Gray Fossil Site — Attraction in Tennessee

First visit. It's a decent value for the experience. It's not very large, there isn't a lot to see but they have quite a few hands-on activities so it is more geared towards families with kids. I wish the view of the dig site had offered more of a "view". From the area we toured there wasn't really anything to " view'. The dig site close enough to see is closed and no longer being excavated and the active dig site is too far away to actually see anything. The big-screen movie doesn't offer anything more than general info about the site. It's more of an introduction to the site. The Tesla experience was some what disappointing, but it does have the potential to be much better than it is. It is not related to anything else on the site, so I am not certain why it is there, except as an opportunity for the museum to make a little extra $ for attendance. I was very disappointed to learn I would be expected to use ear protection that had been used by others without the benefit of being sanitized between users. ICK! I opted to just plug my ears with my fingers. I encourage visitors to grab a set of ear plugs on your way to the museum. Essentially, the young man explains the Tesla Coil on display and then the lights are turned down and the tour guide plays several songs with the coil. It's a bit boring for an adult who knows about Tesla and his work.

I do appreciate that the lab upstairs has large windows so visitors can see the work the scientists are doing there.

I wish there had been an explanation of the lighting displayed at the sand table.

I hope in the future they will offer additional opportunity to see active dig sites. The one we saw is completed now that they have removed a complete Mastadon from it, so it will be abandoned and a new site will be worked. I would hate to go back next year and be shown the same site I saw today.

All in all a nice place for kids. It has potential and I hope those with the ability to seek to improve and exploit...

I was beyond disappointed. I have many Native American effigy stones and tools, and these ppl had no clue what they were looking at. One of the “ologists” there looked at a rock I’d brought in and literally said “there’s a lot going on with that rock”. The thing all of them seemed most interested in was the musket ball I have. But we are in East TN… 🤦🏼‍♀️. The first guy I spoke to started telling me what kind of rocks I had.. (I already knew that), and made sure to tell me about his promotion and the people “under him”. (I exclude the 2 women I spoke with there, they were knowledgeable and good at what they do) I showed a piece of platinum ore that I already have had identified, and they told me it was mica. I left there embarrassed for them. So unless you’re taking your kids for a fun day out, I don’t recommend it. Local elders and a Native American friend of mine had a good laugh at this though. So it was worth something… *I want to add, I went in on a night that they supposedly identify rocks for free.. I did not go through any exhibits or the museum, which I’m sure...

The play area offers suitable activities for children aged 5-10, however, the toddler zones require significant improvement. Many toys are damaged, costumes and puppets are torn and unsanitary, and the race track cars are frequently malfunctioning. Furthermore, the climbing structure lacks engaging features, essentially providing only a view of rocks. The facility's child-friendliness is questionable. While supplemental activities, such as the Tesla demonstration, are available at an additional cost, they are primarily geared towards older children (5-10). From an adult perspective, the museum exhibits were exceptional, and the tour guide's expertise and engaging presentation were highly commendable. The educational experience was valuable for my children, reinforcing the importance of respectful observation. However, the content was largely adult-oriented, with limited interactive elements. Considering the limited toddler-friendly options, I would not recommend this location for children under 5...