Top Fossil Dig Sites in Ohio, USA
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Fossil Park (Sylvania)
Location: 5705 Centennial Rd, Sylvania, OH 43560
GPS Coordinates: 41.7178, -83.6989
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Phacops, Eldredgeops)
- Brachiopods (Mucrospirifer)
- Crinoids
- Bryozoans
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Silica Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collection only
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in Sylvania
Contact Information: outdoorsylvania.com, (419) 882-8313, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Eldredgeops trilobites
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (500 reviews, 4.8) -
Caesar Creek State Park Spillway
Location: 4020 N Clarksville Rd, Waynesville, OH 45068
GPS Coordinates: 39.4803, -84.0569
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Isotelus, Flexicalymene)
- Brachiopods (Rafinesquina, Platystrophia)
- Corals (Grewingkia)
- Gastropods (Cyclonema)
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Waynesville, Liberty, Whitewater
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Free permit from visitor center
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collection only
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Waynesville
Contact Information: ohiodnr.gov, (513) 897-3055
Famous Discoveries: Large Isotelus trilobites
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (400 reviews, 4.7) -
Trammel Fossil Park
Location: 11935 Tramway Dr, Sharonville, OH 45241
GPS Coordinates: 39.2964, -84.4042
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Dalmanella, Rafinesquina)
- Bryozoans (Batostoma)
- Trilobites (Flexicalymene)
- Edrioasteroids (Carneyella)
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Fairview, Miamitown
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collection only
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Sharonville
Contact Information: sharonville.org, (513) 563-1144
Famous Discoveries: Edrioasteroids on brachiopod shells
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (300 reviews, 4.6) -
Oakes Quarry Park
Location: 1267 E Xenia Dr, Fairborn, OH 45324
GPS Coordinates: 39.8153, -83.9883
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods
- Corals (Favosites)
- Bryozoans
- Stromatoporoids (Stromatopora)
Geological Period: Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Brassfield Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Permission from Fairborn Parks
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Fairborn
Contact Information: fairborn.gov, (937) 754-3090
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (150 reviews, 4.4) -
Hueston Woods State Park
Location: 6301 Park Office Rd, College Corner, OH 45003
GPS Coordinates: 39.5595, -84.7420
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Hebertella, Plaesiomys)
- Trilobites (Flexicalymene)
- Corals (Grewingkia)
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Richmond, Waynesville
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Free permit from visitor center
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collection only
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in College Corner
Contact Information: ohiodnr.gov, (513) 523-6347
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (200 reviews, 4.5) -
Cowan Lake State Park
Location: 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177
GPS Coordinates: 39.4014, -83.9814
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Hebertella, Plaesiomys)
- Trilobites (Flexicalymene)
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Liberty, Whitewater
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Free permit from visitor center
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collection only
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Wilmington
Contact Information: ohiodnr.gov, (937) 382-1096
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (180 reviews, 4.4) -
East Fork State Park
Location: 3294 Elklick Rd, Bethel, OH 45106
GPS Coordinates: 39.0225, -84.1503
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Rafinesquina)
- Bryozoans (Constellaria)
- Trilobites (Isotelus)
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Fairview, Waynesville
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Free permit from visitor center
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collection only
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Bethel
Contact Information: ohiodnr.gov, (513) 734-4323
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (170 reviews, 4.4) -
Shade River (Fossil Run Rd)
Location: Fossil Run Rd, Lodi Township, OH 45771
GPS Coordinates: 39.2433, -82.0068
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils (Psaronius)
- Insects
- Amphibians
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian
Stratigraphic Formation: Allegheny Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited parking, lodging in Athens
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (50 reviews, 4.2) -
West Chester (Keehner Park)
Location: 7211 Barret Rd, West Chester, OH 45069
GPS Coordinates: 39.3323, -84.3814
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Flexicalymene)
- Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Cincinnati Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in West Chester
Contact Information: westchestertwp.org, (513) 777-5900
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (100 reviews, 4.3) -
Cleves (Kope Formation)
Location: Near Rivers Edge Fitness Club, Cleves, OH 45002
GPS Coordinates: 39.1950, -84.6208
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Triarthrus, Cryptolithus)
- Brachiopods (Dalmanella, Rafinesquina)
- Ichnofossils (Planolites)
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Kope Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Cleves
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (60 reviews, 4.2) -
Chagrin River
Location: Near Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
GPS Coordinates: 41.4300, -81.3900
Fossil Types Found:- Arthrodires (Dunkleosteus)
- Brachiopods
- Crustaceans (Spathiocarids)
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Cleveland Shale, Chagrin Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Chagrin Falls
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: Dunkleosteus fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (80 reviews, 4.4) -
West Branch State Park
Location: 5708 Esworthy Rd, Ravenna, OH 44266
GPS Coordinates: 41.1500, -81.1200
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian
Stratigraphic Formation: Allegheny Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Ravenna
Contact Information: ohiodnr.gov, (330) 296-3239
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (100 reviews, 4.3) -
Flint Ridge State Memorial
Location: 15300 Flint Ridge Rd, Glenford, OH 43739
GPS Coordinates: 39.9847, -82.2097
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Bivalves (Pernopecten)
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian
Stratigraphic Formation: Mercer Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Glenford
Contact Information: ohiodnr.gov, (740) 787-2476
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (90 reviews, 4.2) -
Alum Creek State Park
Location: 3615 S Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
GPS Coordinates: 40.2300, -82.9800
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Atrypa, Spirifer)
- Crinoids
- Corals (Zaphrentis)
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Columbus Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Delaware
Contact Information: ohiodnr.gov, (740) 548-4631
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (110 reviews, 4.3) -
Big Darby Creek
Location: Near Galloway, OH 43119
GPS Coordinates: 39.8956, -83.2344
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Atrypa, Stropheodonta)
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Columbus Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Galloway
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (65 reviews, 4.2) -
Scioto River
Location: Near Columbus, OH 43207
GPS Coordinates: 39.9632, -83.0124
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Atrypa, Spirifer)
- Crinoids (Dolatocrinus)
- Corals (Diphyphyllum)
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Columbus Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Columbus
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (75 reviews, 4.3) -
Olentangy River
Location: Near Delaware, OH 43015
GPS Coordinates: 40.2915, -83.0575
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Leiorhynchus)
- Crinoids
- Plants (in Olentangy Shale)
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Columbus Limestone, Olentangy Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Delaware
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (60 reviews, 4.2) -
Paulding Fossil Park
Location: SE corner of CR 180 and CR 87, Paulding, OH 45879
GPS Coordinates: 41.1930, -84.6309
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Phacops)
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Phyllocarids
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Silica Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Paulding
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (70 reviews, 4.3) -
Piqua Quarries
Location: Near Piqua, OH 45356
GPS Coordinates: 40.1447, -84.2425
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods
- Corals (Favosites, Halysites)
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Brassfield Limestone, Dayton Limestone
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Free (with permission)
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Piqua
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (40 reviews, 4.1) -
Yellow Springs Creek
Location: Near Yellow Springs, OH 45387
GPS Coordinates: 39.8036, -83.8850
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Pentamerus)
- Crinoids (Saccocrinus)
- Cephalopods (Dawsonoceras)
Geological Period: Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Euphemia Limestone, Springfield Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Yellow Springs
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (55 reviews, 4.2) -
Cedarville (Antioch College Quarry)
Location: Antioch College Campus, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
GPS Coordinates: 39.8000, -83.8890
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Pentamerus)
- Cystoids (Holocystites)
- Cephalopods (Michelinoceras)
Geological Period: Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Cedarville Limestone
Public or Private Access: Private (permission from college)
Permit Requirements: College permission
Entry Fee: Free (with permission)
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Yellow Springs
Contact Information: antiochcollege.edu, (937) 319-0090
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (30 reviews, 4.1) -
Amesville (Ames Limestone)
Location: Near Amesville, OH 45711
GPS Coordinates: 39.4377, -81.9757
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Composita, Neospirifer)
- Crinoids
- Fusulinids
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian
Stratigraphic Formation: Ames Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Athens
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (40 reviews, 4.1)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites in Ohio
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fossil Park (Sylvania) | Ohio | Trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids, bryozoans | Public, self-guided | 4.8/5 |
| Caesar Creek State Park Spillway | Ohio | Trilobites, brachiopods, corals, gastropods | Public, permit-only | 4.7/5 |
| Trammel Fossil Park | Ohio | Brachiopods, bryozoans, trilobites, edrioasteroids | Public, self-guided | 4.6/5 |
| Oakes Quarry Park | Ohio | Brachiopods, corals, bryozoans, stromatoporoids | Public, permit-only | 4.4/5 |
| Hueston Woods State Park | Ohio | Brachiopods, trilobites, corals | Public, permit-only | 4.5/5 |
| Cowan Lake State Park | Ohio | Brachiopods, trilobites, gastropods | Public, permit-only | 4.4/5 |
| East Fork State Park | Ohio | Brachiopods, bryozoans, trilobites | Public, permit-only | 4.4/5 |
| Shade River (Fossil Run Rd) | Ohio | Plant fossils, insects, amphibians | Public, self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| West Chester (Keehner Park) | Ohio | Trilobites, brachiopods, bryozoans, crinoids | Public, self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Cleves (Kope Formation) | Ohio | Trilobites, brachiopods, ichnofossils | Public, self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Chagrin River | Ohio | Arthrodires, brachiopods, crustaceans | Public, self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| West Branch State Park | Ohio | Plant fossils, brachiopods | Public, self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Flint Ridge State Memorial | Ohio | Brachiopods, corals, bivalves | Public, self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Alum Creek State Park | Ohio | Brachiopods, crinoids, corals | Public, self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Big Darby Creek | Ohio | Brachiopods, crinoids | Public, self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Scioto River | Ohio | Brachiopods, crinoids, corals | Public, self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Olentangy River | Ohio | Brachiopods, crinoids, plants | Public, self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Paulding Fossil Park | Ohio | Trilobites, brachiopods, corals, phyllocarids | Public, self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Piqua Quarries | Ohio | Brachiopods, corals, gastropods | Private, permit-only | 4.1/5 |
| Yellow Springs Creek | Ohio | Brachiopods, crinoids, cephalopods | Public, self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Cedarville (Antioch College Quarry) | Ohio | Brachiopods, cystoids, cephalopods | Private, permit-only | 4.1/5 |
| Amesville (Ames Limestone) | Ohio | Brachiopods, crinoids, fusulinids | Public, self-guided | 4.1/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Ohio
Ohio is a premier destination for fossil hunting, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in the USA for families, beginners, and amateur paleontologists. Renowned for its Paleozoic fossil beds, the state’s public fossil excavation areas, like Fossil Park in Sylvania and Caesar Creek State Park, provide thrilling opportunities to uncover trilobites, brachiopods, and corals, making it ideal for family fossil hunting trips. Fossil hunting in Ohio spans the Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, and Pennsylvanian periods, with sites like Trammel Fossil Park and Oakes Quarry yielding common fossils from the Cincinnati Group and Brassfield Limestone. Unlike national parks, where collecting is restricted, Ohio’s low-cost paleontology tours and public sites like West Chester’s Keehner Park and Paulding Fossil Park allow enthusiasts to keep their finds, perfect for rockhounding destinations. Spring and summer are the prime seasons for jurassic fossil parks in Ohio, with mild weather enhancing prehistoric site tours across limestone and shale exposures. Facilities like visitor centers at Hueston Woods or parking at Alum Creek State Park ensure comfort during your paleontology field adventures. Joining fossil clubs like the Dry Dredgers can unlock guided tours, enriching your fossil hunting in Ohio. Whether you’re seeking fossils of marine animals in Ohio at Cleves or plant fossils along the Shade River, these sites cater to all ages. Always check permit requirements, as parks like East Fork require free permits, and respect no-tool policies at sites like Fossil Park. With high user ratings and accessible locations, Ohio’s fossil dig sites promise unforgettable experiences, making it a top choice for where to find fossils in Ohio, sparking curiosity and adventure for all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in the USA
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Ohio?
No, fossil collection in national parks like Cuyahoga Valley is prohibited without a research permit. Report finds to rangers.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Ohio?
Brush, bucket, gloves; hand tools for some sites. Many parks like Fossil Park prohibit tools, requiring hand collection.
Are permits required for fossil hunting in Ohio?
Free permits are required at parks like Caesar Creek and Hueston Woods; others like Trammel Fossil Park need none.
What fossils can I find in Ohio?
Trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids, bryozoans, corals, plant fossils, and arthrodires from Ordovician to Pennsylvanian periods.
Is fossil hunting in Ohio family-friendly?
Yes, sites like Fossil Park and Trammel Fossil Park are safe, accessible, and offer educational programs for kids.
Can I keep fossils I find in Ohio?
Yes, at public sites like Caesar Creek and Trammel Fossil Park, but significant finds should be reported to park staff.
What’s the best time to hunt fossils in Ohio?
Spring and summer offer mild weather, ideal for fossil hunting at Ohio’s parks and creeks.
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