Alabama Museum of Natural History Fossil Excursions
Guided day trips from the museum in Tuscaloosa to fossil streams in the Alabama Black Belt, where Late Cretaceous shark teeth and other marine fossils wash out of the stream gravel. Museum staff lead the trips, and participants keep their finds except the rarest, which go to the museum: one excursion turned up a rare hadrosaur dinosaur tooth.
Access
Trips leave from the museum in Smith Hall, on the University of Alabama campus, with round-trip transport by museum van. Summer only. In 2026 the price was 41 dollars per person, ages 6 and up, with online registration opening on April 1. Trips often sell out.
Technique
Wade shallow streams and sift streambed gravel. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and muddy.