Discover Aurora: Fossils, Museum and Water Access

Fossil hunting, museum collections, and activities on the water offer different experiences in Aurora. At the Pits of the Pungo, visitors can search for and discover Miocene fossils. The Aurora Fossil Museum displays, among other things, fossil casts and a collection of Indigenous and early American artifacts from Eastern North Carolina. A fishing pier, boat ramp, and canoe access offer another option. This lets you choose between collections, searching for fossils yourself, and water activities for your trip.

Museum and Collections

The Aurora Fossil Museum was founded in 1976. Its exhibits include casts of a matching set of Parotodus benedinii shark teeth found nearby. The Cultural History Room houses an extensive collection of Indigenous and early American artifacts from Eastern North Carolina. The museum thus presents two distinct perspectives side by side: paleontological exhibits and artifacts from the region's cultural history. The specific origin of the shark teeth and the regional focus of the artifact collection give you different starting points when deciding which topics to explore further. The difference is also one of scope: a matching set of teeth alongside an extensive collection with a regional focus.

Fossil Hunting and Fossil Park

At the Pits of the Pungo, the focus is on searching for fossils yourself rather than viewing casts on display: visitors can search for and discover Miocene fossils. Possible finds include remains of ancient sharks, whales, bony fish, and corals. The range therefore extends beyond a single group of animals, though no particular find is guaranteed. The Pits offer a different kind of fossil experience from viewing casts at the museum. The Fossil Park is directly across from the main Aurora Fossil Museum. Admission to the Aurora Fossil Museum and Fossil Park is free. If you plan to visit the museum and park, check admission information before your trip. Free admission can make it easier to plan the cost of both stops.

Fishing, Boating, and Canoeing

There are two options for water activities, each with a different focus. The Aurora Public Fishing Area is open to the public and has a fishing pier. The Aurora Boating Access Area is also open to the public and offers a boat ramp and canoe access. Your choice therefore depends on the activity: fishing from the pier or access for boats and canoes. The Aurora Boating Access Area provides access to South Creek, a tributary of the Pamlico River. Check the conditions at both areas before your trip and before planning these activities.

Find a Hotel in Aurora

This distinction can help you choose the destination based on the specific purpose of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Chocowinity.

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