Fossil Dig Sites in Iowa, USA
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Devonian Fossil Gorge
Location: Coralville, Johnson County, IA 52241
GPS Coordinates: 41.7217, -91.5319
Fossil Types Found:
- Corals
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Trilobites
- Cephalopods
- Fish (Dunkleosteus)
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Little Cedar, Cedar Valley Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided observation, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: No tools; observation only
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Coralville
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (319) 338-3543, Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Dunkleosteus skull fragment
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (250 reviews)
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Rockford Fossil and Prairie Park
Location: Rockford, Floyd County, IA 50468
GPS Coordinates: 43.0472, -92.9808
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
- Trilobites
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Lime Creek Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Charles City
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (641) 756-3490
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (120 reviews)
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Decorah Winneshiek Lagerstätte
Location: Decorah, Winneshiek County, IA 52101
GPS Coordinates: 43.3033, -91.7857
Fossil Types Found:
- Eurypterids
- Conodonts
- Phyllocarids
- Algae
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Winneshiek Shale
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Pentecopterus decorahensis
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Le Grand Crinoid Beds
Location: Le Grand, Marshall County, IA 50142
GPS Coordinates: 42.0357, -92.7859
Fossil Types Found:
- Crinoids
- Starfish
- Blastoids
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Hampton Formation (Kinderhook)
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: 183 starfish in single block, 41 crinoid species
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Russell Wildlife Area
Location: Russell, Lucas County, IA 50238
GPS Coordinates: 40.9875, -93.2167
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
- Blastoids
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Chariton
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (515) 725-8200
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (30 reviews)
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Burlington Limestone Outcrops
Location: Burlington, Des Moines County, IA 52601
GPS Coordinates: 40.8056, -91.1017
Fossil Types Found:
- Crinoids
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Fish teeth
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Burlington Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Burlington
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (50 reviews)
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Keokuk Geode Beds
Location: Keokuk, Lee County, IA 52632
GPS Coordinates: 40.3890, -91.3934
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
- Fish teeth
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Keokuk Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Keokuk
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (319) 524-5599
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (80 reviews)
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Maquoketa Caves State Park
Location: Maquoketa, Jackson County, IA 52060
GPS Coordinates: 42.1189, -90.7767
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Gower Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (563) 652-5833
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (150 reviews)
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Akron Gravel Pit
Location: Akron, Plymouth County, IA 51001
GPS Coordinates: 42.8289, -96.5595
Fossil Types Found:
- Dinosaur vertebrae
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Dakota Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Hadrosaur vertebra
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Oskaloosa Mammoth Site
Location: Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, IA 52577
GPS Coordinates: 41.2964, -92.6449
Fossil Types Found:
- Woolly mammoth bones
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Four-foot mammoth femur
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Guthrie County Hadrosaur Site
Location: Guthrie Center, Guthrie County, IA 50115
GPS Coordinates: 41.6772, -94.5061
Fossil Types Found:
- Hadrosaur bone fragments
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Dakota Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Hadrosaur fragments
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Starr’s Cave Nature Center
Location: Burlington, Des Moines County, IA 52601
GPS Coordinates: 40.8378, -91.1378
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Burlington Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (319) 753-5808
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (60 reviews)
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Muscatine County Roadcuts
Location: Muscatine, Muscatine County, IA 52761
GPS Coordinates: 41.4234, -91.0434
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Cedar Valley Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Muscatine
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (40 reviews)
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Backbone State Park
Location: Dundee, Delaware County, IA 52038
GPS Coordinates: 42.6158, -91.5547
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Cedar Valley Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (563) 924-2527
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (100 reviews)
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Fort Dodge Formation Outcrops
Location: Fort Dodge, Webster County, IA 50501
GPS Coordinates: 42.5061, -94.1797
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
Geological Period: Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Fort Dodge Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Fort Dodge
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.7/5 (20 reviews)
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Saylorville Lake Spillway
Location: Polk City, Polk County, IA 50226
GPS Coordinates: 41.6889, -93.6833
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Cedar Valley Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Des Moines
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (515) 276-4656
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (50 reviews)
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Independence Roadcuts
Location: Independence, Buchanan County, IA 50644
GPS Coordinates: 42.4686, -91.8893
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
- Trilobites
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Cedar Valley Group, Independence Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Independence
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (30 reviews)
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Pikes Peak State Park
Location: McGregor, Clayton County, IA 52157
GPS Coordinates: 43.1531, -91.1714
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
- Trilobites
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Gower Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (563) 873-2341
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (120 reviews)
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Dubuque Mines of Spain
Location: Dubuque, Dubuque County, IA 52003
GPS Coordinates: 42.4603, -90.6425
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
- Trilobites
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Gower Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Dubuque
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (563) 556-0620
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (80 reviews)
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Fayette County Roadcuts
Location: Fayette, Fayette County, IA 52142
GPS Coordinates: 42.8458, -91.8022
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Cedar Valley Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Oelwein
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (30 reviews)
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Bellevue State Park
Location: Bellevue, Jackson County, IA 52031
GPS Coordinates: 42.2597, -90.4228
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Gower Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (563) 872-4019
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (90 reviews)
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Bird Hill State Preserve
Location: Rockford, Cerro Gordo County, IA 50468
GPS Coordinates: 43.0383, -93.0480
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Stromatoporoids
- Worms
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Hackberry Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Mason City
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (641) 756-3490
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (40 reviews)
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Gilmore City Quarries
Location: Gilmore City, Pocahontas County, IA 50541
GPS Coordinates: 42.7402, -94.4514
Fossil Types Found:
- Crinoids
- Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
- Corals
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Gilmore City Limestone
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: 24 crinoid species, museum-quality slabs
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Wildcat Den State Park
Location: Muscatine, Muscatine County, IA 52761
GPS Coordinates: 41.4705, -90.8837
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Cedar Valley Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (563) 263-4337
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (70 reviews)
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Clermont Roadcuts
Location: Clermont, Fayette County, IA 52135
GPS Coordinates: 43.0036, -91.6522
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Cephalopods
- Graptolites
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Maquoketa Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in West Union
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (35 reviews)
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Patterson Springs
Location: Brainard, Fayette County, IA 52142
GPS Coordinates: 42.9312, -91.7052
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Maquoketa Formation (Brainard Member)
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (25 reviews)
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McGregor Sny Magill Creek
Location: McGregor, Clayton County, IA 52157
GPS Coordinates: 42.9905, -91.2475
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Platteville Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in McGregor
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.7/5 (20 reviews)
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Hiemstra Quarry
Location: Delta, Keokuk County, IA 52550
GPS Coordinates: 41.3188, -92.3349
Fossil Types Found:
- Fish
- Tetrapods
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: St. Louis Limestone
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Vertebrate-rich bone bed
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Winterset Ravine
Location: Winterset, Madison County, IA 50273
GPS Coordinates: 41.3174, -94.0285
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Bivalves
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian
Stratigraphic Formation: Bethany Falls Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Winterset
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (30 reviews)
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Sioux City Riverside
Location: Sioux City, Woodbury County, IA 51103
GPS Coordinates: 42.4994, -96.4387
Fossil Types Found:
- Bivalves
- Gastropods
- Plant leaves
- Foraminifera
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Dakota Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Collecting allowed for personal use
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Sioux City
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (35 reviews)
Comparison of Iowa Fossil Dig Sites
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devonian Fossil Gorge | Iowa | Corals, Brachiopods, Crinoids, Trilobites, Fish | Public, Observation | 4.5/5 |
| Rockford Fossil Park | Iowa | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids, Trilobites | Public, Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Decorah Winneshiek | Iowa | Eurypterids, Conodonts, Phyllocarids | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Le Grand Crinoid Beds | Iowa | Crinoids, Starfish, Blastoids | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Russell Wildlife Area | Iowa | Trilobites, Blastoids, Brachiopods | Public, Self-guided | 3.8/5 |
| Burlington Limestone | Iowa | Crinoids, Brachiopods, Corals, Fish | Public, Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Keokuk Geode Beds | Iowa | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids, Fish | Public, Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Maquoketa Caves | Iowa | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids | Public, Observation | 4.4/5 |
| Akron Gravel Pit | Iowa | Dinosaur Vertebrae | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Oskaloosa Mammoth | Iowa | Woolly Mammoth Bones | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Guthrie County | Iowa | Hadrosaur Fragments | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Starr’s Cave | Iowa | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Public, Observation | 4.1/5 |
| Muscatine Roadcuts | Iowa | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Public, Self-guided | 3.9/5 |
| Backbone State Park | Iowa | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids | Public, Observation | 4.3/5 |
| Fort Dodge Outcrops | Iowa | Brachiopods, Corals | Public, Self-guided | 3.7/5 |
| Saylorville Spillway | Iowa | Brachiopods, Crinoids | Public, Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Independence Roadcuts | Iowa | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids, Trilobites | Public, Self-guided | 3.8/5 |
| Pikes Peak Park | Iowa | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids, Trilobites | Public, Observation | 4.4/5 |
| Dubuque Mines | Iowa | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids, Trilobites | Public, Observation | 4.2/5 |
| Fayette Roadcuts | Iowa | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids | Public, Self-guided | 3.8/5 |
| Bellevue State Park | Iowa | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids | Public, Observation | 4.3/5 |
| Bird Hill Preserve | Iowa | Brachiopods, Corals, Stromatoporoids | Public, Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Gilmore City Quarries | Iowa | Crinoids, Brachiopods, Bryozoans, Corals | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Wildcat Den Park | Iowa | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids | Public, Observation | 4.2/5 |
| Clermont Roadcuts | Iowa | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Cephalopods | Public, Self-guided | 3.9/5 |
| Patterson Springs | Iowa | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Crinoids | Public, Self-guided | 3.8/5 |
| McGregor Sny Magill | Iowa | Trilobites | Public, Self-guided | 3.7/5 |
| Hiemstra Quarry | Iowa | Fish, Tetrapods | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Winterset Ravine | Iowa | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Bivalves | Public, Self-guided | 3.8/5 |
| Sioux City Riverside | Iowa | Bivalves, Gastropods, Plants | Public, Self-guided | 3.9/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Iowa
Iowa is a treasure trove for fossil enthusiasts, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in Iowa for families, beginners, and seasoned rockhounds. Known for its rich Paleozoic history, the state boasts public dinosaur excavation areas in Iowa, like the Devonian Fossil Gorge in Coralville, where visitors can observe Devonian corals and crinoids in a flood-exposed limestone bed. Family fossil hunting trips in Iowa are both educational and affordable, with low-cost paleontology tours in Iowa at sites like Rockford Fossil and Prairie Park, where self-guided fossil digs in Iowa uncover common fossils in Iowa, such as brachiopods and trilobites. Wondering where to find fossils in Iowa? The Keokuk Geode Beds and Burlington Limestone outcrops are prime rockhounding destinations in Iowa, revealing Mississippian marine life. While dinosaur dig vacations in Iowa are rare due to the state’s ancient marine past, prehistoric site tours in Iowa at Maquoketa Caves and Pikes Peak State Parks offer stunning views of fossil-rich formations. Spring to fall is the best time for fossil hunting in Iowa, with sites like Saylorville Lake Spillway and Muscatine roadcuts providing easy access for paleontology field adventures in Iowa. Many public sites, like Russell Wildlife Area, allow hand-tool collecting, making them ideal for beginners. With visitor centers at major parks and nearby lodging, Iowa’s Jurassic fossil parks in Iowa cater to all ages. From the Ordovician eurypterids of Decorah to the Pleistocene mammoth bones near Oskaloosa, exploring fossils of animals in Iowa connects adventurers to a prehistoric world of ancient seas and Ice Age giants, ensuring thrilling discoveries for every fossil hunter.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleontology_in_Iowa)[](https://www.startribune.com/midwest-traveler-fossil-hunting-at-iowa-s-devonian-gorge-and-five-more-regional-sites/491049821)[](https://rockchasing.com/fossils-in-iowa/)
Fossil Digging FAQs
Can I dig for fossils in Iowa state parks?
No, collecting fossils in state parks like Maquoketa Caves is prohibited to protect resources.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Iowa?
Sturdy shoes, gloves, hand tools (hammer, chisel), a bag for fossils, and water. Check site rules.
Do I need a permit for fossil hunting in Iowa?
Public sites like Rockford Fossil Park require no permit; private sites need permission.
When is the best time to fossil hunt in Iowa?
Spring to fall (March–October) for accessible sites and good weather.
Can kids join fossil digs in Iowa?
Yes, sites like Devonian Fossil Gorge are family-friendly with supervision.
Are guided fossil tours available in Iowa?
Limited; private sites like Decorah may offer guided tours; check with local museums.
Can I keep fossils I find in Iowa?
Yes, at public sites like Keokuk Geode Beds, but not in state parks like Pikes Peak.
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