Fans of dinosaur exhibits can now enjoy one of New Jersey’s most immersive dino experiences. Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University in Sewell is a 44,000 square-foot facility set on 123 acres. The museum overlooks a four-acre fossil-rich quarry, transporting guests 66 million years into the past.
The museum sits on the site of the former Inversand marl quarry. The Inversand Company mined marl (also known as greensand) starting in the 1920s. After production shut down in 2015, Rowan University acquired the site in 2016. Intended to promote scientific research and education, the quarry has since transformed into Edelman Fossil Park & Museum.
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An interactive Experience
Inside the Museum of Rowan University, the Cretaceous Galleries depict the authentic lives of dinosaurs that roamed the East Coast. These galleries feature massive, life-size reconstructions of dinosaurs, reptiles, and other large sea creatures. Before exploring, each visit begins with a short animation film, titled ‘Our Place in Time.’
“The video is the best explanation of why the Fossil Park exists and why our mission is so vital for current and future generations,” says Nick Sena, deputy director of Edelman Fossil Park & Museum.
All guests are given an ‘Explorer Key’ card which, among other things, allows them to participate in an interactive scavenger hunt. It also connects to an online page where cardholders can continue their adventure at home.
Meanwhile, the Hall of Extinction and Hope exhibit transports guests to the famous asteroid impact that ended the reign of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. The experience draws a connection to today’s climate crisis; highlighting the threats of a potential Sixth Extinction while inspiring visitors to take action and help protect our planet’s future.
Hands-On Activities
The primary attraction of Edelman Fossil Park is the Quarry Dig Experience. This is the only site east of the Mississippi where guests can dig in a quarry for authentic, 66-million-year-old fossils. More than 100,000 fossils have already been found at the site within the extinction layer. Guests can dig and explore alongside real paleontologists who are actively researching on-site. Just be sure to visit the Museum of Rowan University first and save Edelman Fossil Park for last. (Things can get a bit messy when digging around for fossils.)
The museum also houses a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite visitors can touch. “We encourage people to touch it because it’s the oldest thing you’ll ever lay your hands on in your life,” says Sena.
Visit Edelman Fossil Park & Museum at 66 Million Mosasaur Way in Sewell. Look for them online to learn more.
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All Photos: © Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University