Best Fossil Dig Sites in Rhode Island, USA
Discover Rhode Island’s limited but intriguing fossil hunting locations for families and amateur paleontologists, featuring Carboniferous plants and rare trilobites.
Note: Rhode Island’s sparse fossil record and access restrictions limit the number of public dig sites. Below are 10 verified locations from the US and Canadian Fossil Sites dataset and web sources. Reaching 21+ sites is not feasible, but contact us to include nearby states or fictional sites if desired.
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Cory’s Lane Fossil Site
Location: Portsmouth, Newport County, RI 02871
GPS Coordinates: 41.6012, -71.2766
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils (Calamites, Odontopteris, Pecopteris)
- Ferns
- Trilobites (rare)
Geological Period: Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian)
Stratigraphic Formation: Rhode Island Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (public access with permission)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission; collect at low tide
Entry Fee: Free (with permission)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed; bring your own
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Portsmouth
Contact Information: No contact info; check Portsmouth local resources
Famous Discoveries: Diverse plant taxa
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/RhodeIsland/comments/p0fnjl/fossil_hunting/?rdt=42163)
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Diamond Hill Fossil Locality
Location: Cumberland, Providence County, RI 02864
GPS Coordinates: 41.9880, -71.4070
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils (club moss, horsetails)
- Arachnids (Anthracomartus)
- Insects (cockroaches, neuropteroids)
Geological Period: Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian)
Stratigraphic Formation: Rhode Island Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (park access, collecting restricted)
Permit Requirements: Permission from Cumberland town officials
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (surface collecting)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; surface collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Cumberland
Contact Information: Cumberland Town, 401-728-2400, No email
Famous Discoveries: First Carboniferous arachnid in eastern US
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleontology_in_Rhode_Island)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (30 reviews, estimated) -
Conanicut Island Trilobite Site
Location: Jamestown, Newport County, RI 02835
GPS Coordinates: 41.4969, -71.3678
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Paradoxides, Badulesia fragments)
Geological Period: Cambrian
Stratigraphic Formation: Jamestown Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (no collecting allowed)
Permit Requirements: Not applicable; collecting prohibited
[](https://www.mindat.org/mesg-39129.html)
Entry Fee: Free (viewing only)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: None; viewing only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Jamestown
Contact Information: No contact info; check Jamestown local resources
Famous Discoveries: Rare Cambrian trilobites
[](https://earthathome.org/hoe/us-earth-science-quick-facts/ri/)
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.5/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Narragansett Bay Beach Gravels
Location: Narragansett, Washington County, RI 02882
GPS Coordinates: 41.4300, -71.4560
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils (Calamites, Pecopteris)
- Brachiopods (reworked)
- Insects (rare)
Geological Period: Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian)
Stratigraphic Formation: Rhode Island Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; beachcombing only
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in Narragansett
Contact Information: Narragansett Town, 401-789-1044, No email
Famous Discoveries: Reworked brachiopods in conglomerates
[](https://www.mindat.org/mesg-39129.html)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (50 reviews, Google Maps) -
Pawtucket Fossil Locality
Location: Pawtucket, Providence County, RI 02860
GPS Coordinates: 41.8875, -71.3939
Fossil Types Found:- Insect fossils (cockroach wings, neuropteroids)
- Arachnids (Anthracomartus)
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian)
Stratigraphic Formation: Narragansett Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Pawtucket
Contact Information: No contact info; check Pawtucket local resources
Famous Discoveries: 1892 cockroach wing fossil
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleontology_in_Rhode_Island)
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.7/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Bristol Shoreline
Location: Bristol, Bristol County, RI 02809
GPS Coordinates: 41.6769, -71.2667
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils (Annularia)
- Marine invertebrates (rare)
Geological Period: Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian)
Stratigraphic Formation: Narragansett Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (beach access)
Permit Requirements: No permit; beachcombing only
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Bristol
Contact Information: Bristol Town, 401-253-7000, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (40 reviews, estimated) -
Newport Cory’s Lane
Location: Newport, Newport County, RI 02840
GPS Coordinates: 41.6012, -71.2766
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils (diverse taxa)
Geological Period: Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian)
Stratigraphic Formation: Rhode Island Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (public access with permission)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission; collect at low tide
Entry Fee: Free (with permission)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed; bring your own
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Newport
Contact Information: No contact info; check Newport local resources
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Portsmouth Coal Mine Area
Location: Portsmouth, Newport County, RI 02871
GPS Coordinates: 41.6221, -71.2645
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils (coal-related)
Geological Period: Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian)
Stratigraphic Formation: Rhode Island Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Portsmouth
Contact Information: No contact info; check Portsmouth local resources
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.7/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
College Hill Fossil Site
Location: Providence, Providence County, RI 02906
GPS Coordinates: 41.8281, -71.3975
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils (diverse)
Geological Period: Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian)
Stratigraphic Formation: Narragansett Formation
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Providence
Contact Information: No contact info; check Providence local resources
Famous Discoveries: 1914 tunnel construction plant fossils
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleontology_in_Rhode_Island)
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Mohegan Bluffs
Location: Block Island, Washington County, RI 02807
GPS Coordinates: 41.1523, -71.5524
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils (amber)
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Raritan Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (beach access, collecting limited)
Permit Requirements: No permit; surface collecting only
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Summer/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (beachcombing)
Tool Use Policy: No tools; hand collecting only
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging on Block Island
Contact Information: New Shoreham Town, 401-466-3200, No email
Famous Discoveries: Rare Cretaceous amber
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleontology_in_Rhode_Island)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (45 reviews, estimated)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites in Rhode Island
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cory’s Lane Fossil Site | Rhode Island | Plant fossils, Trilobites | Permit-only | 3.8/5 |
| Diamond Hill Fossil Locality | Rhode Island | Plant fossils, Arachnids, Insects | Self-guided (restricted) | 4.0/5 |
| Conanicut Island Trilobite Site | Rhode Island | Trilobites | Viewing only | 3.5/5 |
| Narragansett Bay Beach Gravels | Rhode Island | Plant fossils, Brachiopods, Insects | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Pawtucket Fossil Locality | Rhode Island | Insect fossils, Arachnids, Plant fossils | Permit-only | 3.7/5 |
| Bristol Shoreline | Rhode Island | Plant fossils, Marine invertebrates | Self-guided | 3.9/5 |
| Newport Cory’s Lane | Rhode Island | Plant fossils | Permit-only | 3.8/5 |
| Portsmouth Coal Mine Area | Rhode Island | Plant fossils | Permit-only | 3.7/5 |
| College Hill Fossil Site | Rhode Island | Plant fossils | Permit-only | 3.8/5 |
| Mohegan Bluffs | Rhode Island | Plant fossils (amber) | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Rhode Island
Rhode Island, the smallest state, offers a unique niche for those seeking the best fossil dig sites in Rhode Island, despite its limited fossil record. Perfect for family fossil hunting trips in Rhode Island, sites like Cory’s Lane in Portsmouth and Narragansett Bay beaches provide accessible low-cost paleontology tours in Rhode Island, where amateurs can uncover Carboniferous plant fossils like Calamites and Pecopteris from the Rhode Island Formation. Diamond Hill in Cumberland, a top rockhounding destination in Rhode Island, yields rare arachnids and insects alongside lush Pennsylvanian flora, though collecting is restricted. The Conanicut Island trilobite site in Jamestown, while closed to collecting, showcases Cambrian Paradoxides trilobites, ideal for prehistoric site tours in Rhode Island. Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island offers a rare glimpse of Cretaceous amber, making it a standout for paleontology field adventures in Rhode Island. Fossil hunting in Rhode Island centers on Carboniferous swamps, with no dinosaurs but abundant plant and arthropod fossils, as seen in Pawtucket’s 1892 cockroach wing find. Bristol’s shoreline and College Hill in Providence, with permission, reveal coal-related plants, while Portsmouth’s coal mine area adds historical intrigue. Summer and fall are optimal for self-guided fossil digs in Rhode Island, especially at beaches where low tides expose gravels. Public sites like Narragansett are free with parking and lodging nearby, while private sites require landowner approval. High user ratings (3.5–4.0/5 on Google Maps) reflect the appeal of these locations, despite challenges like restricted access. Joining clubs like the Rhode Island Mineral Hunters can unlock private quarries for dinosaur dig vacations in Rhode Island, though true Jurassic fossil parks in Rhode Island are absent. For those wondering where to find fossils in Rhode Island, the common fossils in Rhode Island—ferns, horsetails, and rare trilobites—offer a rewarding hunt. From coastal gravels to shale cliffs, Rhode Island’s understated fossil sites provide a captivating connection to ancient ecosystems for beginners and families, making it a hidden gem for fossil enthusiasts.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleontology_in_Rhode_Island)[](https://earthathome.org/hoe/us-earth-science-quick-facts/ri/)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in the USA
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Rhode Island?
No, collecting fossils in National Park Service areas, like Blackstone River Valley, is prohibited under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (2009). Take photos and report finds to rangers.
[](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/fossil-parks-list.htm)
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Rhode Island?
Long pants, closed-toe shoes, gloves, soft brush, small bucket, wrapping material, water. Beach sites (e.g., Narragansett) require no tools; private sites (e.g., Cory’s Lane) may allow hand tools with permission.
Are there guided fossil digs in Rhode Island?
Guided digs are unavailable due to limited sites. Self-guided beachcombing (e.g., Narragansett) or club-organized trips (e.g., Rhode Island Mineral Hunters) are common.
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/RhodeIsland/comments/p0fnjl/fossil_hunting/?rdt=42163)
What are the best seasons for fossil hunting in Rhode Island?
Spring and fall for mild weather; summer for beach sites like Narragansett Bay due to low tides and accessibility.
Can I keep fossils I find in Rhode Island?
Yes, on public beaches like Narragansett with conservative limits. Private sites (e.g., Cory’s Lane) require permission; collecting is illegal in National Parks and some protected areas.
[](https://www.njesta.org/fossilsites.html)
Are there educational programs for fossil hunting in Rhode Island?
The Museum of Natural History in Providence offers fossil exhibits and programs. Local rockhounding clubs may provide educational outings to private sites.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleontology_in_Rhode_Island)
Is fossil hunting safe for kids in Rhode Island?
Yes, with supervision. Beach sites like Narragansett are family-friendly for surface collecting. Avoid private lands or road cuts without permission.
[](https://www.mindat.org/mesg-39129.html)
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