Celebrate Minnesota’s state fossil with this museum-quality replica of a juvenile Giant Beaver, Castoroides ohioensis, skull and lower jaw. The original fossil was discovered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1938 by WPA workers during construction near the Mississippi River. This juvenile specimen lived approximately 11,700 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age, alongside mammoths, scimitar-toothed cats, and the first humans in the region. Known as Ċapa in Dakota and Amik in Ojibwe, the Giant Beaver was the largest rodent ever in North America, weighing up to 200 pounds—roughly the size of a black bear.
The Giant Beaver was first proposed as the state fossil in 1988 but it wasn’t until four years of renewed effort led by the Science Museum of Minnesota that it was officially named Minnesota’s state fossil in 2025.
This replica is crafted from polyresin and hand-painted to capture the intricate details of the original fossil. Perfect for collectors, educators, or anyone fascinated by prehistoric Minnesota, it brings a tangible piece of the Ice Age into your home or classroom.
Why You’ll Love This
- Museum-quality replica – A faithful 3D reproduction of the SMM P62-2001 specimen, including skull and lower jaw from a juvenile Giant Beaver
- Authentic detail – Hand-painted polyresin captures the lifelike structure of this prehistoric rodent
- Educational and historical context – Learn about Minnesota’s ecosystems 11,700 years ago, the Giant Beaver’s ecological role, and its cultural significance to Dakota and Ojibwe peoples
- Collectible display – A unique, slightly scaled-down replica that highlights one of North America’s most impressive prehistoric rodents
- Includes detailed collection information – Comes with a card describing the specimen it was modeled from, including discovery location and historical background
Bring Ice Age Minnesota to life with this striking and scientifically accurate Giant Beaver skull replica, a perfect combination of education, history, and natural science.
