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Field Expedition to Malta, MT
The HMNS Paleontology Team will be on a field expedition in Malta, MT from May 22 – May 25, in preparation for the world premiere exhibit Dinosaur Mummy CSI: Cretaceous Science Investigation. Members of the media are invited to join them, to visit the site where Leonardo – the famous mummified dinosaur that will be on public display for the first time in Houston – was discovered, and to experience paleontology in the field.
The following information is designed to assist in planning your trip to join the team in Malta, MT. For further questions, please contact the PR department at 713-639-4604 or media@hmns.org.
Flights
Houston to Billings, MT (207 miles/3.5 hours from Malta)
Flights average $400 for round trip, 1 stop for the full four-day stay
Car Rental
It is recommended that you consider renting a truck or SUV; smaller cars will not be able to drive inside the ranch itself.
AVIS, Dollar Rent A Car, Thrifty, Budget, Alamo, National and Hertz are all available in the Billings airport. For a standard or full-size SUV, costs range from $79 - $89 per day, including 200 miles per day. National and Hertz rates include only 150 miles per day.
Maps
From Billings to Malta
Map of Malta
Hotel Accommodations
Great Northern Motel (Recommended by the locals.)
2 S 1st St E, Malta
406-654-2100
Per night cost:
Single: $60 plus tax
Double: $65 plus tax
Maltana Motel
138 S 1st Ave W
(406) 654-2610
Per night cost:
Single: $58.85
Double: $63.13
Sportsman Motel
231 N 1st St E, Malta
(406) 654-2300
Per night cost:
Single: $37.45
Double: $48 plus tax
Royals Inn
117 N 1st Ave E
(406) 654-1150
Per night cost:
Single: $48.15
Double: $58.85
Weather in Malta, Montana
Temperatures range between the 40s and the 70s this time of year in Malta. Be sure to pack a variety of clothing that can be layered as the temperature varies greatly throughout the day. The climate is very dry, and the sun can be harsh – so bring plenty of sunscreen. For more information on what to pack, see below.
Tentative Itinerary
(This is subject to change, but all of these activities will be available at some point during the trip; if one in particular interests you, please call 713-639-4604 for further details.)
Thursday, May 22
Arrival day; interviews with Dr. Bakker and the HMNS Paleontology Team will be available. Time permitting, the group may also prospect for fossils at a new microsite.
Friday, May 23
10 a.m.: See the Dinosaur Field Station, where many of Montana’s most significant fossils are still on display – and where Leonardo will be on permanent display after his world premiere debut in Houston.
1 p.m.: Tour the sites where Leonardo, and Peanut – both to be displayed at the Houston Museum of Natural Science – as well as Roberta, Elvis and the Raptor were found by the Judith River Foundation’s field expedition. See ranching in action as well as the process of prospecting for fossils. Interviews will be available with Howard and JoAnn Hammond, owners of the land where theses discoveries are being made.
6 p.m.: BBQ dinner hosted by Howard and JoAnn Hammond.
Saturday, May 24
10 a.m.: Visit the Phillips County Museum
2 p.m.: Dr. Bakker and the team will be supervising the movement of fossils from the Dinosaur Field Station to their new home, The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum. See this new museum before it opens to the public June 6.
Sunday, May 25
10 a.m.: See the Dinosaur Field Station, where many of Montana’s most significant fossils are still on display – and where Leonardo will be on permanent display after his world premiere debut in Houston
1 p.m.: tour the sites where Leonardo, and Peanut – both to be displayed at the Houston Museum of Natural Science – as well as Roberta, Elvis and the Raptor were found by the Judith River Foundation’s field expedition. See ranching in action. Interviews will be available with Howard and JoAnn Hammond, owners of the land where theses discoveries are being made.
What to Pack
When preparing for clothing to pack for the trip, it’s important to be prepared for all kinds of weather. Think camping/hiking attire. Basic needs include:
- Jackets/shirts (to layer – it can be quite cold in the mornings and evenings, but very hot during the day)
- Khakis
- Ankle boots
- Socks (multiple pairs per day)
- Hat (to shade face)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (at a high SPF)
- First Aid Kit
- Benadryl
- Neosporin Cream
- Snake Bite Kit
- Coffee or any other food item you can’t live without.
- Water
- Gatorade, or some other water-based drink with electrolytes.
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