Explore 20 fossil sites in Connecticut, featuring Triassic–Jurassic formations like New Haven Arkose and Portland. While Dinosaur State Park offers public access, most sites are private or research-only. Perfect for family fossil hunting trips in Connecticut and paleontology adventures in Connecticut.
20 Fossil Dig Sites in Connecticut, USA
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Dinosaur State Park (Rocky Hill)
Location: Rocky Hill, Hartford County, Connecticut, 06067GPS Coordinates: 41.6525, -72.6575Fossil Types Found: - Dinosaur footprints (Eubrontes, Grallator, Anchisauripus)
- Trace fossils (Batrachopus)
Geological Period: Early Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: East Berlin Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit for admission; casting requires registration
Entry Fee: $8/adult, $4/child (6–17), free under 6
Best Season to Visit: April–October
Dig Options: Educational programs, footprint casting
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted; casting materials provided
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Hartford (5 miles)
Contact Information:- ctparks.com
- Phone: (860) 529-8423
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Over 2,000 Eubrontes tracks (1966), state fossil
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (4.6, 1200 reviews, Google Maps) -
Berlin (I91+CT9 Interchange)
Location: Berlin, Hartford County, Connecticut, 06037
GPS Coordinates: 41.6214, -72.7461
Fossil Types Found:- Plants
- Fish fossils
- Dinosaur tracks
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Newark Supergroup
Public or Private Access: Private (roadside, no public access)
Permit Requirements: Not applicable; collecting prohibited
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Berlin, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Buckland Station (North)
Location: Manchester, Hartford County, Connecticut, 06042
GPS Coordinates: 41.8090, -72.5498
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones (Ammosaurus, Yaleosaurus, Anchisaurus)
Geological Period: Triassic–Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Newark Supergroup
Public or Private Access: Private (reclaimed quarry)
Permit Requirements: Not applicable; collecting prohibited
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Manchester, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: Ammosaurus major skeleton
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
East Windsor (Ketch’s Mills)
Location: East Windsor, Hartford County, Connecticut, 06088
GPS Coordinates: 41.9163, -72.5575
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones
Geological Period: Triassic–Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Newark Supergroup
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in East Windsor, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: Anchisaurus bones (1818)
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Enfield (Kelley-Furgueson Quarry)
Location: Enfield, Hartford County, Connecticut, 06082
GPS Coordinates: 41.9667, -72.6000
Fossil Types Found:- Insects
- Conifer branches and cones
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Portland Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (reclaimed 1992)
Permit Requirements: Not applicable
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Enfield, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: Well-preserved conifer fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Manchester (Wolcott Quarry)
Location: Manchester, Hartford County, Connecticut, 06042
GPS Coordinates: 41.8106, -72.5511
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur tracks (Anchisaurus)
Geological Period: Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Portland Arkose
Public or Private Access: Private (quarry)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Manchester, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: Anchisaurus tracks
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Newington (Tracks)
Location: Newington, Hartford County, Connecticut, 06111
GPS Coordinates: 41.6906, -72.7450
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur tracks
Geological Period: Triassic–Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Newark Supergroup
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Newington, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: 400 tracks (1960s)
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Simsbury (South of RR Station)
Location: Simsbury, Hartford County, Connecticut, 06070
GPS Coordinates: 41.8758, -72.8017
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones
- Phytosaur bones (Clepsysaurus, Rutiodon)
Geological Period: Triassic–Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Newark Supergroup
Public or Private Access: Private (quarry)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Simsbury, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Southington (Shuttle Meadow Reservoir)
Location: Southington, Hartford County, Connecticut, 06489
GPS Coordinates: 41.6231, -72.8336
Fossil Types Found:- Plants
- Fish fossils
- Dinosaur footprints
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Shuttle Meadow Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (abandoned quarry)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Southington, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Wethersfield (Connecticut River Cove)
Location: Wethersfield, Hartford County, Connecticut, 06109
GPS Coordinates: 41.7257, -72.6632
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur tracks (Eubrontes, Anomoepus, Grallator)
- Mammal-like reptile tracks (Sillimanius)
Geological Period: Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Portland Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Wethersfield, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: Diverse trackways
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Durham (Field Creek)
Location: Durham, Middlesex County, Connecticut, 06422
GPS Coordinates: 41.4926, -72.6960
Fossil Types Found:- Insects (Mormolucoides)
- Plants (conifers, ferns)
- Fish (Ptycholepis, Semionotus)
- Dinosaur tracks
Geological Period: Triassic–Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Newark Supergroup
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Durham, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: Well-preserved fish fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Durham (South, Stevens Locality)
Location: Durham, Middlesex County, Connecticut, 06422
GPS Coordinates: 41.4620, -72.6775
Fossil Types Found:- Plants
- Fish (Ptycholepis, Semionotus, Diplurus)
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Shuttle Meadow Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Durham, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: Fish fossils (1891)
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Portland (Brownstone Quarries)
Location: Portland, Middlesex County, Connecticut, 06480
GPS Coordinates: 41.5750, -72.6417
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur tracks (abundant)
- Dinosaur bones (Coelophysis)
Geological Period: Triassic–Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Portland Arkose
Public or Private Access: Private (quarry)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Portland, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: Coelophysis tracks
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Middlefield (Little Falls)
Location: Middlefield, Middlesex County, Connecticut, 06455
GPS Coordinates: 41.5405, -72.6042
Fossil Types Found:- Plants
- Fish fossils
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Middlefield, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Bluff Head (North Guilford)
Location: North Guilford, New Haven County, Connecticut, 06437
GPS Coordinates: 41.4199, -72.7013
Fossil Types Found:- Fish (Semionotus, Redfieldiidae)
- Coelacanth (Whitea)
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Shuttle Meadow Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (partially in Bluff Head Preserve)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit:.coroutinesSystem: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Guilford, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: Fish fossils (1969 rediscovery)
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Cheshire (I691)
Location: Cheshire, New Haven County, Connecticut, 06410
GPS Coordinates: 41.5589, -72.9078
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur footprints (Erpetosuchus)
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: New Haven Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (roadside)
Permit Requirements: Not applicable; collecting prohibited
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Cheshire, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: Erpetosuchus footprints (2000)
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Fair Haven (Ferry Street Bridge)
Location: Fair Haven, New Haven County, Connecticut, 06513
GPS Coordinates: 41.3020, -72.8929
Fossil Types Found:- Aetosaur bones (Stegomus)
- Reptile bones
Geological Period: Triassic–Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Newark Supergroup
Public or Private Access: Private (quarry)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in New Haven, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: Stegomus bones
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
North Guilford (Totoket Mountain)
Location: North Guilford, New Haven County, Connecticut, 06437
GPS Coordinates: 41.4107, -72.7168
Fossil Types Found:- Fish (Ptycholepis)
- Plants (pollen)
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Shuttle Meadow Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Guilford, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: Ptycholepis fish (1970)
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Southbury (Pomperaug River)
Location: Southbury, New Haven County, Connecticut, 06488
GPS Coordinates: 41.4664, -73.2483
Fossil Types Found:- Fish fossils
- Plants (conifers, ferns)
Geological Period: Triassic–Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Newark Supergroup
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Southbury, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews) -
Totoket Reservoir (Sugarloaf Tunnel)
Location: North Branford, New Haven County, Connecticut, 06471
GPS Coordinates: 41.3703, -72.7637
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur tracks (Eubrontes, Grallator, Batrachopus)
- Fish (Semionotus)
Geological Period: Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Newark Supergroup
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required
Entry Fee: Not applicable
Best Season to Visit: Not applicable
Dig Options: None
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in North Branford, no site facilities
Contact Information:- ct.gov/deep
- Phone: (860) 424-3000
Famous Discoveries: Diverse trackways
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated (0, 0 reviews)
Comparison Table of Connecticut Fossil Sites
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinosaur State Park | Connecticut | Dinosaur footprints, trace fossils | Educational, casting | 4.6 |
| Berlin (I91+CT9) | Connecticut | Plants, fish, tracks | None | 0.0 |
| Buckland Station | Connecticut | Dinosaur bones | None | 0.0 |
| East Windsor | Connecticut | Dinosaur bones | None | 0.0 |
| Enfield (Kelley-Furgueson) | Connecticut | Insects, conifers | None | 0.0 |
| Manchester (Wolcott Quarry) | Connecticut | Dinosaur tracks | None | 0.0 |
| Newington (Tracks) | Connecticut | Dinosaur tracks | None | 0.0 |
| Simsbury (RR Station) | Connecticut | Dinosaur, phytosaur bones | None | 0.0 |
| Southington (Shuttle Meadow) | Connecticut | Plants, fish, footprints | None | 0.0 |
| Wethersfield (CT River) | Connecticut | Dinosaur, mammal-like tracks | None | 0.0 |
| Durham (Field Creek) | Connecticut | Insects, plants, fish, tracks | None | 0.0 |
| Durham (Stevens Locality) | Connecticut | Plants, fish | None | 0.0 |
| Portland (Brownstone) | Connecticut | Dinosaur tracks, bones | None | 0.0 |
| Middlefield (Little Falls) | Connecticut | Plants, fish | None | 0.0 |
| Bluff Head (North Guilford) | Connecticut | Fish, coelacanth | None | 0.0 |
| Cheshire (I691) | Connecticut | Dinosaur footprints | None | 0.0 |
| Fair Haven (Ferry St) | Connecticut | Aetosaur, reptile bones | None | 0.0 |
| North Guilford (Totoket) | Connecticut | Fish, plants | None | 0.0 |
| Southbury (Pomperaug) | Connecticut | Fish, plants | None | 0.0 |
| Totoket Reservoir | Connecticut | Dinosaur tracks, fish | None | 0.0 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Connecticut
Connecticut’s best fossil dig sites in Connecticut offer a window into the Triassic–Jurassic past, making it a unique destination for family fossil hunting trips in Connecticut. Anchored by Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, one of the premier jurassic fossil parks in Connecticut, visitors can explore over 2,000 Eubrontes dinosaur tracks through low-cost paleontology tours in Connecticut. This public dinosaur excavation area in Connecticut provides educational programs and footprint casting, ideal for beginners seeking where to find fossils in Connecticut. Beyond the park, historic sites like Portland’s Brownstone quarries and Durham’s Field Creek, listed in geological surveys, yield common fossils in Connecticut such as fish (Semionotus), dinosaur bones (Anchisaurus), and tracks, though most are private or reclaimed, limiting self-guided fossil digs in Connecticut. Notable discoveries, like the 1818 Anchisaurus bones in East Windsor, fuel paleontology field adventures in Connecticut. The state’s Newark Supergroup formations, including New Haven Arkose and Shuttle Meadow, host diverse fossils, from phytosaur bones in Simsbury to coelacanths at Bluff Head. Rockhounding destinations in Connecticut like the Connecticut River Valley offer geological intrigue, but strict laws prohibit collecting on state lands, ensuring preservation. Dinosaur dig vacations in Connecticut are enriched by museums like the Peabody Museum in New Haven, showcasing Mesozoic reptiles. With lodging in Hartford, New Haven, and smaller towns, visitors can plan prehistoric site tours in Connecticut. While public access is limited, Dinosaur State Park and educational venues make Connecticut a compelling stop for those chasing fossils of dinosaurs in Connecticut, blending history and science for unforgettable adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in Connecticut
Can anyone dig for fossils in Connecticut state parks?
No, fossil collecting is prohibited in state parks like Dinosaur State Park under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (2009). Educational programs and casting are offered instead.
What gear is needed for fossil activities in Connecticut?
At Dinosaur State Park, no digging tools are needed. For casting, bring plaster of Paris, a bucket, and cooking oil. Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing.
Are there guided fossil tours in Connecticut?
Yes, Dinosaur State Park offers guided tours and educational programs on Jurassic tracks, suitable for families and amateurs.
Can I keep fossils found in Connecticut?
Collecting on state or federal land is illegal without permits. On private land, landowner permission is required, and state regulations apply.
What fossils are common in Connecticut?
Common fossils include dinosaur tracks (Eubrontes, Grallator), fish (Semionotus, Ptycholepis), plants, and rare dinosaur bones (Anchisaurus, Coelophysis).
Are Connecticut fossil sites kid-friendly?
Yes, Dinosaur State Park offers kid-friendly programs and casting activities, making it ideal for families exploring fossils.
What is the best season for fossil activities in Connecticut?
Spring to fall (April–October) is ideal for visiting Dinosaur State Park due to outdoor exhibits, though indoor programs are year-round.
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