Fossil Dig Sites in Indiana, USA
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Falls of the Ohio State Park
Location: Clarksville, Clark County, IN 47129
GPS Coordinates: 38.2726, -85.7609
Fossil Types Found:
- Corals
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Trilobites
- Bryozoans
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Jeffersonville Limestone, Waldron
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting on fossil beds; quarry spoil piles require permission
Entry Fee: $10 adults, $5 children (interpretive center)
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided observation, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: No tools; observation only
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Clarksville
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (812) 280-9970
Famous Discoveries: 600 taxa, one of largest Devonian fossil beds
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (300 reviews)
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Whitewater Gorge Park
Location: Richmond, Wayne County, IN 47374
GPS Coordinates: 39.8368, -84.8953
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
- Corals
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Waynesville, Liberty, Whitewater
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Richmond
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (765) 935-8687
Famous Discoveries: Abundant trilobites
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (150 reviews)
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Brookville Reservoir Roadcuts
Location: Brookville, Franklin County, IN 47012
GPS Coordinates: 39.4379, -84.9877
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Trilobites
- Bryozoans
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Arnheim, Waynesville, Liberty
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, restrooms at reservoir
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Diverse, abundant fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (80 reviews)
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Sugar Creek
Location: Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, IN 47933
GPS Coordinates: 40.0572, -86.9023
Fossil Types Found:
- Crinoids
- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Glen Dean Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: 104 crinoid species at Corey’s Bluff
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (100 reviews)
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Fourteen Mile Creek
Location: Charlestown, Clark County, IN 47111
GPS Coordinates: 38.4685, -85.6139
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Ordovician–Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Saluda, Whitewater, Jeffersonville
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (50 reviews)
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South Gate Hill Roadcut
Location: Cedar Grove, Franklin County, IN 47016
GPS Coordinates: 39.3381, -84.9533
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Oregonia, Waynesville, Whitewater
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: World-class fossil deposit
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (60 reviews)
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Sulfur Roadcuts
Location: Sulfur, Crawford County, IN 47174
GPS Coordinates: 38.2193, -86.4612
Fossil Types Found:
- Crinoids
- Brachiopods
- Trilobites
- Bryozoans
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Glen Dean Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Classic crinoid site
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (70 reviews)
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Harrodsburg Roadcut
Location: Harrodsburg, Monroe County, IN 47434
GPS Coordinates: 39.0212, -86.5369
Fossil Types Found:
- Crinoids
- Brachiopods
- Corals
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Salem Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (40 reviews)
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Clifty Falls State Park
Location: Madison, Jefferson County, IN 47250
GPS Coordinates: 38.7474, -85.4225
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Richmond, Whitewater, Elkhorn
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: $7 in-state vehicles
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Madison
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (812) 273-8885
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (200 reviews)
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Versailles State Park
Location: Versailles, Ripley County, IN 47042
GPS Coordinates: 39.0616, -85.2349
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Trilobites
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Waynesville
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: $7 in-state vehicles
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (812) 689-6424
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (100 reviews)
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Madison Roadcuts (IN56)
Location: Madison, Jefferson County, IN 47250
GPS Coordinates: 38.7380, -85.4348
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
- Corals
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Maysville
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Abundant marine fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (60 reviews)
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Waldron Quarry
Location: Waldron, Shelby County, IN 46182
GPS Coordinates: 39.4353, -85.6706
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Bryozoans
Geological Period: Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Waldron
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: 200 species identified
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (50 reviews)
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Tunnel Mill
Location: Vernon, Jennings County, IN 47282
GPS Coordinates: 38.9753, -85.6121
Fossil Types Found:
- Crinoids
- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Silurian–Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Waldron, Jeffersonville
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (40 reviews)
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St. Leon Roadcut
Location: St. Leon, Dearborn County, IN 47012
GPS Coordinates: 39.3004, -84.9568
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
- Crinoids
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Richmond
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (50 reviews)
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Huntington Quarries
Location: Huntington, Huntington County, IN 46750
GPS Coordinates: 40.8831, -85.4975
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Bryozoans
Geological Period: Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Huntington Dolomite
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Delphi Quarries
Location: Delphi, Carroll County, IN 46923
GPS Coordinates: 40.5973, -86.6900
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Conularia
Geological Period: Silurian–Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: New Albany Shale
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Grantsburg Roadcut
Location: Grantsburg, Crawford County, IN 47123
GPS Coordinates: 38.3103, -86.4612
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Bryozoans
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Chester
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Diverse marine fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (30 reviews)
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Liberty Roadcuts
Location: Liberty, Union County, IN 47353
GPS Coordinates: 39.5332, -84.9483
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Richmond, Dillsboro
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Well-preserved trilobites
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (60 reviews)
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Hartsville Quarry
Location: Hartsville, Bartholomew County, IN 47244
GPS Coordinates: 39.2631, -85.7032
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
- Crinoids
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Waldron
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Logansport Quarries
Location: Logansport, Cass County, IN 46947
GPS Coordinates: 40.7605, -86.2853
Fossil Types Found:
- Corals
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Silurian–Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Georgetown Bluffs
Location: Georgetown, Cass County, IN 46932
GPS Coordinates: 40.7393, -86.5120
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
Geological Period: Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Huntington Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.7/5 (20 reviews)
Comparison of Indiana Fossil Dig Sites
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falls of the Ohio | Indiana | Corals, Brachiopods, Crinoids, Trilobites | Public, Observation | 4.6/5 |
| Whitewater Gorge | Indiana | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Bryozoans, Corals | Public, Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Brookville Reservoir | Indiana | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Trilobites | Public, Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Sugar Creek | Indiana | Crinoids, Trilobites, Brachiopods | Public, Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Fourteen Mile Creek | Indiana | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Public, Self-guided | 3.9/5 |
| South Gate Hill | Indiana | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Crinoids | Public, Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Sulfur Roadcuts | Indiana | Crinoids, Brachiopods, Trilobites | Public, Self-guided | 4.1/5 |
| Harrodsburg Roadcut | Indiana | Crinoids, Brachiopods, Corals | Public, Self-guided | 3.8/5 |
| Clifty Falls | Indiana | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids | Public, Observation | 4.5/5 |
| Versailles State Park | Indiana | Brachiopods, Corals, Trilobites | Public, Observation | 4.3/5 |
| Madison Roadcuts | Indiana | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Bryozoans | Public, Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Waldron Quarry | Indiana | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Crinoids | Private, Guided | 4.2/5 |
| Tunnel Mill | Indiana | Crinoids, Trilobites, Brachiopods | Public, Self-guided | 3.9/5 |
| St. Leon Roadcut | Indiana | Trilobites, Crinoids, Brachiopods | Public, Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Huntington Quarries | Indiana | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Corals | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Delphi Quarries | Indiana | Brachiopods, Corals, Conularia | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Grantsburg Roadcut | Indiana | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Crinoids | Public, Self-guided | 3.8/5 |
| Liberty Roadcuts | Indiana | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Crinoids | Public, Self-guided | 4.1/5 |
| Hartsville Quarry | Indiana | Trilobites, Crinoids, Brachiopods | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Logansport Quarries | Indiana | Corals, Brachiopods | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Georgetown Bluffs | Indiana | Brachiopods, Corals | Public, Self-guided | 3.7/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Indiana
Indiana offers some of the best fossil dig sites in Indiana, making it a prime destination for family fossil hunting trips in Indiana and amateur paleontologists. Renowned for its Paleozoic riches, the state features public dinosaur excavation areas in Indiana like Falls of the Ohio State Park, home to one of the world’s largest Devonian fossil beds with over 600 taxa. Low-cost paleontology tours in Indiana, such as those at Whitewater Gorge Park in Richmond, provide accessible self-guided fossil digs in Indiana, uncovering common fossils in Indiana like trilobites and brachiopods from the Ordovician period. For those wondering where to find fossils in Indiana, roadcuts near Sulfur and Brookville Reservoir reveal Mississippian and Ordovician treasures, perfect for rockhounding destinations in Indiana. Although dinosaur dig vacations in Indiana are limited due to geological constraints, prehistoric site tours in Indiana at Clifty Falls and Versailles State Parks showcase fossil-rich limestone formations. Spring to fall is ideal for fossil hunting in Indiana, with sites like Madison’s IN56 roadcuts and Sugar Creek offering easy access for paleontology field adventures in Indiana. Many locations, such as Fourteen Mile Creek, require only hand tools, making them beginner-friendly. With visitor centers at major parks and nearby lodging, Indiana’s Jurassic fossil parks in Indiana cater to all ages. Whether exploring fossils of animals in Indiana or seeking Ordovician marine life, the state’s diverse geology—from Silurian reefs to Mississippian crinoid beds—promises thrilling discoveries for fossil enthusiasts.
Fossil Digging FAQs
Can I dig for fossils in Indiana national parks?
No, collecting fossils in state parks like Clifty Falls is prohibited to preserve resources.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Indiana?
Sturdy shoes, gloves, hand tools (hammer, chisel), a bag for fossils, and water. Check site rules.
Do I need a permit for fossil hunting in Indiana?
Some private sites require permission; public sites like Whitewater Gorge need no permit.
When is the best time to fossil hunt in Indiana?
Spring to fall (March–October) for accessible sites and favorable weather.
Can kids join fossil digs in Indiana?
Yes, sites like Whitewater Gorge are family-friendly with adult supervision.
Are guided fossil tours available in Indiana?
Falls of the Ohio offers educational programs; private quarries may provide guided tours.
Can I keep fossils I find in Indiana?
Yes, at public sites like Sugar Creek, but not in state parks like Versailles.