at Mastodon State Historic Site
Museum
Inside the museum, visitors can view exhibits that discuss the archaeology and paleontology of the site. Guests can also watch a short film that provides an overview of the site’s history. The film is approximately 15 minutes long and is typically played every half hour. However, if the auditorium is being used for interpretive programming, the film may not be available. Please call the site office at 636-464-2976 to check availability.
Click here for information about museum fees and hours.
Special Events
The historic site hosts many special events throughout the year, including some designed specifically for audiences such as toddlers and homeschoolers. Events often focus on archaeology, paleontology, geology or the outdoors.
Click here to see the events calendar.
Field Trips and Group Programs
School Field Trips
The site offers field trip programs for school groups of all ages (preschool to college), including homeschool groups. Field trips are free for students, teachers and chaperones. Eligible schools are encouraged to apply for the Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program to alleviate the cost of transportation.
The standard field trip focuses on the paleontological and archaeological significance of Mastodon State Historic Site. An interpreter will give a presentation about the prehistoric inhabitants of the area, during which students will get an up-close look at replica skulls and will have an opportunity to ask questions. Students will then have a chance to explore the museum exhibits before heading out for a 0.5-mile guided hike on Wildflower Trail. During the hike, an interpreter will discuss how the environment and landscape of the area have changed since the time of the mastodons. The hike can be substituted with an accessible indoor activity.
The standard field trip lasts approximately 90 minutes and can accommodate up to 120 students. Groups of 40 or more will be split into separate groups.
Groups of 30 students or fewer are encouraged to try a specialized program. Specialized field trips are 90 minutes long and can be adjusted to accommodate different grade levels.
- Geology and Paleontology: Students will watch a demonstration on how fossils are made and will view fossils found in Missouri, including some found at Mastodon State Historic Site. They will then hunt for fossils in the museum scavenger hunt. Finally, depending on the students’ ages and the group’s interests, students will either “dig for fossils” in sand tubs or embark on the site's guided Geological Eras Tour – a 0.5-mile to-scale hike reviewing planetary and evolutionary history. The Geology and Paleontology program is available ONLY on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Archaeology: An interpreter will lead a hands-on program to teach students about the science of archaeology. Students will learn how archaeologists study and make conclusions about the past. If the weather permits, the field trip will end with a demonstration of the atlatl, an ancient spear-throwing tool. After the demonstration, students will get to practice using an atlatl. The Archaeology program is available ONLY on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Creek Ecology: The group will meet at the picnic shelter off Seckman Road to learn about the biological communities found in freshwater creeks. After a brief presentation, including hands-on activities about watersheds and water pollution, students will sample for macroinvertebrates in Rock Creek. The program will end with a group brainstorm on how to protect aquatic resources.
Virtual Field Trips
Can’t make it to Mastodon State Historic Site? No problem! Site staff are happy to schedule virtual field trips for schools and other groups. An interpreter will present information about the site’s paleontology and archaeology and will leave time for questions. Virtual field trips are available ONLY on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Youth Organizations
Youth organizations, such as Scout groups, are welcome to visit the museum during regular hours. Groups that schedule their visit in advance will be offered free admission for all participants, including chaperones. Pending availability, an interpreter may give a presentation, provide a museum tour, and/or lead a hike along the site's 0.5-mile Wildflower Trail. Interpreter availability is limited on the weekends.
Youth organizations are welcome to schedule field trips, including specialized programs and virtual field trips, on weekdays in the summer. As indicated in the descriptions above and in the "Scheduling" section below, some field trips are available only on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Other Groups
Trips for other groups of 10 more people, including senior groups and retirement homes, can be booked at the group rate ($3.50 per person for ages 13 and up). To qualify for the group rate, groups must schedule their trip at least two weeks in advance. Pending availability, an interpreter may give a presentation, provide a museum tour, and/or lead a hike on Wildflower Trail. Interpreter availability is limited on the weekends.
Scheduling
Field trips are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Site staff prefer to host field trips, especially those for large groups, on Mondays and Tuesdays. Geology and Paleontology field trips, Archaeology field trips, and virtual field trips are available ONLY on those days.
To schedule your field trip or group tour, call the site office at 636-464-2976 or email the site interpreter at Emily.Lange@dnr.mo.gov.