger get in for free. It's definitely a small price to pay to look at some impressive California history!
The Fossil Discovery Center is a little-known attraction that will leave you baffled in the end. You're never too old for a field trip, so be sure to check out this unique destination soon. Address: 19450 Ave 21 1/2, Chowchilla, CA 93610.
