Top 20 Fossil Dig Sites in Delaware, USA
Explore Delaware’s rich fossil hunting opportunities, perfect for families, beginners, and amateur paleontologists. Below are 20 verified fossil dig sites with detailed information to plan your prehistoric adventure.
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Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (Reedy Point Bridge)
Location: Near Delaware City, New Castle County, Delaware, 19706Delaware City, DE, 19706 GPS Coordinates:
39.5595,
-75.5741Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods (Cleiothyridina, Terebratulida)
- Corals (Micrabacia)
- Echinoids (Boletechinus)
- Bivalves (Glycymeris, Pecten)
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Cretaceous (Upper, ~100–66 million years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Mount Laurel Formation Public or Private Access: Public (spoil piles managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Permit Requirements: No permit required for non-commercial surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall (milder weather, less vegetation) Dig Options: Self-guided fossil collecting in spoil piles Tool Use Policy: Hand-picking only; no tools allowed Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Available near Reedy Point Bridge
- Restrooms: Limited, nearest in Delaware City
- Lodging: Hotels in New Castle (~10 miles)
- Visitor Center: None on-site
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Well-preserved Exogyra and Belemnitella fossils User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 4.3/5
(90 reviews from Google Maps and fossil forums) -
Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (St. Georges Bridge)
Location: Near St. Georges, New Castle County, Delaware, 19733St. Georges, DE, 19733 GPS Coordinates:
39.5537,
-75.6523Fossil Types Found: - Bivalves (Ostrea, Exogyra, Agerostrea)
- Ammonites (Menabites, Placenticeras)
- Crustaceans (Hoploparia, Protocallianassa)
- Shark teeth
Geological Period: Cretaceous (Upper, ~100–66 million years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Merchantville, Navesink, Marshalltown Formations Public or Private Access: Public (spoil piles along canal) Permit Requirements: No permit required for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided collecting Tool Use Policy: Hand-picking; no tools allowed Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Available near bridge
- Restrooms: Limited, nearest in St. Georges
- Lodging: Hotels in Middletown (~10 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Belemnitella americana (Delaware’s state fossil) User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 4.2/5
(85 reviews from fossil forums) -
Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (Biggs Farm)
Location: Near St. Georges, New Castle County, Delaware, 19733St. Georges, DE, 19733 GPS Coordinates:
39.5534,
-75.6309Fossil Types Found: - Crustaceans
- Corals
- Mollusks (bivalves, gastropods)
- Sponges
- Vertebrates (fish, mammals)
Geological Period: Cretaceous (~100–66 million years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Navesink, Mount Laurel Formations Public or Private Access: Public (limited due to steel bulkhead) Permit Requirements: No permit required, but access restricted by barriers Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided (limited by bulkhead) Tool Use Policy: Hand-picking only Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Limited near site
- Restrooms: None on-site
- Lodging: Hotels in Middletown (~10 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Diverse invertebrate fossils (200 taxa) User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 4.0/5
(60 reviews from fossil enthusiasts) -
Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (Railroad Bridge)
Location: Near Bear, New Castle County, Delaware, 19701Bear, DE, 19701 GPS Coordinates:
39.5421,
-75.7033Fossil Types Found: - Bivalves (Anomia, Exogyra, Ostrea)
- Ammonites (Scaphites)
- Gastropods (Turritella, Xenophora)
Geological Period: Cretaceous (~100–66 million years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Merchantville Formation Public or Private Access: Public (digging discouraged near bridge) Permit Requirements: No permit required, but caution advised Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided (limited near bridge) Tool Use Policy: Hand-picking only Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Available near canal
- Restrooms: None on-site
- Lodging: Hotels in Bear (~5 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Well-preserved ammonites User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 4.1/5
(70 reviews from fossil forums) -
Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (Summit Bridge)
Location: Near Bear, New Castle County, Delaware, 19701Bear, DE, 19701 GPS Coordinates:
39.5414,
-75.7383Fossil Types Found: - Pterosaur bones (Pteranodon)
- Bivalves
- Ammonites
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Cretaceous (Upper, ~100–66 million years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Merchantville Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: No permit required Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand-picking only Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Available near bridge
- Restrooms: None on-site
- Lodging: Hotels in Bear (~5 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Pteranodon fossils User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 4.4/5
(80 reviews from fossil forums) -
Pollack Farm Fossil Site
Location: Near Smyrna, Kent County, Delaware, 19977Smyrna, DE, 19977 GPS Coordinates:
39.2356,
-75.5767Fossil Types Found: - Mollusks
- Radiolarians
- Vertebrates (fish, small mammals)
- Ichnofossils (Ophiomorpha, Skolithos)
Geological Period: Miocene (~23–5 million years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Cheswold Sand Public or Private Access: Private (backfilled, limited access) Permit Requirements: Permission required from Delaware Geological Survey Entry Fee: Free (if access granted) Best Season to Visit: Summer (if research digs occur) Dig Options: Guided research digs (rare) Tool Use Policy: Tools provided by organizers Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Limited on-site
- Restrooms: None
- Lodging: Hotels in Smyrna (~5 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Diverse Miocene fauna User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 4.0/5
(20 reviews from academic sources) -
Dover (Jones Creek)
Location: Near Dover, Kent County, Delaware, 19901Dover, DE, 19901 GPS Coordinates:
39.1629,
-75.5185Fossil Types Found: - Mollusk shells (clams, snails)
Geological Period: Miocene (~23–5 million years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (riverbank access) Permit Requirements: No permit required for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Roadside near creek
- Restrooms: None on-site
- Lodging: Hotels in Dover (~2 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 3.8/5
(15 reviews from local fossil groups) -
Murderkill Creek
Location: Near Frederica, Kent County, Delaware, 19946Frederica, DE, 19946 GPS Coordinates:
39.0583,
-75.3969Fossil Types Found: - Bivalves (Mactra, Pecten, Venus)
- Annelid worms (Serpula)
Geological Period: Miocene (~23–5 million years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (creek access) Permit Requirements: No permit required Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Roadside near creek
- Restrooms: None
- Lodging: Hotels in Dover (~10 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 3.7/5
(12 reviews from local sources) -
Smyrna (Duck Creek)
Location: Near Smyrna, Kent County, Delaware, 19977Smyrna, DE, 19977 GPS Coordinates:
39.3111,
-75.6026Fossil Types Found: - Mollusk shells
Geological Period: Miocene (~23–5 million years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (creek access) Permit Requirements: No permit required Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Roadside near creek
- Restrooms: None
- Lodging: Hotels in Smyrna (~5 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 3.9/5
(18 reviews from local fossil groups) -
Felton (Coursey-Killen Ponds)
Location: Near Felton, Kent County, Delaware, 19943Felton, DE, 19943 GPS Coordinates:
38.9842,
-75.5282Fossil Types Found: - Poorly preserved invertebrates
Geological Period: Miocene (~23–5 million years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (pond banks) Permit Requirements: No permit required Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Available near ponds
- Restrooms: None
- Lodging: Hotels in Dover (~10 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 3.6/5
(10 reviews from local sources) -
Dagsboro (Pepper Creek Bridge)
Location: Near Dagsboro, Sussex County, Delaware, 19939Dagsboro, DE, 19939 GPS Coordinates:
38.5492,
-75.2461Fossil Types Found: - Marine invertebrates (shells)
Geological Period: Pleistocene (~2.5 million–11,700 years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Omar Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: No permit required Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Roadside near bridge
- Restrooms: None
- Lodging: Hotels in Millsboro (~5 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 3.8/5
(15 reviews from local fossil groups) -
Middletown (State Sand Pit)
Location: Near Middletown, New Castle County, Delaware, 19709Middletown, DE, 19709 GPS Coordinates:
39.4494,
-75.7167Fossil Types Found: - Plant impressions
Geological Period: Pleistocene (~2.5 million–11,700 years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (state-managed) Permit Requirements: Permission required from state authorities Entry Fee: Free (if permitted) Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided (with permission) Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Limited on-site
- Restrooms: None
- Lodging: Hotels in Middletown (~2 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 3.5/5
(10 reviews from local sources) -
Cape Henlopen Area
Location: Near Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware, 19958Lewes, DE, 19958 GPS Coordinates:
38.6212,
-75.0723Fossil Types Found: - Marine invertebrates
- Petrified wood
Geological Period: Pleistocene (~2.5 million–11,700 years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (beach access) Permit Requirements: No permit required Entry Fee: Park entry fee may apply Best Season to Visit: Summer or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand-picking only Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Available at Cape Henlopen State Park
- Restrooms: Available at park
- Lodging: Hotels in Lewes (~5 miles)
- Visitor Center: Cape Henlopen State Park
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware State Parks
- Phone: (302) 645-8983
- Email: None provided
Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 4.0/5
(50 reviews from park visitors) -
Lewes and Rehoboth Canal
Location: Near Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware, 19958Lewes, DE, 19958 GPS Coordinates:
38.7746,
-75.1393Fossil Types Found: - Mollusk shells
Geological Period: Pleistocene-Holocene (~2.5 million years–present) Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (canal banks) Permit Requirements: No permit required Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Roadside near canal
- Restrooms: None
- Lodging: Hotels in Lewes (~2 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 3.7/5
(15 reviews from local sources) -
Ocean View (Assawoman Canal)
Location: Near Ocean View, Sussex County, Delaware, 19970Ocean View, DE, 19970 GPS Coordinates:
38.5468,
-75.0837Fossil Types Found: - Mollusk shells
Geological Period: Pleistocene-Holocene (~2.5 million years–present) Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (canal banks) Permit Requirements: No permit required Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Roadside near canal
- Restrooms: None
- Lodging: Hotels in Bethany Beach (~5 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 3.8/5
(12 reviews from local sources) -
Seaford (Nanticoke River)
Location: Near Seaford, Sussex County, Delaware, 19973Seaford, DE, 19973 GPS Coordinates:
38.6412,
-75.6110Fossil Types Found: - Mollusk shells
Geological Period: Pleistocene (~2.5 million–11,700 years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (riverbank access) Permit Requirements: No permit required Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Roadside near river
- Restrooms: None
- Lodging: Hotels in Seaford (~2 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 3.7/5
(10 reviews from local sources) -
Blackbird
Location: Near Blackbird, New Castle County, Delaware, 19734Blackbird, DE, 19734 GPS Coordinates:
39.3709,
-75.6591Fossil Types Found: - Petrified pine wood
Geological Period: Unknown Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (float material) Permit Requirements: No permit required Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand-picking only Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Roadside
- Restrooms: None
- Lodging: Hotels in Middletown (~10 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 3.5/5
(8 reviews from local sources) -
Odessa Area
Location: Near Odessa, New Castle County, Delaware, 19730Odessa, DE, 19730 GPS Coordinates:
39.4572,
-75.6617Fossil Types Found: - Petrified wood
Geological Period: Unknown Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (area exposures) Permit Requirements: No permit required Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand-picking only Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Roadside
- Restrooms: None
- Lodging: Hotels in Middletown (~5 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 3.6/5
(10 reviews from local sources) -
Dover (Dover AFB)
Location: Near Dover, Kent County, Delaware, 19901Dover, DE, 19901 GPS Coordinates:
39.1315,
-75.4859Fossil Types Found: - Foraminifera (Globotruncana, Heterohelix)
Geological Period: Cretaceous-Eocene (~66 million years ago, K-Pg boundary) Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Private (military base) Permit Requirements: Access restricted; permission required from Dover AFB Entry Fee: None (if permitted) Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall (if access granted) Dig Options: Guided (if permitted) Tool Use Policy: Tools provided by organizers Nearby Facilities: - Parking: On-base (if permitted)
- Restrooms: On-base
- Lodging: Hotels in Dover (~5 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Dover Air Force Base
- Phone: (302) 677-3000
- Email: None provided
Famous Discoveries: K-Pg boundary fossils User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 4.0/5
(5 reviews from academic sources) -
Smyrna (Old Duck Creek)
Location: Near Smyrna, Kent County, Delaware, 19977Smyrna, DE, 19977 GPS Coordinates:
39.2434,
-75.5863Fossil Types Found: - Bivalves (Mactra, Pecten, Venus)
- Annelid worms (Serpula)
Geological Period: Miocene (~23–5 million years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown Public or Private Access: Public (creek access) Permit Requirements: No permit required Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Small hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Roadside near creek
- Restrooms: None
- Lodging: Hotels in Smyrna (~5 miles)
- Visitor Center: None
Contact Information: - Website: Delaware Geological Survey
- Phone: (302) 831-2833
- Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None documented User Ratings and Reviews: Average Rating: 3.9/5
(20 reviews from local fossil groups) -
Lums Pond State Park
Location: Near Bear, New Castle County, Delaware, 19701Bear, DE, 19701 GPS Coordinates:
39.5478,
-75.7053Fossil Types Found: - Shark teeth
Geological Period: Cretaceous (~100–66 million years ago) Stratigraphic Formation: Marshalltown Formation Public or Private Access: Public (park access) Permit Requirements: Park entry fee; no collecting permit required Entry Fee: Park entry fee ($4–$8) Best Season to Visit: Spring or Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand-picking only Nearby Facilities: - Parking: Available at park
- Restrooms: Available at park
Fossil Dig Tourism in Delaware: A Prehistoric Adventure
Delaware, a hidden gem for best fossil dig sites in Delaware, offers thrilling opportunities for families, beginners, and amateur paleontologists seeking family fossil hunting trips in Delaware. The state’s geological treasures, particularly along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, make it a top destination for public fossil hunting in Delaware. Here, enthusiasts can uncover common fossils in Delaware, such as the state fossil Belemnitella americana, a Cretaceous belemnite, alongside bivalves, ammonites, and shark teeth. These low-cost paleontology tours in Delaware are accessible, with sites like Reedy Point and St. Georges Bridge requiring no permits or fees for surface collecting, ideal for dinosaur dig vacations in Delaware. The Pollack Farm Fossil Site, though private, provides rare guided digs into Miocene mollusks and vertebrate fossils, perfect for paleontology field adventures in Delaware. Coastal sites like Cape Henlopen and Pepper Creek yield Pleistocene marine shells and petrified wood, catering to self-guided fossil digs in Delaware. From Murderkill Creek’s Miocene bivalves to Lums Pond’s shark teeth, Delaware’s rockhounding destinations in Delaware are diverse and beginner-friendly. The best season for fossil hunting in Delaware is spring or fall, when mild weather and low vegetation enhance visibility at Jurassic fossil parks in Delaware. Supported by the Delaware Geological Survey, these sites offer educational value, with minimal equipment needed—gloves and a bag suffice for most. Combine prehistoric site tours in Delaware with beach visits or historical attractions in Dover and Lewes for a memorable vacation. Whether you’re scouring canal spoil piles or creek banks, where to find fossils in Delaware is answered by over 20 accessible locations. Note that collecting is prohibited in national parks like Delaware Water Gap, so always verify regulations to ensure your fossil hunting in Delaware is legal. With high user ratings and free access to many sites, Delaware is a must-visit for paleontology enthusiasts seeking affordable, engaging adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in Delaware
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Delaware?
No, fossil collecting is prohibited in national parks like Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to preserve scientific resources. Always check with park authorities before collecting.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Delaware?
For sites like the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, hand-picking is required, so bring gloves and a bag. At creek sites like Pepper Creek, small hand tools like trowels are permitted. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Are Delaware’s fossil dig sites family-friendly?
Yes, sites like Reedy Point, Cape Henlopen, and Murderkill Creek are accessible for families, with no fees at most locations and minimal equipment needed, making them ideal for kids and beginners.
Do I need a permit to collect fossils in Delaware?
No permit is required for public sites like the C&D Canal or Pepper Creek for non-commercial collecting, but private sites like Pollack Farm or Dover AFB require permission.
What types of fossils can I find in Delaware?
Delaware offers Cretaceous belemnites, ammonites, and shark teeth at the C&D Canal, Miocene mollusks at Pollack Farm, and Pleistocene shells and petrified wood at coastal sites like Cape Henlopen.
When is the best time to go fossil hunting in Delaware?
Spring and fall are ideal due to mild weather and lower vegetation, improving visibility at sites like St. Georges Bridge and Pepper Creek.
Can I keep the fossils I find in Delaware?
Yes, fossils collected from public sites like the C&D Canal for personal, non-commercial use can be kept, but commercial collecting requires permits. Always respect private property rules.
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