7 Shocking Facts About Edelman Fossil Park: The New Dinosaur Museum Opening In March 2025

The long-awaited Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum at Rowan University is officially set to open its doors to the public on March 29, 2025, a landmark moment that will redefine paleontology and natural history in the United States. This $73 million, 123-acre site in Mantua Township, New Jersey, is far more than just a museum; it is a world-class research and education center built around one of the most significant geological discoveries of our time. The park promises an immersive, hands-on experience, inviting visitors to step directly into the moment 66 million years ago when the age of the dinosaurs ended, offering a fresh, unique perspective on the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event.

This massive undertaking, made possible by generous donations and years of dedicated scientific work, is poised to attract an estimated 200,000 visitors annually. The Edelman Fossil Park is not merely showcasing old bones; it is actively uncovering new evidence of the great extinction, solidifying its status as a vital hub for deep-time education and discovery in the current year, 2025. From its revolutionary sustainable design to the hands-on quarry experience, here are the most shocking and essential facts you need to know about this major new attraction.

The Visionaries: Jean, Ric Edelman, and Dr. Kenneth Lacovara

The creation of the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum is a story of philanthropic vision meeting scientific passion. The park is named after two prominent Rowan University alumni whose contributions were instrumental in bringing the project to life.

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Jean and Ric Edelman: The Philanthropic Force

• Namesakes and Donors: The park is named in honor of Jean and Ric Edelman, both graduates of Rowan University (then Glassboro State College).
• Major Contribution: They pledged a massive $25 million gift to expand and transform the former Inversand marl pit into the world-class facility it is today.
• Financial Background: Ric Edelman is a highly successful financial advisor, author, and radio host, known for founding Edelman Financial Services.
• Total Commitment: The couple's total philanthropic commitment to Rowan University has exceeded $36 million, supporting various academic and creative arts initiatives in addition to the Fossil Park.

Dr. Kenneth J. Lacovara: The Scientific Pioneer

• Director and Dean: Dr. Kenneth J. Lacovara is the Founding Director of the Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum and the Founding Dean of Rowan’s School of Earth & Environment.
• Noted Discovery: Before his work in New Jersey, Dr. Lacovara was internationally renowned for leading the team that discovered *Dreadnoughtus*, one of the largest animals to ever walk the Earth, found in Argentina.
• Park Leadership: He led the effort to create the Fossil Park and continues to spearhead scientific efforts at the site, making him the central figure in its research and public outreach.

1. The Park Sits Directly on the K-Pg Extinction Boundary

The Edelman Fossil Park’s most profound scientific significance lies in its bone bed.

This geological layer, which is approximately six inches thick, represents the exact moment in time 66 million years ago when an asteroid impact triggered the mass extinction event that wiped out 75% of life on Earth, including the non-avian dinosaurs.

The site is one of the few places on Earth where this Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary is so clearly and richly preserved.

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The bone bed contains a dense concentration of fossils from both the Cretaceous period (before the impact) and the Paleogene period (after the impact), providing an unparalleled snapshot of life and death during this catastrophic transition.

2. It’s a Unique Window into the Aftermath of the Asteroid Impact

Unlike many other fossil sites that primarily show life *before* the extinction, the Mantua Township quarry is a critical location for understanding the immediate aftermath.

The fossils found here tell a story of a marine ecosystem that was devastated by the environmental collapse following the Chicxulub asteroid impact in the Yucatan Peninsula.

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The bone bed is a jumbled mix of marine life that perished suddenly, including shark teeth, sea turtles, fish, and various invertebrates, all deposited in a single layer.

Researchers are studying this layer to determine why certain species survived the extinction event while others vanished, offering insights into evolutionary resilience and paleoecological transitions.

3. Dinosaur Bones Were Actually Discovered in New Jersey

Yes, dinosaur bones have been found at the Edelman Fossil Park site, a fact that surprises many, as New Jersey is not traditionally known as a dinosaur hotspot.

The site has yielded isolated bones and teeth from non-avian dinosaurs, such as duck-billed dinosaurs (Hadrosaurs).

This area of New Jersey, known for its marl pits, is also historically significant as the place where the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton—*Hadrosaurus foulkii*—was found in 1858, cementing the region's importance in the history of paleontology.

4. The Visitor Experience Is Hands-On and Immersive

The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum is designed to be an "immersive exploration," moving beyond static displays to engage visitors directly with the science.

Key visitor experiences include:

• The Quarry Dig: Guests will be invited to participate in a simulated dig experience within the 45-foot-deep former Inversand marl pit, where over 100,000 fossils have been recovered since the 1920s.
• Collections & Conservation: Visitors can watch paleontologists and researchers actively working to preserve and study real fossils in the on-site laboratories.
• Critter Cove: This area features live animals, connecting the ancient past to the present-day descendants of the creatures that survived the K-Pg extinction.
• Paleontology Playground: A themed playground provides an engaging space for younger "Jr. Explorers" to learn through play.

5. It is a Model of Sustainable and Biophilic Design

The $73 million facility is not just scientifically groundbreaking; it is also an architectural marvel focused on sustainability and biophilic design.

The museum’s architecture is inspired by the geological layers found at the site, integrating the structure seamlessly into the natural landscape.

The design aims to achieve a high level of sustainability, standing as a testament to environmentally conscious building practices and the power of sustainable design in major public attractions.

6. The Museum Expects 200,000 Visitors Annually

As a major new cultural and scientific institution in South Jersey, the Edelman Fossil Park is anticipated to be a huge draw for tourists and residents alike.

The facility is expected to attract approximately 200,000 visitors annually, positioning it as a significant economic and educational driver for the region.

With an opening date of March 29, 2025, the museum is poised to become a must-see destination for travelers interested in dinosaurs, geology, and the history of life on Earth.

7. Timed Admission Tickets are Already Available

To manage the expected high demand, the museum has implemented a timed admission system, with tickets already available for booking.

Current admission prices are set at:

• Explorer (13+): Timed Admission at $29.
• Jr. Explorer (3-12): Timed Admission at $24.

The ability to book tickets in advance ensures visitors can secure their chance to explore this 66-million-year-old bone bed and participate in one of the most exciting new paleontology adventures in the world. The museum’s debut solidifies New Jersey’s place not just in colonial history, but in the epic story of deep time.