Dig deep into Madera County’s past at the Fossil Discovery Center, which showcases some of the most valuable archeological findings in California and the Western United States.
Madera County’s Rich Heritage
The county’s reputation as an important archeological zone dates back to 1993 when crew members working on a landfill expansion project discovered a Columbian Mammoth tusk estimated to be 500,000 to 780,000 years old.
More fossils would be discovered at the site, including the remains of saber-toothed cats, pronghorns, camels, and dire wolves. These would be referred to as the Fairmead Fossils, after the small town in which they were found.
With over 15,000 fossils and counting, it was one of the most astounding fossil beds in California, along with the famed La Brea Tar Pits.
As paleontologists worked on the Fairmead Landfill site, they realized that the area contained enough fossils to keep them occupied for another two decades. Aside from the fact that there are few fossil beds from the Middle Pleistocene period, experts rarely saw such a diverse range of animal fossils in one place.
The San Joaquin Valley Paleontology Foundation was established that same year as a result of this amazing discovery. The organization operates and maintains the Fossil Discovery Center, which was opened just across the street from the original dig site in 2010.
Here you’ll find exhibits that offer a glimpse into prehistoric life in the San Joaquin Valley.
Aside from fossil exhibits, the center also has additional displays in the form of rocks, minerals, and Native American artifacts from the surrounding areas.
A Haven for Curious Minds
When going on a guided tour of the center, you and your companions will be ushered into a small theater, where you will watch a film on the original dig site and the creatures that roamed the valley during the Pleistocene era.
You’ll also receive brochures giving an overview of the exhibits waiting to be explored. Many of the fossils found at the dig site are kept behind glass, while life-size recreations of mammoths and Western camels stand in the halls.
Children will especially love the interactive exhibits like the paleo lab, where they can play archeologist and dig for small fossils in the sand.
There’s also a mock dig site in the outdoor area, where the kids can do some more digging for replicas of the fossils in the exhibits.
The center hosts educational programming and events throughout the year, including:
- Fossil Fest
- Dragonfly Festival
- Science Literacy Camp
- Stargazing evening
- Teachers’ Reception
- Mother’s Day Celebration
- Father’s Day Celebration
Click here to see their schedule of events.
Another highlight of the center is the Mammoth Orange, an orange-shaped burger stand that was previously a Highway 99 landmark and was salvaged from the storage yard. The last of its kind in California, the Mammoth Orange serves fresh lemonade, shake, and juice burgers to hungry museum guests.
Fun for The Entire Family
Ticket prices as of November 2019 are as follows:
Adults: $9
Children 3 years and below: Free admission
Students: $5
Seniors and military: $7
Mock dig: $4 plus admission
Membership gives you year-long access to the center along with a discount at the gift shop. Click here for more details.
Madera County Fossil Discovery Center
19450 Ave. 21 1/2
Chowchilla, CA
559.665.7107
Info(at)MaderaMammoths(dotted)org
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