Best Fossil Dig Sites and Fossil-Related Locations in Minnesota
Discover the best fossil dig sites and fossil-related locations in Minnesota, including public dig sites, museums, and unique geological areas for fossil hunting enthusiasts.
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Lilydale Regional Park
Location: St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota 55102 GPS Coordinates: 44.9175, -93.1083 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Trilobites
- Crinoids
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Platteville Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Required for fossil collecting; contact St. Paul Parks and Recreation Entry Fee: Free, but permit may have associated costs Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall (April–October) Dig Options: Self-guided with permit Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed (e.g., hammer, chisel); check permit guidelines Nearby Facilities: Parking, trails; no visitor center or restrooms Contact Information:
St. Paul Parks and Recreation, Phone: (651) 266-6400, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 based on 50 reviews (Google Maps) -
Quarry Hill Park
Location: Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota 55904 GPS Coordinates: 44.0306, -92.4367 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Trilobites
- Cephalopods
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Platteville Limestone Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting prohibited; viewing only Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Year-round Dig Options: Educational programs through Quarry Hill Nature Center Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Nature center, restrooms, parking, trails Contact Information:
Quarry Hill Nature Center, Phone: (507) 328-3950, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 based on 200 reviews (Google Maps) -
Whispering Winds Fossil Tours
Location: Spring Valley, Fillmore County, Minnesota 55975 GPS Coordinates: 43.6891, -92.3913 Fossil Types Found: - Gastropods
- Cephalopods
- Trilobites
- Fisherites
- Bryozoans
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Decorah Shale Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Booking required; no additional permit Entry Fee: Varies; contact for pricing Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Guided tours Tool Use Policy: Tools provided by tour operator Nearby Facilities: Parking; lodging in Spring Valley Contact Information:
Bluff Country Fossils, Phone: Not listed, Email: Not listedFamous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 based on 10 reviews (estimated) -
New Ulm-Springfield Clay Pits
Location: Brown County, Minnesota (between New Ulm and Springfield) GPS Coordinates: 44.2747, -94.6884 Fossil Types Found: - Bivalves
- Cephalopods
- Gastropods
- Plants (30 species)
- Shark teeth
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Not specified Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Permission required from landowners Entry Fee: Varies; contact landowners Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: None; requires landowner permission Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission Nearby Facilities: Lodging in New Ulm Contact Information:
New Ulm Tourism, Phone: (507) 233-4300, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: Limited data; 4.0/5 based on 5 reviews (estimated) -
Taylor’s Falls
Location: Taylor’s Falls, Chisago County, Minnesota 55084 GPS Coordinates: 45.4000, -92.6600 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Conaspis, Parabolinoides, Taenicephalus, Wilbernia, Plethopeltis)
- Brachiopods (Eoorthis, Dicellomus)
- Ichnofossils (Skolithos burrows)
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Franconia Formation Public or Private Access: Public (Interstate State Park) Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting prohibited Entry Fee: $7/vehicle (state park permit) Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping Contact Information:
Minnesota DNR, Phone: (651) 465-5711, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Diverse trilobite fossils User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 based on 300 reviews (Google Maps) -
Taylor’s Falls Pine Point Trail
Location: Taylor’s Falls, Chisago County, Minnesota 55084 (2 km S on Pine Point Trail) GPS Coordinates: 45.3953, -92.6674 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Conaspis, Parabolinoides, Taenicephalus, Wilbernia)
- Brachiopods (Eoorthis)
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Franconia Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting prohibited Entry Fee: $7/vehicle Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, trails Contact Information:
Minnesota DNR, Phone: (651) 465-5711, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Diverse trilobites User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 based on 100 reviews (Google Maps) -
Burnsville Minnesota River Valley
Location: Burnsville, Dakota County, Minnesota 55337 GPS Coordinates: 44.7678, -93.2775 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Not specified Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting likely prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, trails Contact Information:
Burnsville Parks, Phone: (952) 895-4500, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 based on 50 reviews (estimated) -
Forestville Quarries
Location: Forestville, Fillmore County, Minnesota 55965 GPS Coordinates: 43.6428, -92.2147 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods (Orthis, Strophomena)
- Graptolites
- Bivalves (Orthonota)
- Algae (Receptaculites)
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Galena Formation Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Permission required from landowners Entry Fee: Varies; contact landowners Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: None; requires permission Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission Nearby Facilities: Lodging in nearby towns Contact Information:
Explore Minnesota, Phone: (888) 847-4866, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: Limited data; 4.0/5 based on 5 reviews (estimated) -
Fountain Decorah Shale
Location: Fountain, Fillmore County, Minnesota 55935 GPS Coordinates: 43.7464, -92.1400 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods (Pionodema, Leptaena, Orthis, Strophomena)
- Bryozoans
- Corals (Chaetetes)
- Crinoids (fragments)
- Cephalopods
- Algae (Cryptozoon)
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Decorah Shale Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting likely prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, trails Contact Information:
Explore Minnesota, Phone: (888) 847-4866, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 based on 20 reviews (estimated) -
Cannon Falls
Location: Cannon Falls, Goodhue County, Minnesota 55009 GPS Coordinates: 44.5069, -92.9053 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods (Rhynchotrema)
- Trilobites
- Cephalopods
- Gastropods
- Bryozoans
- Corals
- Sponges
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Decorah Shale Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting likely prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, trails Contact Information:
Cannon Falls City, Phone: (507) 263-4214, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 based on 30 reviews (estimated) -
Cannon Falls Wagner Quarry
Location: Cannon Falls, Goodhue County, Minnesota 55009 (10 km S on US52) GPS Coordinates: 44.4292, -92.8762 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
- Cystoids (Belemnocystites, Scalenocystites)
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Dunleith Formation Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Permission required from quarry owners Entry Fee: Varies; contact owners Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: None; requires permission Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Cannon Falls Contact Information:
Cannon Falls City, Phone: (507) 263-4214, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Rare cystoid fossils User Ratings and Reviews: Limited data; 4.0/5 based on 5 reviews (estimated) -
Granger
Location: Granger, Fillmore County, Minnesota 55939 GPS Coordinates: 43.5022, -92.1386 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
- Cephalopods
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Galena Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting likely prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, trails Contact Information:
Explore Minnesota, Phone: (888) 847-4866, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 based on 15 reviews (estimated) -
Science Museum of Minnesota
Location: St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota 55102 GPS Coordinates: 44.9429, -93.0983 Fossil Types Found: - Dinosaur bones (on display)
- Trilobites
- Giant beaver (Castoroides ohioensis)
Geological Period: Cretaceous, Pleistocene Stratigraphic Formation: Not applicable Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None; museum entry Entry Fee: $19.95/adult, $13.95/child Best Season to Visit: Year-round Dig Options: Educational programs Tool Use Policy: Not applicable Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, dining Contact Information:
Science Museum of Minnesota, Phone: (651) 221-9444, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Giant beaver fossil User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 based on 1000 reviews (Google Maps) -
Itasca State Park
Location: Park Rapids, Itasca County, Minnesota 56470 GPS Coordinates: 47.2397, -95.2083 Fossil Types Found: - Bison
- Mammoths
- Elk
Geological Period: Pleistocene Stratigraphic Formation: Glacial deposits Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting prohibited Entry Fee: $7/vehicle Best Season to Visit: Summer to Fall Dig Options: Educational exhibits Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping Contact Information:
Minnesota DNR, Phone: (218) 699-7251, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Bison bonebed User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 based on 500 reviews (Google Maps) -
Grand Marais Magnetic Rock Trail
Location: Grand Marais, Cook County, Minnesota 55604 GPS Coordinates: 48.0919, -90.8253 Fossil Types Found: - Stromatolites (blue-green algae)
Geological Period: Precambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Gunflint Chert Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, trails Contact Information:
Superior National Forest, Phone: (218) 626-4300, Email: Not listedFamous Discoveries: 1.8-billion-year-old stromatolites User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 based on 50 reviews (Google Maps) -
Kasota Minnesota River
Location: Kasota, Le Sueur County, Minnesota 56050 GPS Coordinates: 44.2925, -93.9647 Fossil Types Found: - Bivalves
- Gastropods (Dirhachopea, Ophileta)
- Helcionelloids (Pelagiella)
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Kasota Formation Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Permission required from landowners Entry Fee: Varies; contact landowners Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: None; requires permission Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Mankato Contact Information:
Explore Minnesota, Phone: (888) 847-4866, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: Limited data; 4.0/5 based on 5 reviews (estimated) -
Chatfield
Location: Chatfield, Olmsted County, Minnesota 55923 GPS Coordinates: 43.8456, -92.1889 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Corals (Chaetetes)
- Crinoids (columnals)
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Decorah Shale Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting likely prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, trails Contact Information:
Explore Minnesota, Phone: (888) 847-4866, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 based on 20 reviews (estimated) -
Pipestone National Monument
Location: Pipestone, Pipestone County, Minnesota 56164 GPS Coordinates: 44.0115, -96.3242 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods (Lingula)
- Trilobites (Paradoxides?)
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Sioux Sandstone Public or Private Access: Publicව
Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting prohibited
Entry Fee: $10/adult
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Viewing only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking
Contact Information:
Pipestone National Monument, Phone: (507) 825-5464, Email: [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Rare trilobite fossilsUser Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 based on 200 reviews (Google Maps) -
St. Paul Brickyards
Location: St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota 55102 GPS Coordinates: 44.9186, -93.1227 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Sponges
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Decorah Shale Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Permission required Entry Fee: Varies; contact owners Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: None; requires permission Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission Nearby Facilities: Lodging in St. Paul Contact Information:
Mississippi National River, Phone: (651) 293-0200, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: Limited data; 4.0/5 based on 5 reviews (estimated) -
Reno Hell Hollow
Location: Reno, Houston County, Minnesota 55919 (2 km N) GPS Coordinates: 43.6160, -91.2751 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Conaspis, Dikelocephalus, Prosaukia, Ptychaspis)
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Franconia Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting likely prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, trails Contact Information:
Explore Minnesota, Phone: (888) 847-4866, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 based on 10 reviews (estimated) -
Dresbach
Location: Dresbach, Winona County, Minnesota 55925 GPS Coordinates: 43.8956, -91.3431 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Crepicephalus, Acheilus)
- Brachiopods (Lingulepis, Obolus)
- Cephalopods
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Eau Claire Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting likely prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, trails Contact Information:
Explore Minnesota, Phone: (888) 847-4866, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 based on 15 reviews (estimated) -
Hawk Creek Township
Location: Hawk Creek Township, Renville County, Minnesota 56285 GPS Coordinates: 44.7784, -95.4453 Fossil Types Found: - Bivalves (Sphaerium)
- Gastropods (Amnicola, Goniobasis, Gyraulus, Valvata)
Geological Period: Pleistocene Stratigraphic Formation: Glacial drift Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting likely prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking Contact Information:
Explore Minnesota, Phone: (888) 847-4866, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: Limited data; 4.0/5 based on 5 reviews (estimated) -
Biwabik Mary Ellen Mine
Location: Biwabik, St. Louis County, Minnesota 55708 (2 km N) GPS Coordinates: 47.5443, -92.3464 Fossil Types Found: - Stromatolites (silicified)
Geological Period: Precambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Soudan Formation Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Permission required Entry Fee: Varies; contact owners Best Season to Visit: Summer Dig Options: None; requires permission Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Biwabik Contact Information:
Iron Range Tourism, Phone: (800) 777-8497, Email: Not listedFamous Discoveries: Silicified stromatolites User Ratings and Reviews: Limited data; 4.0/5 based on 5 reviews (estimated)
Comparison Table of Minnesota Fossil Dig Sites and Fossil-Related Locations
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lilydale Regional Park | Minnesota | Brachiopods, Trilobites, Crinoids, Gastropods | Permit-only | 4.2/5 |
| Quarry Hill Park | Minnesota | Brachiopods, Trilobites, Cephalopods, Gastropods | Educational | 4.7/5 |
| Whispering Winds Fossil Tours | Minnesota | Gastropods, Cephalopods, Trilobites, Fisherites, Bryozoans, Brachiopods | Guided | 4.5/5 |
| New Ulm-Springfield Clay Pits | Minnesota | Bivalves, Cephalopods, Gastropods, Plants, Shark teeth | Restricted | 4.0/5 |
| Taylor’s Falls | Minnesota | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Ichnofossils | Viewing-only | 4.8/5 |
| Taylor’s Falls Pine Point Trail | Minnesota | Trilobites, Brachiopods | Viewing-only | 4.7/5 |
| Burnsville Minnesota River Valley | Minnesota | Brachiopods, Crinoids | Viewing-only | 4.3/5 |
| Forestville Quarries | Minnesota | Brachiopods, Graptolites, Bivalves, Algae | Restricted | 4.0/5 |
| Fountain Decorah Shale | Minnesota | Brachiopods, Bryozoans, Corals, Crinoids, Cephalopods, Algae | Viewing-only | 4.2/5 |
| Cannon Falls | Minnesota | Brachiopods, Trilobites, Cephalopods, Gastropods, Bryozoans, Corals, Sponges | Viewing-only | 4.4/5 |
| Cannon Falls Wagner Quarry | Minnesota | Brachiopods, Bryozoans, Cystoids | Restricted | 4.0/5 |
| Granger | Minnesota | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Bryozoans, Cephalopods | Viewing-only | 4.1/5 |
| Science Museum of Minnesota | Minnesota | Dinosaur Bones, Trilobites, Giant Beaver | Educational | 4.6/5 |
| Itasca State Park | Minnesota | Bison, Mammoths, Elk | Educational | 4.8/5 |
| Grand Marais Magnetic Rock Trail | Minnesota | Stromatolites | Viewing-only | 4.6/5 |
| Kasota Minnesota River | Minnesota | Bivalves, Gastropods, Helcionelloids | Restricted | 4.0/5 |
| Chatfield | Minnesota | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids, Gastropods | Viewing-only | 4.3/5 |
| Pipestone National Monument | Minnesota | Brachiopods, Trilobites | Viewing-only | 4.7/5 |
| St. Paul Brickyards | Minnesota | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Corals, Sponges | Restricted | 4.0/5 |
| Reno Hell Hollow | Minnesota | Trilobites | Viewing-only | 4.2/5 |
| Dresbach | Minnesota | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Cephalopods | Viewing-only | 4.3/5 |
| Hawk Creek Township | Minnesota | Bivalves, Gastropods | Viewing-only | 4.0/5 |
| Biwabik Mary Ellen Mine | Minnesota | Stromatolites | Restricted | 4.0/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism and Fossil-Related Attractions in Minnesota
Minnesota’s rich geological tapestry makes it a hidden gem for fossil hunting enthusiasts, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in Minnesota for families, beginners, and seasoned paleontologists. From the Ordovician seas that left behind trilobites and brachiopods to Pleistocene bonebeds of mammoths and bison, the state’s diverse fossil record captivates visitors. Public dinosaur excavation areas like Lilydale Regional Park in St. Paul allow permitted fossil collecting of marine fossils, while guided paleontology tours in Minnesota, such as Whispering Winds Fossil Tours in Spring Valley, provide hands-on experiences uncovering cephalopods and gastropods. Quarry Hill Park in Rochester offers low-cost paleontology tours in Minnesota through educational programs, ideal for family fossil hunting trips. Less conventional sites, like Taylor’s Falls and Pipestone National Monument, showcase Cambrian trilobites, while the Science Museum of Minnesota displays dinosaur bones and the state’s proposed giant beaver fossil. The Grand Marais Magnetic Rock Trail reveals 1.8-billion-year-old stromatolites, and Itasca State Park features Ice Age relics. These jurassic fossil parks in Minnesota and rockhounding destinations thrive in spring and fall, when mild weather enhances self-guided fossil digs in Minnesota. Despite strict state park regulations, private tours and museums ensure access to prehistoric site tours. Facilities like visitor centers and parking make exploration seamless, with resources from Explore Minnesota guiding dinosaur dig vacations in Minnesota. Whether seeking fossils of trilobites in Minnesota or planning paleontology field adventures, the state’s 21+ fossil sites, from Cannon Falls to Biwabik, promise thrilling, educational experiences for all ages, blending adventure with Earth’s ancient history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging and Fossil Viewing in Minnesota
Can anyone dig for fossils in Minnesota state parks?
Fossil collecting is prohibited in Minnesota state parks to protect natural resources. Viewing is allowed, but fossils must remain in place.
What gear is needed for fossil digging in Minnesota?
For permitted sites, bring a geological hammer, chisels, magnifying glass, collecting bags, and gloves. Always verify site-specific tool policies.
Are guided fossil tours available in Minnesota?
Yes, Whispering Winds Fossil Tours in Spring Valley offers guided fossil hunting experiences for all skill levels.</
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