Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County
Ages: 4 and up
Cost: adult $8 | child (4-12) $4 | under 3 free
Parking: Yes
Features: Picnic Area, Outside Food Allowed, Shop, Snack Stand, Restrooms, Handicap Accessible, Family Friendly
The Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County is only a couple dinosaur-sized steps from the largest deposit of fossils on the West Coast. Digs in the nearby Fairmead Fossil Deposit are on-going: the first fossil found was a 500,000 year old Colombian Mammoth tusk, which is now on display at the center; recently discovered was the skull of what may be a new species of the Saber-tooth cat. Located in not-too-far-away Chowchilla, the center opened its doors in October of 2010 and is continually curating quite a collection of ancient relics.
Operated in conjunction with the San Joaquin Valley Paleontology Foundation, the Fossil Discovery Center is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 9am - 4pm. The Center is closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays.
