Beginner bird watchers and expert ornithologists alike are invited to join us on Saturday, May 4th for a morning of birding at Penn Dixie led by our friends from Wild Birds Unlimited! We will explore the park’s woods and wetlands in search of spring migrants and year-round residents. This program is scheduled from 9 am – 11 am and is free for everyone. We will be meeting at the check-in pavilion next to the parking lot before we start our avian adventure. Space is limited, registration is required Curious about what bird species have been reported at our park in the past? Check out the list he ..read more

Saturday April 27th, 2024 – 9 am to 4:30 pm Join us on April 27th for the opening day of Penn Dixie’s 29th season! Celebrate spring with the #1 fossil park in the U.S., collect Devonian Period fossils, and enjoy a day exploring the outdoors. Penn Dixie is open from 9 am – 4: 30 pm. The first tour departs at 9:15 am; subsequent tours are held every 30 minutes. Tours are free with admission and provide visitors with an overview of Penn Dixie’s history, both contemporary and prehistoric, and show guests how to find Devonian Period fossils. The final tour is 2:45 pm and the park closes at 4:30 pm ..read more

With due regard to the millions of Americans who are traveling to hundreds of cities and towns along the path of totality, we regrettably must announce the cancellation of the total solar eclipse on April 8. This difficult decision was made, in part, because The Moon has been having second thoughts about blocking sunlight across such a wide swath of the North American continent. Ironically, The Moon has observed us and determined that the hassle of making this special and historic traverse is just not worth it. As a result, April 8 will proceed like any typical day – with the usual sunrise and ..read more

Introducing Penn Dixie’s newest program – Junior Geologist Expeditions! Modeled after our popular Private Expeditions, Junior Geologist Expeditions are geared specifically for young rockhounds and paleontologists! Your small group (2 – 10 people) can book a private, 2 hour long expedition in the style of field geology. Your guide — a knowledgeable and experienced member of our staff — will take you on a journey through our 54-acre park to explore Penn Dixie’s unique geology and collect 380 million year old fossils. On days when we are open to the public, you can remain on site to continue coll ..read more

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Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Natural Reserve is a top-ranked destination for science enthusiasts of all ages! With a mission of hands-on science education, we encourage our visitors to learn about the natural world in an outdoors setting. Our programs emphasize natural history — including geology and paleontology, ecology, and astronomy. We serve 18,000 guests annually, including many who travel across the country to dig our fossils and explore our park. We are now accepting applications for educators for the 2024 season! Educators are the initial connection that visitors have with Penn Dixie ..read more

The Hamburg Natural History Society is thrilled to announce the largest gift in the society’s history: an $827,000 grant from Erie County for the construction of a permanent bathroom facility at Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Reserve. Awarded under the Erie County Cultural Capital Grant program, grant funds will be applied towards ongoing development of a smaller parcel within the larger 54-acre park. The 4-acre parcel is currently undergoing phased construction, with the end goal of completing a new entrance and parking area on Jeffrey Blvd. in Hamburg. Phase 1, featuring site work to bri ..read more

Now booking for spring – summer! The first available date for our spring season is April 22nd. Penn Dixie’s guided tours are led by our trained staff and volunteers who provide age-appropriate presentations on the history of planet Earth. Participants will learn about deep time, extinct life, Western New York’s environment during the Devonian Period and – of course- fossil collecting! Your group will experience earth science in a unique, hands-on, outdoor setting, so be sure to dress for the weather! All geological specimens found during field trips may be kept by participants. Our g ..read more

Do you want to learn more about the upcoming total solar eclipse? Join us on Tuesday, January 30th and Monday, February 19th for Witnessing Wonder: Exploring the Total Solar Eclipse! Explore the conditions that happen to create different types of eclipses, what it means to be in the path of totality, and how to safely view this memorable occasion. Every participant gets a pair of solar viewing glasses! Both programs will be held in the Gateway Building auditorium (3556 Lake Shore Rd, Blasdell, NY 14219) and run from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Registration is not required. Thanks to the generosity of o ..read more

Do you want to learn more about the upcoming total solar eclipse? Let Penn Dixie bring the excitement of this rare celestial event to your group with our newest outreach program Witnessing Wonder: Exploring the Total Solar Eclipse! We’ll explore the conditions that happen to create different types of eclipses, what it means to be in the path of totality, and how to safely view this memorable occasion. Witnessing Wonder can be geared towards audiences of all ages and can be customized to meet the needs of your group. Please note that adult programs have a cap of 60 participants and children’s p ..read more