Events
Earth and Night Sky Celebration
April 1, 2026
We’re teaming up with some of our neighboring state parks to celebrate Earth Month and Dark Sky Month! Join us for this multi-location event to learn the importance of natural resources and why they need to be preserved for all to enjoy, both now and in the future!
9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
Join us at the Field House for a behind the scenes tour of the fossil preparation lab. The last tour will finish at 12:15pm. There will be fun tabletop activities for kids to learn about dark skies, geology and dinosaurs!
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Red Fleet State Park
In the afternoon, head over to Red Fleet State Park for an Interp discussion hosted by State Parks Rangers volunteers! This event will take place at the Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway site.
8:00pm – 10:00pm
Steinaker State Park
End the night gazing up at the cosmos, as we view our night sky through telescopes. The event will take place at the Day Use area parking lot.
For this event: Museum entry fee covers all events for the whole day; however, attending only the dark sky viewing at Steinaker State Parks incurs a $5 vehicle charge. The event hosted at the Dinosaur Trackway Site is free.
Contact the park if you have any questions!
Fossil Field Program
Are you fascinated with watching TV programs and online videos of fossil discoveries? Why not join our fossil (paleontology) field program and experience the excitement firsthand. Join museum staff as we explore the beautiful Uinta Basin and Mountains near Vernal Utah for dinosaurs, mammals, plants, insects, and other fossils (depending upon available sites). Participants will work along aside experts in the field of paleontology to collect specimens for the museum.
Who can participate: Anyone 12 years old or over, individuals ages 12-18 needs to be accompanied by a paying adult legal guardian; participants 16 and younger may not use power tools.
Program experiences details: Paleontology program will include, but not limited to, exploring for and collecting fossils (using standard professional techniques) for the museum, under adverse field conditions. Hiking in mountainous or badland terrain, where steep and rocky slopes exist will be part of the program. Bugs, hot temperatures, dusty environments, unpredictable weather and other natural elements will be encountered. Field techniques may include the excavation, collecting, and documentation of fossils. Heavy lifting, use of chisels and hammers, and operation of power tools is part of the excavation process. The application of adhesives and consolidants will occur. Participant may lift heavy objects over 20 lbs using equipment or by hand. Intermittent periods of sitting, bending, or standing may be possible. Participants will leave from and return to the museum each day.
Three-day Beginner Introduction Dig
This introduction to paleontology field work includes tours of the Utah Field House of Natural History museum facilities and Dinosaur National Monument as well as prospecting for new fossils and collecting a dinosaur bone in the Morrison Formation.
Day 1 – Tour Dinosaur National Monument quarry wall, rock art, and Josie’s Cabin; prospecting in the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation near Vernal; tour of the Utah Field House’s exhibits, lab, and collections.
Day 2 – Dig all day in the Morrison Formation near Vernal.
Day 3 – Dig in or explore the Morrison Formation in the Vernal area; maybe maybe cool off in the Green River at a boat ramp (bring your swim suite).
Number of Participant spaces available: 5
Minimum age: 12
Cost: $400/person; includes expert leadership, surveying for new fossil sites, and practical experience in collecting fossils. Equipment used in collecting/preparation will be provided. We accept cash or credit cards, and full payment must be received by 1 week prior to start date.
What Participants must provide: Lodging, meals, transportation (high clearance vehicles recommended) to sites, gas for vehicle, personal items such as work gloves, hiking boots, sunscreen, bug repellent, water containers, sunglasses, hats, coolers, etc.
Date: July 23–25, 2025
How to sign up or questions: Contact the museum at johnfoster@utah.gov or stevesroka@utah.gov or 435-789-3799, 496 E. Main, Vernal Utah 84078.