Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Center

Learn about the Snowmastodon: the finest high-elevation ice age fossil site in the world. During the construction of Ziegler Reservoir in 2010, workers uncovered bones from a Columbian mammoth—and that was just the beginning! By the time the excavation was completed in the summer of 2011, the crew from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) removed over 6,000 bones of ten large mammals and more than 30,000 bones belonging to 42 species of small vertebrate animals. Some of the animals represented include: the American mastodon, Columbian mammoth, Jefferson’s ground sloth, as well as extinct species of giant bison, deer, camel, horse, and more. Over 100 different plant and invertebrate animal species were also found at this amazing site. At the Ice Age Discovery Center you can view a collection of fossils and replicas, watch video from the DMNS and National Geographic, and learn the story of the Snowmass Ice Age Discovery through creative displays, educational panels and interactive programming. The Ice Age Discovery Center has exhibits and activities suitable for adults and children of all ages. Admission is FREE.