Did you know that Mammoths and Mastodons probably walked the very ground you’re walking on?  That it’s possible when you’re walking through a park or driving past a field of corn, underneath those layers of soil could be the bones of Ice Age giants?

I had NO idea of this myself – or I was just blissfully ignorant of the fact.

Either way, I was totally privileged to get a sneak peek of a new IMAX movie and the ensuing exhibit at the Indiana State Museum yesterday.

The IMAX movie is in 3D and let me just tell you – the last 3D movie I went to was the Muppets show at Disney World in 1994…and holy shnikies, 3D today is NOT your Momma’s 3D!  The imagery and cinematography was amazing. The CGI – incredible!  I was in awe and wonder throughout the whole movie, even though I think Erik got a little vertigo at the sweeping landscape shots, he was impressed too.

Then we were able to step into the exhibit itself which is both big in scope and detail, and easily geared toward kids – including a dig site and a bone they can touch!!

Throughout the exhibit you get to see how Mammoth and Mastodon skulls could well have been the inspiration behind the Cyclops of legend and myth, how the animals had growth plates just like humans and animals today, and see teeth as big as your head.

I mean, how awesome is that?  I could have spent hours in there, and I know my kids will spend hours in there this weekend.

At the very end you get to see two full size skeletons and just awe over how there were tons of flesh and fur over them.

It’s an exhibit totally worth seeing (even if it did replace the Star Wars exhibit ~pout~)…and I can’t wait to let my girls “dig” in!

This exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, November 16th at 11AM.  Get more information at the Indiana State Museum’s website!

Now…onto what I know you’re waiting for – the pictures!!..

The Mammoth’s greatest threat – Man:

Porous bones look like ancient caverns:

The Inspiration for Cyclops”

Growth plates:

TEETH:

I loved this one. You set your hands down, and not just hear the sound, but FEEL the vibrations:

Tiny Bones:

Dig: