Fossil Dig Sites in Kentucky, USA
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Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
Location: Union, Boone County, KY 41091
GPS Coordinates: 38.8869, -84.7477
Fossil Types Found:
- Mammoths
- Mastodons
- Giant ground sloths
- Bison
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Alluvial Deposits
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Union
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (859) 384-3522
Famous Discoveries: First major U.S. vertebrate fossil find (1739), studied by Jefferson and Franklin
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (300 reviews)
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Falls of the Ohio State Park
Location: Clarksville, IN 47129 (near Louisville, KY)
GPS Coordinates: 38.2757, -85.7635
Fossil Types Found:
- Corals
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Trilobites
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Jeffersonville Limestone
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 on fossil beds; hand tools with permission in quarry
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Louisville
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (812) 280-9970
Famous Discoveries: One of the largest Devonian fossil beds globally
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (250 reviews)
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Carter Caves State Resort Park
Location: Olive Hill, Carter County, KY 41164
GPS Coordinates: 38.3747, -83.1217
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Newman Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: $8 vehicle fee
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping, lodging in Olive Hill
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (606) 286-4411
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (200 reviews)
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Maysville Roadcut
Location: Maysville, Mason County, KY 41056
GPS Coordinates: 38.6453, -83.7667
Fossil Types Found:
- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Bryozoans
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Kope Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for common invertebrates
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Maysville
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Diverse trilobite specimens
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (80 reviews)
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Taylorsville Lake Fossil Dig
Location: Taylorsville, Spencer County, KY 40071
GPS Coordinates: 38.0286, -85.2706
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Jeffersonville Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Taylorsville
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (502) 477-8718
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (60 reviews)
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Caldwell Stone Quarry
Location: Danville, Boyle County, KY 40422
GPS Coordinates: 37.6451, -84.7694
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Lexington Limestone
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Kentucky River Palisades
Location: Nicholasville, Jessamine County, KY 40356
GPS Coordinates: 37.8801, -84.5772
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
- Trilobites
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Lexington Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for common invertebrates
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Nicholasville
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (70 reviews)
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Owingsville Dairy Queen Outcrop
Location: Owingsville, Bath County, KY 40360
GPS Coordinates: 38.1447, -83.7641
Fossil Types Found:
- Ammonites
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Sellersburg 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: Parking, lodging in Owingsville
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (50 reviews)
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Red River Gorge
Location: Slade, Powell County, KY 40376
GPS Coordinates: 37.8048, -83.6719
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Slade Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (606) 663-8100
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (400 reviews)
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Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Location: Corbin, Whitley County, KY 40701
GPS Coordinates: 36.8389, -84.3450
Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian
Stratigraphic Formation: Corbin Sandstone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping, lodging in Corbin
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (606) 528-4121
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (250 reviews)
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Wickliffe Plant Fossil Beds
Location: Wickliffe, Ballard County, KY 42087
GPS Coordinates: 36.9647, -89.0892
Fossil Types Found:
- Plant leaves
- Fruits
- Cones
Geological Period: Tertiary (Eocene)
Stratigraphic Formation: Claiborne Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: 27 new plant species
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Harrodsburg Roadcut
Location: Harrodsburg, Mercer County, KY 40330
GPS Coordinates: 37.7622, -84.8497
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Lexington Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for common invertebrates
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Harrodsburg
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (60 reviews)
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Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Location: Clermont, Bullitt County, KY 40110
GPS Coordinates: 37.9125, -85.6500
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Jeffersonville Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: $10 vehicle fee
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Shepherdsville
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (502) 955-8512
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (180 reviews)
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Corydon Quarry
Location: Corydon, Harrison County, IN 47112 (near Louisville, KY)
GPS Coordinates: 38.2122, -86.1219
Fossil Types Found:
- Crinoids
- Brachiopods
- Corals
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Edwardsville Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Mammoth Cave National Park
Location: Mammoth Cave, Edmonson County, KY 42259
GPS Coordinates: 37.1861, -86.0986
Fossil Types Found:
- Crinoids
- Brachiopods
- Corals
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Girkin Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Varies by tour ($8–$60)
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping, lodging in Cave City
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (270) 758-2180
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (500 reviews)
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Lexington Quarry
Location: Lexington, Fayette County, KY 40508
GPS Coordinates: 38.0487, -84.5004
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Trilobites
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Lexington Limestone
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Green River Outcrops
Location: Henderson, Henderson County, KY 42420
GPS Coordinates: 37.8362, -87.5911
Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian
Stratigraphic Formation: Carbondale Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for common invertebrates
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Henderson
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (50 reviews)
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Berea Roadcut
Location: Berea, Madison County, KY 40403
GPS Coordinates: 37.5725, -84.2963
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Borden Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for common invertebrates
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Berea
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (60 reviews)
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Blue Grass Quarry
Location: Frankfort, Franklin County, KY 40601
GPS Coordinates: 38.2009, -84.8733
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Trilobites
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Lexington Limestone
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Location: Slade, Powell County, KY 40376
GPS Coordinates: 37.7772, -83.6767
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Slade Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, camping, lodging in Slade
Contact Information: Website, Phone: (606) 663-2214
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (220 reviews)
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Paducah Plant Beds
Location: Paducah, McCracken County, KY 42001
GPS Coordinates: 37.0834, -88.6001
Fossil Types Found:
- Plant leaves
- Fruits
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: McNairy Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: Varies
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Limited
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: N/A
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Morehead Roadcut
Location: Morehead, Rowan County, KY 40351
GPS Coordinates: 38.1837, -83.4327
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Borden Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for common invertebrates
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Morehead
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (50 reviews)
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Bardstown Roadcut
Location: Bardstown, Nelson County, KY 40004
GPS Coordinates: 37.8092, -85.4669
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Jeffersonville Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for common invertebrates
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Bardstown
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (55 reviews)
Comparison of Kentucky Fossil Dig Sites
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bone Lick | Kentucky | Mammoths, Mastodons, Sloths, Bison | Public, Observation | 4.6/5 |
| Falls of the Ohio | Indiana (near KY) | Corals, Brachiopods, Crinoids, Trilobites | Public, Observation | 4.6/5 |
| Carter Caves | Kentucky | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids | Public, Observation | 4.5/5 |
| Maysville Roadcut | Kentucky | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Crinoids | Public, Self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Taylorsville Lake | Kentucky | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids | Public, Self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Caldwell Quarry | Kentucky | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Kentucky River | Kentucky | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals, Trilobites | Public, Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Owingsville DQ | Kentucky | Ammonites, Brachiopods | Public, Self-guided | 4.1/5 |
| Red River Gorge | Kentucky | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Public, Observation | 4.7/5 |
| Cumberland Falls | Kentucky | Plants, Brachiopods | Public, Observation | 4.6/5 |
| Wickliffe Beds | Kentucky | Plants, Fruits, Cones | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Harrodsburg Roadcut | Kentucky | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Public, Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Bernheim Arboretum | Kentucky | Brachiopods, Crinoids | Public, Observation | 4.5/5 |
| Corydon Quarry | Indiana (near KY) | Crinoids, Brachiopods, Corals | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Mammoth Cave | Kentucky | Crinoids, Brachiopods, Corals | Public, Observation | 4.8/5 |
| Lexington Quarry | Kentucky | Brachiopods, Trilobites, Crinoids | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Green River | Kentucky | Plants, Brachiopods | Public, Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Berea Roadcut | Kentucky | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Public, Self-guided | 4.1/5 |
| Blue Grass Quarry | Kentucky | Brachiopods, Trilobites, Crinoids | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Natural Bridge | Kentucky | Brachiopods, Crinoids | Public, Observation | 4.6/5 |
| Paducah Beds | Kentucky | Plants, Fruits | Private, Guided | N/A |
| Morehead Roadcut | Kentucky | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Public, Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Bardstown Roadcut | Kentucky | Brachiopods, Crinoids, Corals | Public, Self-guided | 4.1/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Kentucky
Kentucky’s rich geological history makes it one of the best fossil dig sites in Kentucky for enthusiasts, families, and amateur paleontologists. Known as the birthplace of American vertebrate paleontology, the state offers public dinosaur excavation areas in Kentucky like Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, where Pleistocene mammoths and mastodons were first documented in 1739. Family fossil hunting trips in Kentucky are both educational and affordable, with low-cost paleontology tours in Kentucky at Falls of the Ohio State Park, showcasing Devonian corals and trilobites. Self-guided fossil digs in Kentucky, such as the Maysville Roadcut and Kentucky River Palisades, uncover Ordovician brachiopods and crinoids, making them prime rockhounding destinations in Kentucky. While dinosaur dig vacations in Kentucky are limited due to the absence of Jurassic or Triassic deposits, prehistoric site tours in Kentucky at Carter Caves and Mammoth Cave reveal Mississippian marine life. Paleontology field adventures in Kentucky thrive in spring and fall, with sites like Taylorsville Lake’s fossil dig area offering hands-on exploration for beginners. Common fossils in Kentucky, including brachiopods and crinoids, are abundant in limestone outcrops, while fossils of animals in Kentucky like mastodons draw crowds to Big Bone Lick. With visitor centers at state parks and lodging in nearby towns, Kentucky’s Jurassic fossil parks in Kentucky cater to all ages. From the Eocene plant beds of Wickliffe to the Devonian treasures of Owingsville, exploring where to find fossils in Kentucky connects adventurers to a prehistoric world of ancient seas and Ice Age giants, ensuring thrilling discoveries for every fossil hunter.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleontology_in_Kentucky)[](https://canaryhill.com/fossils/kentuckys-fossil-sites-a-guide-to-exploring-ancient-life/)
Fossil Digging FAQs
Can anyone dig for fossils in Kentucky state parks?
No, collecting fossils in state parks like Carter Caves is prohibited to preserve resources.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
No permits needed for common invertebrates at public sites; private sites require permission.
When is the best time to fossil hunt in Kentucky?
Spring to fall (March–October) for accessible sites and favorable weather.
Can kids join fossil digs in Kentucky?
Yes, sites like Taylorsville Lake are family-friendly with supervision.
Are guided fossil tours available in Kentucky?
Yes, Falls of the Ohio and Kentucky Paleontological Society offer guided tours.
Can I keep fossils I find in Kentucky?
Common invertebrates can be kept at public sites like Maysville Roadcut; state parks prohibit collecting.