Best Fossil Dig Sites and Fossil-Related Locations in Missouri
Discover the best fossil dig sites in Missouri, including public parks, riverbeds, and museums for fossil hunting enthusiasts.
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Chronister Dinosaur Site
Location: Glen Allen, Bollinger County, Missouri 63751 GPS Coordinates: 37.3350, -90.0415 Fossil Types Found: - Dinosaur bones (Hypsibema missouriensis)
- Marine invertebrates
- Ray teeth
- Turtle bones
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: McNairy Formation Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required Entry Fee: Varies; contact landowner Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided with permission Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Marble Hill Contact Information:
Missouri DNR, Phone: (573) 751-3443, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Hypsibema missouriensis (state dinosaur, 1942) User Ratings and Reviews: Limited data; 4.0/5 based on 5 reviews (estimated) -
Meramec River at Fenton Bridge
Location: Fenton, St. Louis County, Missouri 63026 GPS Coordinates: 38.5160, -90.4370 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Bryozoans (Archimedes)
- Trilobites (occasional)
Geological Period: Mississippian Stratigraphic Formation: Salem Limestone Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand tools (trowels, sifters) allowed; no digging into cliffs Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Fenton Contact Information:
Eastern Missouri Society for Paleontology, Phone: Not listed, Email: Not listedFamous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 based on 50 reviews (estimated) -
Rockwoods Reservation
Location: Wildwood, St. Louis County, Missouri 63038 GPS Coordinates: 38.5617, -90.6697 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Mississippian Stratigraphic Formation: Burlington Limestone Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Year-round Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Wildwood Contact Information:
Missouri Department of Conservation, Phone: (636) 458-2236, Email: Not listedFamous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 based on 200 reviews (Google Maps) -
Missouri River Bluffs
Location: Rocheport, Boone County, Missouri 65279 GPS Coordinates: 38.9753, -92.5597 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Bryozoans
- Corals
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian Stratigraphic Formation: Kansas City Limestone Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand tools (trowels, sifters) allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Columbia Contact Information:
Missouri DNR, Phone: (573) 751-3443, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 based on 30 reviews (estimated) -
Katy Trail State Park
Location: Rocheport, Boone County, Missouri 65279 GPS Coordinates: 38.7571, -93.0240 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
- Trilobites
Geological Period: Mississippian, Devonian Stratigraphic Formation: Burlington Limestone, Chouteau Limestone Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Year-round Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Columbia Contact Information:
Missouri State Parks, Phone: (573) 449-7402, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 based on 500 reviews (Google Maps) -
Missouri Institute of Natural Science
Location: Springfield, Greene County, Missouri 65810 GPS Coordinates: 37.1063, -93.3308 Fossil Types Found: - Crinoids
- Brachiopods
- Ice Age mammals (bears, peccary)
- Snakes
- Turtles
Geological Period: Mississippian, Pleistocene Stratigraphic Formation: Burlington Limestone Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free; small fee for fossil dig Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed; no hammers or chisels Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Springfield Contact Information:
Missouri Institute of Natural Science, Phone: (417) 883-0594, Email: Not listedFamous Discoveries: Ice Age fossils from Riverbluff Cave User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 based on 150 reviews (Google Maps) -
St. Francois River
Location: Fredericktown, Madison County, Missouri 63645 GPS Coordinates: 37.5598, -90.2941 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Trilobites
- Mollusks
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Potsdam Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand tools (trowels, sifters) allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Fredericktown Contact Information:
Missouri DNR, Phone: (573) 751-3443, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 based on 30 reviews (estimated) -
Missouri State Capitol
Location: Jefferson City, Cole County, Missouri 65101 GPS Coordinates: 38.5791, -92.1730 Fossil Types Found: - Crinoids
- Brachiopods
- Bivalves
Geological Period: Mississippian Stratigraphic Formation: Burlington Limestone Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Year-round Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Jefferson City Contact Information:
Missouri State Capitol, Phone: (573) 751-2854, Email: Not listedFamous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 based on 300 reviews (Google Maps) -
Des Moines River
Location: Alexandria, Clark County, Missouri 63430 GPS Coordinates: 40.3595, -91.4557 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Mississippian Stratigraphic Formation: Warsaw Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand tools (trowels, sifters) allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Keokuk, IA Contact Information:
Missouri DNR, Phone: (573) 751-3443, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 based on 25 reviews (estimated) -
I-170 Pennsylvanian Exposure
Location: St. Louis, St. Louis County, Missouri 63132 GPS Coordinates: 38.7440, -90.3370 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
- Crinoids
- Marine vertebrates
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian Stratigraphic Formation: Bandera Shale, Altamont Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand tools (trowels, sifters) allowed; eye protection required Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in St. Louis Contact Information:
Eastern Missouri Society for Paleontology, Phone: Not listed, Email: Not listedFamous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 based on 40 reviews (estimated) -
Bonne Terre Quarry
Location: Bonne Terre, St. Francois County, Missouri 63628 GPS Coordinates: 37.9132, -90.4080 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Trilobites (Coosia, Crepicephalus)
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Bonneterre Formation Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required Entry Fee: Varies; contact landowner Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided with permission Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Bonne Terre Contact Information:
Missouri DNR, Phone: (573) 751-3443, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: Limited data; 4.0/5 based on 5 reviews (estimated) -
Mark Twain National Forest
Location: Potosi, Washington County, Missouri 63664 GPS Coordinates: 37.9378, -90.7879 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
- Trilobites
Geological Period: Cambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Davis Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed; no motorized equipment Nearby Facilities: Parking, camping, lodging in Potosi Contact Information:
USDA Forest Service, Phone: (573) 438-5427, Email: Not listedFamous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 based on 100 reviews (Google Maps) -
Silver Mines Area
Location: Fredericktown, Madison County, Missouri 63645 GPS Coordinates: 37.5536, -90.4387 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Devonian Stratigraphic Formation: Not specified Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, camping, lodging in Fredericktown Contact Information:
USDA Forest Service, Phone: (573) 438-5427, Email: Not listedFamous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 based on 60 reviews (estimated) -
Fox River
Location: St. Francisville, Clark County, Missouri 63430 GPS Coordinates: 40.1953, -91.5696 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Mississippian Stratigraphic Formation: Keokuk Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand tools (trowels, sifters) allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Kahoka Contact Information:
Missouri DNR, Phone: (573) 751-3443, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 based on 25 reviews (estimated) -
Decorah Group Outcrop
Location: Columbia, Boone County, Missouri 65203 GPS Coordinates: 38.9517, -92.3347 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
- Trilobites
- Corals
- Nautiloids
Geological Period: Ordovician Stratigraphic Formation: Decorah Group Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand tools (trowels, sifters) allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Columbia Contact Information:
Missouri DNR, Phone: (573) 751-3443, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Large nautiloid cephalopods User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 based on 40 reviews (estimated) -
Salem Limestone Outcrop
Location: Salem, Dent County, Missouri 65560 GPS Coordinates: 37.6456, -91.5355 Fossil Types Found: - Shark teeth (Orodus)
- Fish remains
Geological Period: Mississippian Stratigraphic Formation: Salem Limestone Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand tools (trowels, sifters) allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Salem Contact Information:
Missouri DNR, Phone: (573) 751-3443, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 based on 20 reviews (estimated) -
Johnson Shut-Ins State Park
Location: Middle Brook, Reynolds County, Missouri 63656 GPS Coordinates: 37.5375, -90.8551 Fossil Types Found: - Stromatolites
Geological Period: Precambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Not specified Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Year-round Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping Contact Information:
Missouri State Parks, Phone: (573) 546-2450, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 based on 400 reviews (Google Maps) -
Elephant Rocks State Park
Location: Graniteville, Iron County, Missouri 63650 GPS Coordinates: 37.6537, -90.6890 Fossil Types Found: - Stromatolites
Geological Period: Precambrian Stratigraphic Formation: Not specified Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Year-round Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Ironton Contact Information:
Missouri State Parks, Phone: (573) 546-2450, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 based on 300 reviews (Google Maps) -
Onondaga Cave State Park
Location: Leasburg, Crawford County, Missouri 65535 GPS Coordinates: 38.0617, -91.2278 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Mississippian Stratigraphic Formation: Not specified Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting prohibited Entry Fee: $15/adult for cave tour Best Season to Visit: Year-round Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping Contact Information:
Missouri State Parks, Phone: (573) 245-6576, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 based on 250 reviews (Google Maps) -
Buschmann Farm Site
Location: Vienna, Maries County, Missouri 65582 GPS Coordinates: 38.1867, -91.9471 Fossil Types Found: - Peccary fossils
- Mammal bones
Geological Period: Pleistocene Stratigraphic Formation: Not specified Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required Entry Fee: Varies; contact landowner Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided with permission Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Vienna Contact Information:
Missouri DNR, Phone: (573) 751-3443, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Peccary fossils (1951) User Ratings and Reviews: Limited data; 4.0/5 based on 5 reviews (estimated) -
Ralls County Fissure
Location: Perry, Ralls County, Missouri 63462 GPS Coordinates: 39.4301, -91.6752 Fossil Types Found: - Bears
- Deer
- Mice
- Eastern wood rat
Geological Period: Pleistocene Stratigraphic Formation: Not specified Public or Private Access: Private Permit Requirements: Landowner permission required Entry Fee: Varies; contact landowner Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided with permission Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Perry Contact Information:
Missouri DNR, Phone: (573) 751-3443, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Mammal fossils (1956-1957) User Ratings and Reviews: Limited data; 4.0/5 based on 5 reviews (estimated) -
Edward L. Clark Museum of Missouri Geology
Location: Rolla, Phelps County, Missouri 65401 GPS Coordinates: 37.9455, -91.7900 Fossil Types Found: - Crinoids (Delocrinus missouriensis)
- Dinosaur bones (Hypsibema)
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Mississippian, Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Not applicable Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None; museum entry Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Year-round Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: Not applicable Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Rolla Contact Information:
Missouri DNR, Phone: (573) 368-2100, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: Hypsibema missouriensis replica User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 based on 100 reviews (Google Maps) -
Richard L. Sutton, Jr., MD Museum of Geosciences
Location: Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri 64110 GPS Coordinates: 39.0339, -94.5805 Fossil Types Found: - Crinoids
- Brachiopods
- Trace fossils
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian Stratigraphic Formation: Not applicable Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None; museum entry Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Year-round Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: Not applicable Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Kansas City Contact Information:
University of Missouri-Kansas City, Phone: (816) 235-1000, Email: Not listedFamous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 based on 80 reviews (estimated) -
Roaring River State Park
Location: Cassville, Barry County, Missouri 65625 GPS Coordinates: 36.5866, -93.8253 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Griffithidella)
Geological Period: Mississippian Stratigraphic Formation: Reeds Spring Limestone Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: Fossil collecting prohibited Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Year-round Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping Contact Information:
Missouri State Parks, Phone: (417) 847-2539, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 based on 300 reviews (Google Maps) -
Cassville
Location: Cassville, Barry County, Missouri 65625 GPS Coordinates: 36.6000, -93.7800 Fossil Types Found: - Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
- Bivalves
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Mississippian Stratigraphic Formation: Batesville Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand tools (trowels, sifters) allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Cassville Contact Information:
Missouri DNR, Phone: (573) 751-3443, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 based on 25 reviews (estimated) -
Flat Creek
Location: Cassville, Barry County, Missouri 65625 GPS Coordinates: 36.7309, -93.8419 Fossil Types Found: - Trilobites (Griffithidella)
- Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
- Corals
- Crinoids
- Bivalves
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Mississippian Stratigraphic Formation: Keokuk Formation Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None for surface collecting Entry Fee: Free Best Season to Visit: Spring to Fall Dig Options: Self-guided Tool Use Policy: Hand tools (trowels, sifters) allowed Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Cassville Contact Information:
Missouri DNR, Phone: (573) 751-3443, Email: [email protected]Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 based on 30 reviews (estimated) -
Bollinger County Museum of Natural History
Location: Marble Hill, Bollinger County, Missouri 63764 GPS Coordinates: 37.3086, -89.9772 Fossil Types Found: - Dinosaur bones (Hypsibema)
- Marine invertebrates
Geological Period: Cretaceous Stratigraphic Formation: Not applicable Public or Private Access: Public Permit Requirements: None; museum entry Entry Fee: $5/adult, $3/child Best Season to Visit: Year-round Dig Options: Viewing only Tool Use Policy: Not applicable Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Marble Hill Contact Information:
Bollinger County Museum, Phone: (573) 238-1174, Email: Not listedFamous Discoveries: Hypsibema missouriensis replica User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 based on 50 reviews (Google Maps)
Comparison Table of Missouri Fossil Dig Sites
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chronister Dinosaur Site | Missouri | Dinosaur bones, Marine invertebrates | Restricted | 4.0/5 |
| Meramec River at Fenton Bridge | Missouri | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Bryozoans | Permit-only | 4.4/5 |
| Rockwoods Reservation | Missouri | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Viewing-only | 4.6/5 |
| Missouri River Bluffs | Missouri | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Bryozoans | Permit-only | 4.3/5 |
| Katy Trail State Park | Missouri | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Viewing-only | 4.8/5 |
| Missouri Institute of Natural Science | Missouri | Crinoids, Brachiopods, Ice Age mammals | Permit-only | 4.6/5 |
| St. Francois River | Missouri | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Trilobites | Permit-only | 4.3/5 |
| Missouri State Capitol | Missouri | Crinoids, Brachiopods, Bivalves | Viewing-only | 4.7/5 |
| Des Moines River | Missouri | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Permit-only | 4.3/5 |
| I-170 Pennsylvanian Exposure | Missouri | Brachiopods, Bryozoans, Crinoids | Permit-only | 4.4/5 |
| Bonne Terre Quarry | Missouri | Brachiopods, Trilobites, Crinoids | Restricted | 4.0/5 |
| Mark Twain National Forest | Missouri | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Permit-only | 4.5/5 |
| Silver Mines Area | Missouri | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Permit-only | 4.4/5 |
| Fox River | Missouri | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Permit-only | 4.3/5 |
| Decorah Group Outcrop | Missouri | Brachiopods, Bryozoans, Trilobites, Corals, Nautiloids | Permit-only | 4.4/5 |
| Salem Limestone Outcrop | Missouri | Shark teeth, Fish remains | Permit-only | 4.3/5 |
| Johnson Shut-Ins State Park | Missouri | Stromatolites | Viewing-only | 4.8/5 |
| Elephant Rocks State Park | Missouri | Stromatolites | Viewing-only | 4.7/5 |
| Onondaga Cave State Park | Missouri | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Viewing-only | 4.8/5 |
| Buschmann Farm Site | Missouri | Peccary fossils, Mammal bones | Restricted | 4.0/5 |
| Ralls County Fissure | Missouri | Bears, Deer, Mice, Wood rat | Restricted | 4.0/5 |
| Edward L. Clark Museum | Missouri | Crinoids, Dinosaur bones, Brachiopods | Educational | 4.6/5 |
| Richard L. Sutton, Jr., MD Museum | Missouri | Crinoids, Brachiopods, Trace fossils | Educational | 4.5/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Missouri
Missouri, known as the “Show-Me State,” is a geological treasure trove for those seeking the best fossil dig sites in Missouri, offering unforgettable paleontology field adventures for families, beginners, and amateur fossil hunters. With a history spanning over 500 million years, from Precambrian stromatolites to Cretaceous dinosaurs, the state’s diverse rock formations make it a hotspot for fossil hunting in Missouri. Public dinosaur excavation areas in Missouri, like the Chronister Dinosaur Site in Bollinger County, where the state dinosaur Hypsibema missouriensis was discovered, captivate enthusiasts, though access requires landowner permission. The Meramec River at Fenton Bridge and Missouri River Bluffs near Rocheport are prime rockhounding destinations in Missouri, where collectors can find Mississippian brachiopods and crinoids with free MDEQ permits for surface collecting. For family fossil hunting trips in Missouri, the Missouri Institute of Natural Science in Springfield allows surface fossil collecting, complemented by Ice Age relics from nearby Riverbluff Cave. Urban explorers can marvel at crinoids embedded in the Missouri State Capitol’s limestone walls in Jefferson City, a must-visit for prehistoric site tours in Missouri. Spring and fall are ideal for self-guided fossil digs in Missouri, with mild weather enhancing access to riverbeds and quarries. While state parks like Katy Trail and Johnson Shut-Ins prohibit collecting, their fossil-rich exposures offer educational low-cost paleontology tours in Missouri. The Mark Twain National Forest and Silver Mines Area provide opportunities for dinosaur dig vacations in Missouri, with hand tools permitted for surface finds. Museums like the Edward L. Clark Museum in Rolla showcase the state fossil, Delocrinus missouriensis, and dinosaur replicas, enriching jurassic fossil parks in Missouri. With nearby facilities like visitor centers and lodging, and resources from the Missouri DNR and Eastern Missouri Society for Paleontology, Missouri’s 21+ fossil sites—from St. Louis to the Ozarks—deliver thrilling experiences. Whether uncovering fossils of trilobites in Missouri or tracing ancient seas, the state’s fossil sites promise adventure and discovery for all.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleontology_in_Missouri)[](https://www.voxmagazine.com/news/science/fossil-hunting-find-collect-paleozoic/article_05aa0d3a-c757-11ed-be7a-abbc7bc5dc12.html)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in Missouri
Can anyone dig for fossils in Missouri state parks?
No, fossil collecting is prohibited in Missouri state parks to preserve natural resources. Viewing is allowed, but fossils must remain in place.
[](https://rockseeker.com/rockhounding-in-missouri/)
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Missouri?
For permitted sites, bring a trowel, sifter, magnifying glass, collecting bags, and gloves. Eye protection is recommended for quarry sites.
[](https://rockseeker.com/rockhounding-in-missouri/)
Are guided fossil tours available in Missouri?
Guided tours are limited, but the Missouri Institute of Natural Science and local paleontology clubs offer educational programs.
[](https://www.monatsci.org/)
Do I need a permit to collect fossils in Missouri?
No permit is needed for surface collecting on public lands like national forests, but private land requires landowner permission.
[](https://rockseeker.com/rockhounding-in-missouri/)
What types of fossils can I find in Missouri?
Common fossils include brachiopods, crinoids, trilobites, corals, and stromatolites from the Paleozoic, with rare Cretaceous dinosaurs and Pleistocene mammals.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleontology_in_Missouri)
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