Fossil Hunting Excursions

Dating from the Miocene Epoch - approximately 17 to 10 million years ago, the Stratford Cliffs are part of a rare geological phenomenon ranking among the most important fossil research sites in the Mid-Atlantic region. Whether you are a seasoned collector, or this is your first experience, Stratford Hall is the place for you! Spend a day hunting for fossils along the shores of the Potomac, explore the Stratford Cliffs, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the great outdoors!

Excursions are rated at a moderately strenuous to strenuous activity level requiring long periods of walking, hiking, standing, stooping, and bending. If you wish to access the further extremities of the beach, this will include climbing over or under washed up debris or felled trees. Minimum age requirements for all fossil hunting excursions are 8 years old. Any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Event Dates:

Sunday, May 12 (Registration opens April 1st)

Sunday, June 23 (Registration opens May 1st)

Saturday, July 27 (Registration opens June 1st)

Sunday, August 4 (Registration opens July 1st)

Sunday, October 6 (Registration opens September 1st)

Event Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Cost: $40 per adults and $35 per child (ages 8 to 13)

Age requirements: 8+ years of age

Availability: 40 slots per excursion

Fossil hunting excursions are weather dependent activities and Stratford Hall reserves the right to cancel excursions at any time. A full refund will be given unless the cancellation is due to inclement weather, in which case a reschedule date will be provided. All participant cancellations require a 48-hour email notice before the excursion takes place. Absence from an excursion is nonrefundable. Refunds are the sole discretion of Stratford Hall and will be considered in such cases where there is an illness or emergency. All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to Kelly Childress, Director of Education, at kchildress@stratfordhall.org.

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all Stratford Hall fossil hunting excursion. Registration for each trip will open a month in advance. To register, please visit our website at www.stratfordhall.org. Under the Events tab, click on Events and Programs, then scroll down until you find paleo excursions. Once registration has opened on the specified date, a link to purchase tickets will appear beside the excursion date.

Additional information will be provided via email prior to your visit. Please contact Kelly Childress at kchildress@stratfordhall.org with any questions regarding Stratford Hall’s fossil hunting excursions.