WELCOME TO THE AURORA FOSSIL MUSEUM


Our March 01, 2024 - May 19, 2024 Hours of Operation are:
Tuesday - Sunday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
We are closed on Mondays for maintenance and repairs.

We will also be closed on Easter Sunday (March 31) and we will be closed May 20 - 24 to prepare for the 2024 North Carolina Fossil Festival (May 25-27).



Please note that the Fossil Park and Fossil Pits have the same operating hours as the Museum.

Although admission is free for both the museum and fossil park (where the pits are located), we appreciate donations and purchases in our gift shop to help with our operating costs (employee wages, utilities, park/grounds/building maintenance, security, etc.).

When you arrive at the museum, please park in our parking lot and check in at the museum. We like to welcome everyone and visitor count is crucial for a nonprofit.

Please follow the park rules that are posted in various locations in the park.

Screen size maximum is 12 inches x 12 inches,
no large shovels/digging tools (handles have to be less than 36 inches).
A garden trowel and/or small garden rake work best.

The pits are outside; one in full sun, one in shade. Sunscreen and protective sun shade gear are recommended.

Picnic tables are available for picnic lunches.

The Aurora Fossil Museum is excited to welcome visitors to Aurora, North Carolina and we ask that you please follow all safety guidelines in place during your visit.

For more information please contact us at the following:
Mailing address:

Aurora Fossil Museum
PO Box 352
Aurora, NC 27806-0352

Telephone:
252-322-4238

Email:
info@aurorafossilmuseum.org

The Aurora Fossil Museum Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization appreciates your support to help us continue to provide a free, safe, fun, and educational experience for all. Please consider making a donation to support us.



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The Aurora Fossil Museum, founded in 1976, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) science education resource center. Our mission is to educate the public about paleontology in an engaging manner while emphasizing the natural and cultural history of Eastern North Carolina.
We accomplish our mission through exhibits, interactive inquiry-based activities, outreach programs, events, field studies, and our Fossil Festival held annually on Memorial Day weekend.

Aurora Fossil Museum - Main Museum


The main museum houses a wide variety of Miocene and Pliocene marine fossils with most displays showcasing specimens collected from the neighboring Nutrien Phosphate Mine (formerly known as Texas Gulf Sulfur, PCS Phosphate, PotashCorp). Featured in our shark hall are the remnants of the terror of the Miocene-Pliocene seas, C. megalodon!

Dig for your own fossils in the Pits of the Pungo!


Located directly across the street from the Main Museum is our Fossil Park. Within the park are our own fossil pits, affectionately dubbed the "Pits of the Pungo". These large pits, consisting of fossiliferous material donated by the neighboring Nutrien Phosphate plant, offer visitors the opportunity to search for and discover their very own Miocene age fossils! In these fossiliferous pits, one may discover the remains of ancient sharks, whales, bony fish, and coral just to name a few.

Spend the day being a Paleontologist and take home a piece of the past!


During your visit to the Aurora Fossil Museum, please talk with our friendly staff and browse through our charming Gift Shop for souvenirs of your time at the Aurora Fossil Museum. Your Gift Shop purchases and donations help the Aurora Fossil Museum continue our tradition of being an admission free museum!



Aurora Fossil Museum © Copyright 1976-2024 All Rights Reserved

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