After years of advocacy and education, Minnesota officially welcomed a massive new member to its family of state symbols. The Giant Beaver (Castoroides ohioensis) has been designated as Minnesota’s official state fossil, marking a momentous victory for science education and our state’s paleontological heritage.
Imagine a beaver the size of a black bear wandering the landscapes of ancient Minnesota. That’s exactly what the Giant Beaver was — a prehistoric creature that could reach up to 7.5 feet in length and weigh more than 200 pounds. These impressive rodents roamed the state during the Pleistocene epoch until their extinction approximately 10,000 years ago, leaving behind fossil evidence that continues to captivate scientists and Minnesotans alike.
In 2021, the museum launched an initiative to designate a state fossil. We invited Minnesotans to choose from a list of ancient organisms with cultural and scientific significance to our state, and the Giant Beaver emerged as the overwhelming favorite.
Over the next four years, we championed the cause through three legislative sessions before finally achieving success in the fourth. With bipartisan support from Rep. Andrew Myers and Sen. Steve Cwodzinski, the bill was incorporated into SF3045 and passed both the Minnesota House and Senate chambers on May 19, 2025. Gov. Tim Walz signed the bill into law May 23, 2025.
The legislation incorporates translations of “Giant Beaver” into both Dakota (Ċapa) and Ojibwe (Amik) languages — a unique feature in state fossil legislation that honors Minnesota’s Indigenous heritage. The museum’s Indigenous Round Table and the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council provided crucial support through letters to the legislature. Holly Menninger, Executive Director of the Bell Museum, offered enthusiastic testimony to the Senate State Government Committee. The museum partnered with Bad Weather Brewing Company to create the Epoch Beaver Black IPA, turning awareness-building into a creative community celebration.
Minnesota becomes the 47th state to designate an official state fossil. The Giant Beaver now stands alongside other beloved state symbols including the Loon (state bird), the Walleye (state fish), and the Lady Slipper (state flower). The Office of the Secretary of State’s website now features an image of the fossil in the museum’s galleries.
We plan to incorporate the new state fossil into paleontology curriculum and outreach programs, helping students across all 87 Minnesota counties connect with our state’s prehistoric past. This designation isn’t just symbolic — it’s an educational tool that will inspire the next generation of scientists and paleontology enthusiasts.
The Explore Store also carries a new cast fossil replica to commemorate the symbol. This museum-quality replica captures the remarkable scale and detail of actual Castoroides ohioensis specimens found right here in Minnesota. Perfect for classrooms, home offices, or any space where you want to showcase your Minnesota pride and love of natural history, each cast is accompanied by educational materials explaining the Giant Beaver’s role in our Ice Age ecosystem. All proceeds support the museum’s ongoing research, education, and outreach programs.
