Long before modern California and even before the arrival of the Mexican government, the La Brea Tar Pits were active during the Ice Age. The tar pits, located in what is now Los Angeles, have been bubbling for tens of thousands of years, naturally trapping and preserving animals like mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other prehistoric creatures.
These pits are a significant source of fossil records that give us insight into the Ice Age fauna that once roamed the region. The indigenous peoples of the area, long before Spanish or Mexican influence, also knew about these tar pits and used the natural asphalt for waterproofing and other practical purposes. The fossils discovered there provide a fascinating window into a time far earlier than any human civilization in California.
The La Brea Tar Pits offer a unique and educational experience, blending science, history, and fun activities for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the main things to do:
1. Explore the Tar Pits
Observe Active Pits: You can walk around the grounds and see the bubbling tar pits where natural asphalt continues to ooze from the earth. Pit 91 is an ongoing excavation site where scientists are actively working, and you can witness the process.
Lake Pit: A large, eerie-looking lake with a tar-covered surface, complete with life-sized models of trapped Ice Age animals like mammoths.
2. Visit the George C. Page Museum
Fossil Exhibits: The museum houses one of the world’s most significant collections of Ice Age fossils. You can see skeletons of saber-toothed cats, mammoths, dire wolves, and more, all found in the tar pits.
The Fossil Lab: Here, you can watch paleontologists at work as they clean, catalog, and study fossils found in the pits. It's a live view into real scientific research.
3D Films: The museum often screens short films about the history and discoveries of the tar pits, offering a deeper understanding of the animals that once roamed the area.
3. Guided Tours and Programs
Excavation Tours: You can take a guided tour of the excavation sites to learn about the process of recovering fossils and the ongoing scientific work at the pits.
Family Programs: There are often family-friendly events, workshops, and hands-on activities, where kids can dig for fossils, learn about the Ice Age, and explore natural history in an interactive way.
4. The Pleistocene Garden
Reconstructed Ice Age Environment: This outdoor garden replicates what Los Angeles looked like during the Ice Age, showcasing plants that existed thousands of years ago alongside informational plaques that explain their significance.
5. Special Events
Throughout the year, the La Brea Tar Pits host special exhibitions, events, and educational talks. It’s a good idea to check their calendar in advance if you’re planning to visit.
6. Relax in the Park
The Tar Pits are located in Hancock Park, a great green space for picnics or just relaxing after exploring the museum and grounds. It's a nice way to combine nature with a bit of history.
With its mix of science, history, and outdoor exploration, the La Brea Tar Pits are a fun and informative place to visit, especially if you're interested in prehistoric life!