Fall Fossil Fest 2026, Camels and Other Mammals

Fall Fossil Fest 2026, Camels and Other Mammals November 6 & 7, 2026 This year’s Fall Fossil Fest is going to be a MEGA good time! We’re unveiling our new Megatylopus camel skeleton mount and we want you to be part of the celebrations. See Elmer in his glory, then spend time talking to experts from the Idaho Museum of Natural History, Idaho State University, and beyond at this year’s Fall Fossil Fest: Camels and Other Mammals! Friday evening’s keynote speaker this year is Meaghan Wetherell, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona’s College of Information Science. Meaghan she teaches courses in data visualization, science communication, and educational videogame design. She works remotely out of Central Washington, where she owns a growing herd of sheep whom she is training to carry packs so that they can go on backcountry expeditions with her and carry out all her heavy gear and fossils. Tickets are required, purchase tickets today. Saturday, November 7th tables will include scientists and experts from the Prehistoric Museum and the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Center from Utah, Dinosaur Ridge in Colorado, the College of Eastern Idaho, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and staff, students, and researchers from right here at ISU and the IMNH. In celebration of Elmer we are hosting Thunderstorm Ranch and two of their camels! Get up close to these amazing gentle giants for hugs and photos while learning about their unique adaptations to the desert and remarkable history. Experience each camels unique personality and get ready to fall in love. Our popular Cocoa and Critters is back this year with talks about new discoveries at Lake Powell that the Park Service, the St. George Dinosaur Site, and the IMNH have been making recently, new information about the fossils from American Falls Reservoir, and fossil mammals from far-flung corners of the globe! Tickets will be for sale at the door, Keynote Dinner Tickets Chewing on Ancient Oreos: What Oreodonts Can Teach Us About the Past November 6, 2026 6 to 8 pm $40 ICCU Bengal Alumni Center Oreodonts are common and diverse mammals that thrived across North America tens of millions of years after the Age of Dinosaurs came to an end. These adorable and ubiquitous fossils have even been found right here in Idaho and across the border in Oregon. Our guest speaker this year, Dr. Meaghan Wetherell, is one of the world’s experts in these animals. Her recent work on Oregon oreodonts has shown they had quite a few bite marks on their cheeks, and more than just playful nips! She will highlight this research and take us on an overview of this often misunderstood and completely fascinating group of animals. Join us November 6th for our keynote Fall Fossil Fest dinner, Chewing on Ancient Oreos. Dr. Meaghan Wetherell holds a Ph.D. in Geoscience from the University of Oregon with a specialization in Paleontology, focusing particularly on the ecology and evolution of hooved mammals. During her dissertation she did too much computer coding and statistics so now works as an Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona’s College of Information Science where she teaches courses in data visualization, science communication, and educational videogame design. She works remotely out of Central Washington, where she owns a growing herd of sheep whom she is training to carry packs so that they can go on backcountry expeditions with her and carry out all her heavy gear and fossils. Price includes dinner, lecture, a Q&A with Dr. Wetherell, and access to an exclusive raffle where replicas of Idaho’s dinosaur-aged fossils will be taken home by the lucky winners. Museum Members receive a 20% discount with code, email [email protected] if you did not receive your discount code. November 7, 2026 10 am to 4 pm We are excited this year to have the following partners: IMNH curators, affiliates, and staff Idaho State University faculty, staff, and graduate students from Biological Sciences, Geology, College of Education, and Department of Anthropology. College of Eastern Idaho Caribou-Targhee National Forest Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument The Prehistoric Museum at Utah State University – Eastern St. George Dinosaur Discovery Center Thunderstorm Ranch, bring two camels During the event we will have Cocoa and Critters Chat, four short informational talks from partners. Get a taste of the current scientific research happening in Idaho. Meet four fascinating scientists in an informal, interactive setting. Each scientist will discuss their research for 30-40 minutes, then lead a lively group Q&A discussion. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Adult – $12 Senior – $8 Youth (4-17) – $5 3 & Under: FREE ISU Students: FREE Museum Members receive a 20% discount on admission, all other discounts do not apply.