Becker County Museum Unveils Rare Bison Bone Exhibit Preserved in Peat Bog

A stunning new exhibit coming to the Becker County Museum is putting the spotlight on a rare archaeological discovery pulled straight from local soil—and preserved in a way scientists rarely see.
On April 10 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., the museum will unveil a collection of centuries-old bison bones unearthed from a peat bog near Frazee, where cool, oxygen-deprived conditions kept some of the bones so intact, they still include cartilage—a rare and remarkable preservation.
“This find provides us with a rare glimpse into the past,” said Becky Mitchell, Executive Director of the Becker County Museum. “The preservation of cartilage is a truly extraordinary element. It allows us to study both the biology of these animals and the unique environment that protected them.”
The exhibit blends science and storytelling by featuring original artwork by Hans Gilsdorf, who was inspired by the discovery. His pieces offer an artistic lens into the bog’s landscape and the ancient bison that once roamed Becker County.
“This isn’t just a fossil display,” Mitchell added. “It’s a fusion of science, art, and Becker County history—and it brings the past to life in a deeply human way.”
The Becker County Historical Society and Museum is located at 714 Summit Avenue in Detroit Lakes and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 1–18.
For more info or a full schedule of events, visit beckercountyhistory.org or call 218-847-2938.