Dig Into History: Unearthing Fossils at the Pit of the Pungo
Explore the Aurora Fossil Museum and the Pit of the Pungo for a hands-on fossil digging adventure. Unearth ancient marine treasures and deepen your understanding of North Carolina’s coastal history in an engaging, outdoor classroom experience.
Trail Tips
Bring Your Own Digging Tools
A garden trowel and a sifter enhance your fossil hunting experience by allowing you to carefully uncover delicate finds without damage.
Wear Sturdy, Closed-toe Shoes
The terrain in the Pit of the Pungo can be uneven and occasionally muddy, so appropriate footwear prevents slips and provides comfort.
Pack Sun Protection and Hydration
The site offers limited shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water especially during warmer months to stay protected and hydrated.
Plan Ahead for the Museum Hours
Check opening times before visiting as the digging area and museum have specific hours, and the Fossil Festival attracts larger crowds annually.
Dig Into History: Unearthing Fossils at the Pit of the Pungo
The Aurora Fossil Museum offers more than a glimpse into North Carolina’s coastline’s deep past—it invites you to physically connect with it. Located just outside the coastal town of New Bern, the museum and its adjacent Fossil Park present a rare chance to dig in the Pit of the Pungo, a designated fossil-rich area where the earth is alive with stories waiting to be uncovered.
Bringing your own garden trowel or a sifter isn’t just recommended; it’s essential. The soil here, part of a unique geological formation, guards fragments of ancient marine life that once roamed the seas—sharks’ teeth, whale bones, corals, and shells all wait just beneath the surface. The activity blends a hands-on adventure with educational insight, as the nonprofit museum’s mission encourages visitors to engage more deeply with the history of North Carolina’s coastal evolution.
The digging experience is open to all skill levels, making it accessible to families and fossil enthusiasts alike. The ground invites you to carefully sift and scratch, rewarding patience with tangible pieces of prehistoric life. The Pits themselves are a modest physical challenge; firm footing and shade from nearby trees help moderate the experience even on a warm day.
Beyond digging, the museum buildings shelter more secrets. The mine room reveals layers of geologic time through rock formations beneath Aurora, effectively grounding your discoveries in their broader environmental context. Afterward, the gift shop offers curated artifacts and fossils—memories of earth’s ancient chapters you can take home to remember the day.
For planning purposes, arrive prepared for changing weather typical to coastal North Carolina: light clothing layered with waterproof options and sturdy footwear that can handle uneven terrain. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for both digging and photography, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
This hands-on fossil excavation balances the thrills of discovery with practical learning about coastal natural history. When the soil pushes back, respect it as a fiercely patient storyteller; when you uncover a fossil, you’re literally touching the past. Digging in the Pit of the Pungo transforms a museum visit into an active dialogue with the ancient world beneath your feet, leaving you with more than memories—evidence.
Recommended Gear
Garden Trowel
A small digging tool to carefully extract fossils and petite artifacts from the soil.
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Fossil Sifter
Allows sorting through soil gently to reveal hidden fossils without damaging them.
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Sturdy Closed-toe Shoes
Protect feet from uneven terrain and potential sharp shells or rocks.
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Water Bottle
Hydration is critical, especially in warm weather and during sustained physical activity.
summer specific
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep the fossils I find in the Pit of the Pungo?
Yes. The Aurora Fossil Museum encourages visitors to keep and take home any fossils they find within the designated digging areas, making your discoveries personal souvenirs.
Are there guided tours or expert assistance available while digging?
While expert guides are not present in the digging pits regularly, museum staff are available for questions, and annual festivals offer educational programs and more guided experiences.
What is the cost to enter the Aurora Fossil Museum and dig in the pits?
Admission to the museum and access to the digging pits is generally free or based on donations, supporting the nonprofit mission. Special events like the Fossil Festival may have a fee.
Is the digging area suitable for children?
Absolutely. The pits are family-friendly and safe for children with adult supervision. This hands-on activity is popular among families looking for educational outdoor adventures.
What types of fossils are most commonly found here?
The Pungo River formation yields marine fossils such as shark teeth, whale vertebrae, coral fragments, and various shell species, dating back millions of years.
When is the best time of day to dig for fossils?
Early morning or late afternoon offers cooler temperatures, softer natural light, and fewer crowds, making it easier to focus on digging and spotting fossils.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "Explore the museum's mine room for a rarely seen look at Aurora’s underground geological layers."
- "Behind the museum, a secluded trail leads to a creek where local birdwatchers often spot migratory species."
Wildlife
- "Keep an eye out for eastern box turtles crossing paths."
- "Various shorebirds and occasional bald eagles can be spotted soaring overhead."
History
"The Pungo River formations represent a prehistoric shallow sea environment. The area encompasses important paleontological records that contribute to understanding marine life and climate shifts in prehistoric North Carolina."
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