Saturday, May 17, 2025 - 5:30am to 6:30pm

Members-Only Fossil Expedition

Members of Cranbrook Institute of Science
are invited on a day-long fossil-hunting adventure in Alpena, MI!

Dig for your very own fossils while learning dig site etiquette, tools of the trade, safety protocols, fossil identification, excavation techniques, and the history of the area. Join award-winning paleontologist, author, and storyteller “Paleo Joe” for a fun and unique experience. Cranbrook Institute of Science fossil experts will also be on hand to share insights and expertise.

Expedition Date: Saturday, May 17th, 2025
Cost: $275.00 per member

Schedule for the day

5:30am – Meet at Cranbrook Institute of Science
6:00am – Depart Cranbrook Institute of Science on Charter Bus
9:30am – Arrive in Alpena, and meet up with Paleo Joe
10:00am – Travel to Site # 1 - Middle Devonian site that is in the Potter Farm Member of the Alpena Limestone Formation
Our guide, Paleo Joe, will briefly describe the area during the Devonian 350 million years ago, including some of the beautifully preserved fossils you will find here, which are from a storm deposit.
11:00am – Travel to Site # 2 - Rockport Quarry Limestone Formation.
11:30am – Lunch and briefing at Rockport.
12:00pm – Dig at Site #2
This is a larger site with much larger fossils, and some light rock breaking may be needed. It is a 1-mile walk to the quarry and back to the car at this site, so be prepared to carry what you need in and out.
2:30pm – Dig ends and depart back to Cranbrook Institute of Science
6:30pm – Arrive at Cranbrook Institute of Science.

Important Notes


Food/Beverage Provided with Your Registration

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided
  • Water and snacks will be available throughout the day

What to Wear and Bring

  • Hiking shoes - sneakers are ok but NO OPEN-TOED SHOES are allowed. Steel-toed shoes are preferred.
  • Long pants. We will be in a quarry, and knee scraping is a possibility.
  • Sun Block, hat, and sunglasses.
  • Water bottle and additional food items if you wish.
  • Poncho in case of rain.
  • Newspaper if you wish to wrap fossils for transport.
  • Backpack
  • Dress for the weather. This is a rain-or-shine event. However, heavy rain may require the event to be rescheduled. Make sure to check the weather in Alpena that morning! The temperature in Alpena may be quite different from the temperature in Bloomfield Hills.

Attendee Information

  • Participants must be 12 years or older. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • All participants will receive a fossil collecting tool kit, commemorative bucket, and protective eyewear.
  • All participants are required to ride to and from the expedition on the Institute of Science bus. You may not drive separately.
  • All participants must sign the Alpena Dig Waiver
  • All participants must provide emergency contact information to Cranbrook staff.

Cancelation Policy

  • Before April 17th: Full Refund
  • April 17 – May 5th: 50% Refund
  • After May 5th: No Refunds
  • In the event of cancelation by Cranbrook Institute of Science, every effort will be made to reschedule the event. If participants are unable to join during the rescheduled date, or a new date cannot be identified, a full refund will be issued.

Not a member yet, but want to participate in this experience? Click below to explore our membership options. All membership levels are welcome to join this expedition!