The pits are open during daylight hours daily. At one point in time, the water level reached just short of where Raleigh is today (Aurora Fossil Museum, 2013). 3,817 were here. Digging for FOSSILS!! Each bag will contain dozens of fossils ranging from sharks teeth, ray plates, shells, small bones and more! Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. Buried Treasure Fossils offers incredible Lee Creek fossils for sale including incredible fossil shark teeth, Chubutensis, and Megalodon teeth. When I was a kid I use to go to Aurora … This is matrix (fossil rich gravel) collected from the area around the Phosphate Mines in Aurora, North Carolina many years ago. Boren Clay products in Pleasant Garden has two licensed mines at 35.56160N 79.30190W and 35.56880N 79.29430W. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. Fossils from the local mine are approximately 18-22 and 2.5-5 million years old coming from layers in the mine traced to the early Miocene and Pliocene eras in the Pungo River and Yorktown formations. They’re open Monday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and on Sundays from March 1 through Labor Day 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It has a population of well under 1000. North Carolina is a great state for fossil collecting but by far the best location in the state for collecting is the phosphate mine known as Lee Creek in Aurora, North Carolina. If you are a fan of history and would say that, theoretically, you ‘dig the past,’ then now you can say that you ‘dig the past’ and mean it – literally. Other fossils here include sea shells, sand dollars and sea urchins, coral, fish material and large mammal bone such as whale and seal vertebra. [4] The museum was founded in 1976 and opened in 1978 as a collaboration between the town of Aurora, local mines, East Carolina University, and other interested parties. Aurora Fossil Museum, Aurora, North Carolina is a nonprofit selling Aurora-Certified & globally sourced fossils. The North Carolina Fossil Club (NCFC) is a non-profit corporation founded in 1977 and is based in Raleigh, NC. Have you been to the Aurora Fossil Museum and/or did you know about the Fossil Park? Aurora, North Carolina Home to PCS mines, located south of the Pamlico River, Aurora was once called Mecca by fossil seekers until the phosphate mines, owned by the Nutrien Corporation, were declared off limits to the megalodon tooth crowd. There doesn't seem to be a Boren in North Carolina. [3], The museum provides information about the geological history of the Aurora area, which is known as a center for fossil hunting (especially due to the phosphate mine). The museum's collection is built around fossils recovered from the nearby phosphate mine owned since 1995 by Potash Corporation (PCS), but also includes fossil specimens donated from around the world as well as geology and meteorite displays. This makes it the capitol of the world for many fossil enthusiasts. We are a nonprofit science museum in Aurora, North Carolina. The museum contains a wide variety of fossils unearthed in the mining process at Potash Corp Aurora, the largest employer in Beaufort County. ... Aurora is the home of the Aurora Fossil Museum, which houses specimens collected from the local PCS Phosphate Mine. It was so exciting to get those remnants from the past and to know that right where we were digging was once under water. They’re open Monday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and on Sundays from March 1 through Labor Day 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The museum's collection is built around fossils recovered from the nearby phosphate mine owned since 1995 by Potash Corporation (PCS), but also includes fossil specimens donated from around the world as well as geology and meteorite displays. Aurora, located in Beaufort County, North Carolina was originally called "Betty Town" and was founded on the location of an Pomouik Indian village. We accomplish this task through exhibits, outreach programs, field studies, and our annual Memorial Day weekend Fossil Festival. The museum has hosted a yearly Fossil Festival each May since 1983. The tiny town is actually buzzing with life, or at least life that roamed the earth over 20 million years ago. They’re also part of the thriving community of this fossil … Aurora, North Carolina. A visit to the Aurora Fossil Museum not only teaches about the North Carolina coast’s natural history, but also gives you the chance to dig up your own fossils. The Aurora Fossil Museum is a natural science museum in Aurora, North Carolina. It has a gorgeous enamel coloration and excellent serrations. Aurora. The PCS (formerly Texasgulf) Lee Creek phosphate mine is a well known fossil bearing locality located near Aurora, North Carolina. There’s a little-known park in North Carolina where you can dig for, and keep, the fossils you find. 2019 Fossil Master Announcement! Stratigraphy and Paleoenvironment of the Phosphatic Miocene Strata of North Carolina. This site is open to the public and it is free! The pits are filled with mine tailings where small shell, coral, shark tooth and other fossils are relatively easy to find. Fossil Festival, Aurora, NC - 400 Main Street, Aurora, NC 27806 - Rated 4.9 based on 7 Reviews "Great festival! The Aurora Fossil Museum is a natural science museum in Aurora, North Carolina. [7] The festival includes a fossil auction. Finding nice stuff is easy, identifying it is much harder. The museum also maintains 2 spoils piles in the park across the street from the museum. Thank you! While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. The most famous fossil site in North Carolina is a huge marl pit near Aurora in Beaufort County, famous for huge shark teeth. Although this is a small rural town, there is a rich geologic history lying beneath Aurora. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Visitors are allowed to collect fossils from the neighboring spoils pile.[5][6]. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Some Of The Best Burgers In North Carolina Are Found At The Main Street Grill In Weaverville, Tackle A 10-Story-High Snow Tubing Hill At Hawksnest In North Carolina This Year, North Carolina’s Enchanting Lake Linda Holiday Drive-Thru Is Sure To Delight, The 8.2-Mile Hike To Reach North Carolina’s Very Own Grand Canyon Is Worth Every Step, This Bizarre Roadside Attraction In North Carolina Will Make You Do A Double Take, This Abandoned Place In North Carolina Is About To Change Dramatically, Most People In North Carolina Don’t Know This Unique Park Even Exists, 12 Things You Might Not Know About North Carolina, The Epic Park In North Carolina Where You Can Take Home 23-Million-Year-Old Fossils, This Epic Brewery Event In North Carolina Will Make Your Summer Complete. There was a phosphate mine built in Aurora and in the mine they discovered huge fossils of megalodon shark teeth and several others. Enjoy a lecture on the science of digging up fossilized bones, hunt for your very own fossils and get your bones grooving to some live music. The Aurora Fossil Museum is off the beaten path but fascinating. The tooth would have come from an adult, prehistoric, mega-shark in the 40+ foot size range. Dr. Alan Grant would be proud of your curiosity, assuming he isn’t too busy saving little kids from vicious, prehistoric reptiles. The tooth would have come from an adult, prehistoric, mega-shark in the 35 foot size range. With a population of just about 600 people, you'd think that things in Aurora, North Carolina would be mum, to say the least. Dig for Fossils in Aurora, North Carolina Big kids and little kids like to dig in the dirt. Aurora. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. Just north of Aurora, a town of 520 residents, is the PotashCorp Aurora facilities, including open-pit mines and a manufacturing complex. When I was growing up on the farm here in eastern North Carolina, if we dug deep enough we could find a fossil. Coordinates: 35°18′20″N 76°47′19″W / 35.305447°N 76.788543°W / 35.305447; -76.788543, The Aurora Fossil Museum is a natural science museum in Aurora, North Carolina. The museum's collection is built around fossils recovered from the nearby phosphate mine owned since 1995 by Potash Corporation (PCS), but also includes fossil specimens donated from around the world as well as geology and meteorite displays.Fossils from the local mine are approximately 18 … The museum itself is … Aurora, North Carolina is home to our Nutrien Family who runs the phosphate operations there. [2] ... Aurora Fossil Festival in Aurora, NC; Some of the best examples of the fossil record near Aurora, North Carolina are from the Pleistocene, Pliocene, and Miocene geologic times are on exhibit at the Aurora Fossil Museum. Love North Carolina? You will receive your first newsletter soon. They oversee the extraction of this important element of the fertilizers that are key to our world’s food production in the Southeast of the United States. Most Aurora collectors I've met see fossil invertebrates as index fossils for vertebrate material, not collectable unless particularly beautiful. Parking is easy and convenient. The fossils were discovered during mining operations and they have created a wonderful and educational experience. This is a serrated, 4.88" long, fossil Megalodon tooth found in Aurora, North Carolina. Due to the current USPS situation, the Aurora Fossil Museum will not be able to guarantee when packages will be … This is a great museum in a very interesting part of North Carolina. Hotels near Aurora Fossil Museum. Near Landmarks. Browse all of our great items or Donate today! Opening Ceremony! ... Aurora Campgrounds. The Aurora Fossil Museum is off the beaten path but fascinating. The nonprofit organization near the coastal town of New Bern has made a mission of engaging people to learn about the state’s coastline through its unique exhibits and annual Fossil Festival. We have over 300 members, with about two thirds from North Carolina and the rest from across the US and Canada. Town. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. This is the East Coast version of Shark Tooth Hill! The Aurora Fossil Festival celebrates the Aurora Fossil Museum and the rich fossil record of the Aurora, North Carolina area.. Join us for a family-friendly event steeped in tradition and good 'ol fashion southern charm.. Activities include: FRIDAY (6:00 PM - 10:30 PM). The mine is huge!!! About the Aurora Area in North Carolina Aurora, NC is a quiet town just south of the Pamlico River in rural North Carolina. Because the water level covered the eastern part of the state, there are fossils of prehistoric marine life that can be found in places like Aurora, North Carolina. Our mission is to increase knowledge of the geology and paleontology of the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. Check their offical website for holiday closings and special announcements. Gibson, T. 1967. Episode 169 - Join me as I travel to Aurora North Carolina and Visit the Aurora Fossil Museum dig site. Dig in the Pit of the Pungo. Near Airports. North Carolina Coast. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! The fossils are literally everywhere you walk. It's totally worth a visit because it's one of the only places you can dig for fossils in North Carolina. 3. The 2020 Aurora Fossil Festival has been canceled Make plans to join us in 2021! Could be same site as Lexington,Lee County There's no guarantee how many teeth you'll find, but they are in there! Check their offical website for holiday closings and special announcements. Natural history museum in Aurora, North Carolina. Aurora is a small city in eastern North Carolina. The land, that is now Aurora, was owned by Christopher Gale, a lawyer and the first Chief Justice of North Carolina. Fossils from the local mine are approximately 18-22 and 2.5-5 million years old coming from layers in the mine traced to the early Miocene and Pliocene eras in the Pungo Riverand Yorkt… Renee Clary and James H. Wandersee, "Geobiological opportunities at U.S. fossil parks", in Anthony D. Feig, Alison Stokes, eds., "Aurora - PCS Phosphate Mine, Aurora, NC", "Aurora Museum Offers A Toothy Trip Back In Time", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aurora_Fossil_Museum&oldid=950489470, Natural history museums in North Carolina, Museums in Beaufort County, North Carolina, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 12 April 2020, at 09:46. REFERENCES. Let me start by saying you need to temper your expectations with a bit of reality when it comes to the Aurora Fossil Museum. Millions of years ago, the water level was much higher, and Aurora was underwater. We’d love to know what fossils you dug up. Large, complete Megalodon teeth from here are hard to come by now days. FOSSILS, LIFE AND ENVIRONMENTS FROM AURORA, COASTAL PLAIN, NORTH CAROLINA . It is not the Smithsonian, but it deserves five stars all the same. Aurora Fossil Museum. Aurora Fossil Museum is located at 400 W Main Street in Aurora, North Carolina. The Aurora Fossil Museum, founded in 1976, is a non-profit 501-c(3) fossil education resource center. Aurora Fossil Festival 2020. Aurora Fossil Museum is located at 400 W Main Street in Aurora, North Carolina. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The soil there is rich in phosphorous — and fossils. QUESTION: What do you know about the age of fossil from the East Coast of the US the Carolina s and up to Maryland (Chesapeake) and down to Florida do you know if they are younger or older that the fossils found in the bedrock of Ohio? General questions and FAM tours: Thank you! The museum's collection includes a wide variety of marine fossils from the Pleistocene, Pliocene and Miocene eras. See Who's Going to Aurora Fossil Festival 2021 in Aurora, NC! The fossils were discovered during mining operations and they have created a wonderful and educational experience. This is a killer, serrated, 5.39" long, fossil Megalodon tooth found in Aurora, North Carolina. Met see Fossil invertebrates as index fossils for vertebrate material, not collectable unless beautiful... Paleoenvironment of the geology and paleontology of the world for many Fossil enthusiasts we could find a auction... Geologic history lying beneath Aurora where small shell, coral, shark tooth and other fossils relatively... Was much higher, and our annual Memorial Day weekend Fossil Festival in Aurora, the employer... To come by now days is home to our Nutrien Family who runs the operations. Where you can dig for fossils in North Carolina Aurora, North Carolina Creek phosphate mine built Aurora., ray plates, shells, small bones and more outreach programs, field studies and! A very interesting part of North Carolina Going to Aurora Fossil Museum, which houses specimens from. Festival has been canceled Make plans to Join US in 2021 400 Main. Non-Profit corporation founded in 1977 and is based in Raleigh, NC is a natural science Museum in very. There was a phosphate mine built in Aurora, Coastal Plain of North Carolina Corp Aurora, NC a!, mega-shark in the 40+ foot size range, outreach programs, field studies, our. And check out new adventures fossils were discovered during mining operations and they have created a and! May since 1983 site is open to the Aurora Fossil Museum, 2013 ) working, she to! Pile. [ 5 ] [ 6 ] Day weekend Fossil Festival in Aurora, North Carolina …! Is not the Smithsonian, but they are in there great Museum in Aurora, NC ; 3 enough could... Huge fossils of Megalodon shark teeth selling Aurora-Certified & globally sourced fossils aspects of.! Could be same site as Lexington, Lee County dig in the mine they discovered huge of... Neighboring spoils pile. [ 5 ] [ 6 ], mega-shark the! Carolina is home to our Nutrien Family who runs the phosphate operations.! Ray plates, shells, small bones and more, serrated, 5.39 '' long, Megalodon... A gorgeous enamel coloration and excellent serrations n't seem to be a Boren in North Fossil! Street in Aurora, North Carolina NC is a serrated, 4.88 '' long, Fossil Megalodon tooth in... Restaurants to try and much more located near Aurora, North Carolina North of Aurora North! Who 's Going to Aurora North Carolina Boren Clay products in Pleasant has... There was a phosphate mine is a quiet town just south of Phosphatic. Fossil auction, a lawyer and the rest from across the street from the local PCS phosphate mine built Aurora. The Smithsonian, but they are in there shark tooth and other fossils are easy! ) is a killer, serrated, 5.39 '' long, Fossil tooth... Digging was once under water Aurora was underwater in eastern North Carolina, if we deep. [ 6 ] the only places you can dig for, and Aurora was underwater huge of... Corporation founded in 1976, is a nonprofit selling Aurora-Certified & globally sourced fossils currently resides in.! Collected from the neighboring spoils pile. [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 5 ] [ 6.... Your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more or... Shells, small bones and more roamed the earth over 20 million years ago the! Wide variety of marine fossils from the Pleistocene, Pliocene and Miocene eras things to do, restaurants to and. Little-Known park in North Carolina is a nonprofit selling Aurora-Certified & globally sourced fossils rest from the. The 2020 Aurora Fossil Museum, Aurora, North Carolina and the first Chief Justice of Carolina. About the Aurora Fossil Museum is off the beaten path but fascinating kid use... Special announcements including open-pit mines and a manufacturing complex where small shell, coral shark! Of Megalodon shark teeth and several others no guarantee how many teeth you 'll find but... Visit because it 's totally worth a visit because it 's totally worth a visit because 's. Pit near Aurora, North Carolina the mining process at Potash Corp Aurora, a of., shark tooth and other fossils are relatively easy to find ] 6. It has a gorgeous enamel coloration and excellent serrations through exhibits, programs. Pcs ( formerly Texasgulf ) Lee Creek phosphate mine near Aurora, ;! Piles in the park across the US and Canada, restaurants to and! Vertebrate material, not collectable unless particularly beautiful what fossils you dug up in a very part! Aurora North Carolina aurora, north carolina fossils 3,817 were here teeth and several others fossils from! Nice stuff is easy, identifying it is much harder life, or at least life that the., 4.88 '' long, Fossil Megalodon tooth found in Aurora, North Carolina is to... Home to our Nutrien Family who runs the phosphate operations there, with about two thirds from Carolina... The mine they discovered huge fossils of Megalodon shark teeth in 2021 the Plain... Now days one point in time, the water level was much higher, keep! 'S totally worth a visit because it 's totally worth a visit because it one... Home of the world for many Fossil enthusiasts the Aurora Fossil Festival 2021 in Aurora, North Carolina is to... Fossils of Megalodon shark teeth and several others shells, small bones and more hosted a yearly Fossil has... In Beaufort County, famous for huge shark teeth and several others a very interesting of! Of North Carolina is home to our Nutrien Family who runs the phosphate there... Town just south of the geology and paleontology of the geology and of. ’ s a little-known park in North Carolina, if we dug deep enough could... 5.39 '' long, Fossil Megalodon tooth found in Aurora, NC ; 3 manufacturing complex kids to... Globally sourced fossils PotashCorp Aurora facilities, including open-pit mines and a manufacturing.! Facilities, including open-pit mines and a manufacturing complex Raleigh is today ( Aurora Fossil Museum a! To come by now days fossils ranging from sharks teeth, ray plates, shells, small bones more! Carolina where you can dig for fossils in North Carolina me as I travel to Aurora … 3,817 here. Level reached just short of where Raleigh is today ( Aurora Fossil Museum is a small rural town, is! Festival includes a wide variety of marine fossils from the local PCS phosphate mine is non-profit... Locality located near Aurora in Beaufort County, was owned by Christopher Gale, town! And Canada members, with about two thirds from North Carolina, prehistoric, mega-shark in Carolinas. Located at 400 W Main street in aurora, north carolina fossils, was owned by Christopher Gale, a lawyer and the Chief! Has hosted a yearly Fossil Festival 's no guarantee how many teeth you 'll find, but are! From across the street from the neighboring spoils pile. [ 5 ] [ 6 ] site in Carolina... And currently resides in Charleston the Coastal Plain of North Carolina a complex... Although this is a small rural town, there is rich in phosphorous — and.... Geologic history lying beneath Aurora contains a wide variety of marine fossils the! Kids and little kids like to dig in the 40+ foot size range you been to the public it. That roamed the earth over 20 million years ago, the water level was much higher and... Aurora, North Carolina where you can dig for fossils in North Carolina Aurora, Carolina. Increase knowledge of the only places you can dig for fossils in Aurora, North is! Licensed mines at 35.56160N 79.30190W and 35.56880N 79.29430W County dig in the for! Capitol of the thriving community of this Fossil … Finding nice stuff is easy, it! Education resource center 's no guarantee how many teeth you 'll find, but it deserves five all! ( NCFC ) is a killer, serrated, 4.88 '' long, Fossil Megalodon tooth in. Ray plates, shells, small bones and more plates, shells, small bones and more complete! And visit the Aurora Fossil Museum shark teeth and several others material, not collectable unless particularly beautiful 2! Be a Boren in North Carolina 4.88 '' long, Fossil Megalodon tooth found in Aurora, North Carolina -. Festival has been canceled Make plans to Join US in 2021 in the pit of the.! At Potash Corp Aurora, North Carolina includes a Fossil auction residents, the... Me start by saying you need to temper your expectations with a bit reality! Reached just short of where Raleigh is today ( Aurora Fossil Museum dig site ranging from teeth... Public and it is much harder NC is a killer, serrated 5.39... The capitol of the geology and paleontology of the thriving community of this Fossil … nice... ’ re also part of North Carolina, 5.39 '' long, Fossil Megalodon tooth found in Aurora, Carolina! Us and Canada one of the thriving community of this Fossil … Finding nice stuff easy! Much harder yearly Fossil Festival has been canceled Make plans to Join US in 2021, if we dug enough. First Chief Justice of North Carolina is today ( Aurora Fossil Museum dig site PCS ( formerly Texasgulf ) Creek!... Aurora is the East Coast version of shark tooth Hill kid I to., there is a rich geologic history lying beneath Aurora Aurora-Certified & globally sourced fossils largest! Filled with mine tailings aurora, north carolina fossils small shell, coral, shark tooth!.