Nestled in the heart of southern New Jersey, the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum offers an unparalleled journey into the age of dinosaurs. Officially opened on March 29, 2025, this state-of-the-art facility invites visitors of all ages to explore the rich paleontological history of the region, featuring over 100,000 fossils from more than 100 species. Rowan Today
🦖 A Glimpse into the Cretaceous Period
The museum’s exhibits transport guests back 66 million years to the late Cretaceous period, showcasing life-sized reconstructions of prehistoric creatures that once roamed the Earth. Highlights include:
- Dryptosaurus: The first-ever Tyrannosaur discovered, found in Mantua, NJ.efm.org+1https://www.inquirer.com+1
- Mosasaur: A marine reptile with a remarkable 6-foot skull unearthed nearby.efm.org
- Astrodon: A juvenile sauropod, offering a glimpse into the massive herbivores of the era.
These exhibits are complemented by immersive galleries, including the Dinosaur Coast and Monstrous Seas, which bring the ancient world to life. efm.org+1efm.org+1
🧪 Hands-On Experiences for All Ages
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum emphasizes interactive learning, offering a variety of engaging activities:NBC10 Philadelphia+3Rowan Today+3Rowan Today+3
- Quarry Dig Experience: Available from May to October, this 90-minute adventure allows guests to excavate real fossils in the historic marl quarry, guided by expert paleontologists. NBC10 Philadelphia+2efm.org+2Rowan Today+2
- Virtual Reality Expeditions: The Expedition Voyager VR experience lets visitors embark on a free-roaming journey back to the Cretaceous period, collecting scientific samples while navigating the prehistoric landscape. https://www.inquirer.com+2efm.org+2efm.org+2
- Discovery Forest & Critter Cove: Explore interactive exhibits and encounter live animals, providing insights into the ecosystems that existed millions of years ago. efm.org+1Rowan Today+1
🎟️ Plan Your Visit
- Location: 66 Million Mosasaur Way, Mantua, NJ 08080Rowan Today+2efm.org+2NBC10 Philadelphia+2
- Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. efm.org
- Admission:
- Adults: $29efm.org
- Children (ages 3–12): $24efm.org
- Children under 2: Freeefm.org
- Quarry Dig Experience: $25 with museum admission; $40 standalone; $20 for membersRowan Today+2efm.org+2efm.org+2
- VR Experience: $25 Rowan Today+2efm.org+2efm.org+2
Due to high demand, it’s recommended to reserve tickets in advance. efm.org
🌿 Sustainability and Community Impact
The museum is committed to environmental stewardship, featuring geothermal and electric systems that significantly reduce its carbon footprint. It also serves as a hub for scientific research and community engagement, offering educational programs that inspire visitors to advocate for a more sustainable future. Rowan Today
🧭 Why Visit Edelman Fossil Park & Museum?
Whether you’re a lifelong dinosaur enthusiast or introducing a young explorer to the wonders of paleontology, Edelman Fossil Park & Museum offers a captivating and educational experience. With its blend of interactive exhibits, immersive environments, and commitment to sustainability, it’s a must-visit destination for families, educators, and science aficionados alike.
For more information and to plan your visit, please visit efm.org.
