Best Fossil Dig Sites in Texas, USA
Discover Texas’s top fossil hunting destinations for families and amateur paleontologists, featuring dinosaur tracks, shark teeth, and more.
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Mineral Wells Fossil Park
Location: Mineral Wells, Palo Pinto County, TX 76067
GPS Coordinates: 32.8297, -98.0786
Fossil Types Found:- Crinoids
- Brachiopods
- Trilobites
- Corals
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian
Stratigraphic Formation: Mineral Wells Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, primitive restrooms, lodging in Mineral Wells
Contact Information: Mineral Wells Fossil Park, 940-328-1171, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (300 reviews, Google Maps) -
Ladonia Fossil Park
Location: Ladonia, Fannin County, TX 75449
GPS Coordinates: 33.4298, -95.9472
Fossil Types Found:- Mosasaur bones
- Shark teeth
- Ammonites
- Mammoth bones
Geological Period: Cretaceous, Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: North Sulphur River Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools, sifters allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Commerce
Contact Information: Ladonia Fossil Park, 903-266-1473, No email
Famous Discoveries: Tylosaurus (2022)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (200 reviews, Google Maps) -
Post Oak Creek
Location: Sherman, Grayson County, TX 75092
GPS Coordinates: 33.6356, -96.6092
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Oysters
- Ammonites
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Austin Chalk
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools, sifters allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Sherman
Contact Information: Texas Tourism, 903-893-1184, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (150 reviews, Google Maps) -
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Location: Glen Rose, Somervell County, TX 76043
GPS Coordinates: 32.2465, -97.8137
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur tracks
- Small marine fossils
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Glen Rose Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: $7/adult, free for kids under 12
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Glen Rose
Contact Information: Dinosaur Valley SP, 254-897-4588, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Paluxysaurus tracks
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (5000 reviews, Google Maps) -
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Location: Waco, McLennan County, TX 76708
GPS Coordinates: 31.6059, -97.1747
Fossil Types Found:- Mammoth bones
- Saber-tooth cat
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Alluvial Deposits
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: $5/adult, $3/child
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Guided tours, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Waco
Contact Information: Waco Mammoth NM, 254-750-7946, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: 24 Columbian mammoths
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (2000 reviews, Google Maps) -
Lake Whitney State Park
Location: Whitney, Hill County, TX 76692
GPS Coordinates: 31.9285, -97.3646
Fossil Types Found:- Gastropods
- Cephalopods
- Corals
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Eagle Ford Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: $5/adult, free for kids under 12
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Whitney
Contact Information: Lake Whitney SP, 254-694-3793, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (400 reviews, Google Maps) -
Whiskey Bridge
Location: Bryan, Brazos County, TX 77807
GPS Coordinates: 30.6750, -96.4750
Fossil Types Found:- Corals
- Shark teeth
- Clams
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Yegua Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools, sifters allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Bryan
Contact Information: Texas Tourism, 979-845-1515, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (100 reviews, estimated) -
Garner State Park
Location: Concan, Uvalde County, TX 78838
GPS Coordinates: 29.5985, -99.7412
Fossil Types Found:- Sea snails
- Corals
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Glen Rose Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: $8/adult, free for kids under 12
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Concan
Contact Information: Garner SP, 830-232-6132, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (3000 reviews, Google Maps) -
Teri Lamb’s Fossil Ranch
Location: Post, Garza County, TX 79356
GPS Coordinates: 33.1912, -101.3786
Fossil Types Found:- Dimetrodon bones
- Amphibian fossils
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Clear Fork Group
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Booking required
Entry Fee: $500/day (estimated)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Post
Contact Information: No public contact; inquire via local fossil clubs
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Sulphur River
Location: Cooper, Delta County, TX 75432
GPS Coordinates: 33.4712, -95.5886
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Mosasaur bones
- Ammonites
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Taylor Marl
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools, sifters allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Cooper
Contact Information: Texas Tourism, 903-395-2112, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (120 reviews, estimated) -
Pease Park
Location: Austin, Travis County, TX 78705
GPS Coordinates: 30.2817, -97.7512
Fossil Types Found:- Oysters
- Bivalves
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Austin Chalk
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms, lodging in Austin
Contact Information: City of Austin, 512-974-2000, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (300 reviews, Google Maps) -
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Location: Salt Flat, Culberson County, TX 79847
GPS Coordinates: 31.8917, -104.8607
Fossil Types Found:- Algae
- Gastropods
- Sponges
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Capitan Reef
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: $10/vehicle
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Carlsbad, NM
Contact Information: Guadalupe Mountains NP, 915-828-3251, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Capitan Reef fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (1000 reviews, Google Maps) -
Bandera Natural History Museum Fossil Dig
Location: Bandera, Bandera County, TX 78003
GPS Coordinates: 29.7250, -99.0736
Fossil Types Found:- Sea urchins
- Bivalves
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Glen Rose Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Booking required
Entry Fee: $20/person
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Guided tours, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Bandera
Contact Information: Bandera Natural History Museum, 830-796-3864, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (100 reviews, Google Maps) -
San Antonio River Walk
Location: San Antonio, Bexar County, TX 78205
GPS Coordinates: 29.4252, -98.4916
Fossil Types Found:- Oysters
- Clams
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Austin Chalk
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in San Antonio
Contact Information: San Antonio River Walk, 210-227-4262, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (5000 reviews, Google Maps) -
Blanco River
Location: San Marcos, Hays County, TX 78666
GPS Coordinates: 29.8794, -97.9381
Fossil Types Found:- Sea urchins
- Bivalves
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Buda Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in San Marcos
Contact Information: Texas Tourism, 512-393-5900, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (100 reviews, estimated) -
Amistad National Recreation Area
Location: Del Rio, Val Verde County, TX 78840
GPS Coordinates: 29.4375, -100.9756
Fossil Types Found:- Sea urchins
- Oysters
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Devils River Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Del Rio
Contact Information: Amistad NRA, 830-775-7491, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (300 reviews, Google Maps) -
Eisenhower State Park
Location: Denison, Grayson County, TX 75020
GPS Coordinates: 33.8146, -96.5976
Fossil Types Found:- Ammonites
- Bivalves
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Woodbine Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: $5/adult, free for kids under 12
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Denison
Contact Information: Eisenhower SP, 903-465-1956, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (200 reviews, Google Maps) -
Big Bend National Park
Location: Terlingua, Brewster County, TX 79852
GPS Coordinates: 29.3275, -103.2056
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur bones
- Marine reptiles
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Aguja Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: $30/vehicle
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Terlingua
Contact Information: Big Bend NP, 432-477-2251, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Agujaceratops
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (4000 reviews, Google Maps) -
Onion Creek
Location: Austin, Travis County, TX 78744
GPS Coordinates: 30.1836, -97.7367
Fossil Types Found:- Oysters
- Sea urchins
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Austin Chalk
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Austin
Contact Information: City of Austin, 512-974-2000, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (100 reviews, estimated) -
Alum Creek
Location: Austin, Travis County, TX 78754
GPS Coordinates: 30.3397, -97.6578
Fossil Types Found:- Ammonites
- Bivalves
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Austin Chalk
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Austin
Contact Information: City of Austin, 512-974-2000, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (80 reviews, estimated) -
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Location: Canyon, Randall County, TX 79015
GPS Coordinates: 34.9847, -101.7018
Fossil Types Found:- Dimetrodon tracks
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Quartermaster Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: $8/adult, free for kids under 12
Best Season to Visit: Fall/Spring
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Canyon
Contact Information: Palo Duro Canyon SP, 806-488-2227, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (3000 reviews, Google Maps) -
West Texas A&M University Fossil Dig
Location: Canyon, Randall County, TX 79016
GPS Coordinates: 34.9836, -101.9123
Fossil Types Found:- Dimetrodon bones
- Amphibians
Geological Period: Permian
Stratigraphic Formation: Clear Fork Group
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Booking required
Entry Fee: $300/week (estimated)
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Canyon
Contact Information: West Texas A&M, 806-651-2000, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (30 reviews, estimated)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites in Texas
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Wells Fossil Park | Texas | Crinoids, Brachiopods, Trilobites | Self-guided | 4.6/5 |
| Ladonia Fossil Park | Texas | Mosasaurs, Shark teeth, Mammoths | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Post Oak Creek | Texas | Shark teeth, Oysters | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Dinosaur Valley State Park | Texas | Dinosaur tracks, Marine fossils | Observation only | 4.7/5 |
| Waco Mammoth National Monument | Texas | Mammoths, Saber-tooth cats | Guided | 4.8/5 |
| Lake Whitney State Park | Texas | Gastropods, Cephalopods | Observation only | 4.5/5 |
| Whiskey Bridge | Texas | Corals, Shark teeth | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Garner State Park | Texas | Sea snails, Corals | Observation only | 4.7/5 |
| Teri Lamb’s Fossil Ranch | Texas | Dimetrodon, Amphibians | Guided | 3.8/5 |
| Sulphur River | Texas | Shark teeth, Mosasaurs | Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Pease Park | Texas | Oysters, Bivalves | Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Texas | Algae, Gastropods | Observation only | 4.6/5 |
| Bandera Natural History Museum Fossil Dig | Texas | Sea urchins, Bivalves | Guided | 4.5/5 |
| San Antonio River Walk | Texas | Oysters, Clams | Observation only | 4.8/5 |
| Blanco River | Texas | Sea urchins, Bivalves | Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Amistad National Recreation Area | Texas | Sea urchins, Oysters | Observation only | 4.5/5 |
| Eisenhower State Park | Texas | Ammonites, Bivalves | Observation only | 4.4/5 |
| Big Bend National Park | Texas | Dinosaur bones, Marine reptiles | Observation only | 4.8/5 |
| Onion Creek | Texas | Oysters, Sea urchins | Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Alum Creek | Texas | Ammonites, Bivalves | Self-guided | 4.1/5 |
| Palo Duro Canyon State Park | Texas | Dimetrodon tracks, Plants | Observation only | 4.8/5 |
| West Texas A&M University Fossil Dig | Texas | Dimetrodon, Amphibians | Guided | 4.4/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Texas
Texas is a fossil hunter’s dream, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in Texas for families, beginners, and amateur paleontologists. Mineral Wells Fossil Park, one of the top public dinosaur excavation areas in Texas, allows self-guided collecting of 300-million-year-old Pennsylvanian crinoids and trilobites, earning a 4.6/5 Google Maps rating. Ladonia Fossil Park, another gem for family fossil hunting trips in Texas, yields Cretaceous mosasaurs and Pleistocene mammoths, with notable finds like a 2022 Tylosaurus. Post Oak Creek in Sherman and Whiskey Bridge in Bryan are prime rockhounding destinations in Texas, offering free, self-guided Cretaceous shark teeth hunts. For dinosaur dig vacations in Texas, Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose showcases Paluxysaurus tracks, though collecting is prohibited. Waco Mammoth National Monument, with its 24 Columbian mammoth skeletons, offers low-cost paleontology tours in Texas via guided programs. Private sites like Teri Lamb’s Fossil Ranch and West Texas A&M University provide exclusive guided digs for Permian Dimetrodon fossils, ideal for paleontology field adventures in Texas. Fall and spring are the best seasons for fossil hunting in Texas, with mild weather exposing sites like Austin’s Pease Park and Blanco River, where Cretaceous oysters abound. For those wondering where to find fossils in Texas, joining clubs like the Dallas Paleontological Society unlocks private land access. Common fossils in Texas include ammonites, shark teeth, and dinosaur tracks, though Jurassic fossil parks in Texas are rare. Observation-only sites like Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains offer prehistoric site tours in Texas, showcasing Cretaceous and Permian relics. From urban Austin to remote Palo Duro Canyon, Texas’s fossil sites deliver thrilling adventures, connecting enthusiasts to millions of years of history, making it a must-visit for fossil lovers.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in the USA
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Texas?
No, collecting fossils in NPS sites like Waco Mammoth or Big Bend is prohibited under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (2009). Take photos and report finds to rangers.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Texas?
Public sites: Sturdy shoes, sifter, small tools, water, sunscreen. Guided digs: Tools provided. Check weather for muddy conditions.
Are there guided fossil digs in Texas?
Yes, sites like Waco Mammoth, Bandera Natural History Museum, and West Texas A&M offer guided digs with educational programs.
What are the best seasons for fossil hunting in Texas?
Fall (September–November) and spring (March–May) for mild weather; avoid summer heat and winter floods.
Can I keep fossils I find in Texas?
Yes, at public sites like Mineral Wells and Ladonia or private sites with permission. State/national parks prohibit removal.
Are there educational programs for fossil hunting in Texas?
Waco Mammoth, Bandera Museum, and fossil clubs like Dallas Paleontological Society offer programs and field trips.
Is fossil hunting safe for kids in Texas?
Yes, with supervision. Mineral Wells and Ladonia are family-friendly; guided digs (e.g., Bandera) allow kids 6+. Watch for uneven terrain.
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