April 20, 2025 - In Indiana, check out the Whitewater Valley Fossil Hunt website, based in Richmond, Indiana: https://visitrichmond.org/listing/whitewater-valley-fossil-hunt/ Illinois does not have a public park with free and easy fossil collecting, but some folks are trying to change that: https://www.esconi.org/esconi_earth_science_club/2019/04/roy-plotnick-a-fossil-park-for-illinois.html ... If you love birds, you might want to join the Illinois Young Birders club. Here’s their website: https://www.illinoisyoungbirders.org/ If you love sea shells, then you should check out the Chicago Shell Club: http://www.chicagoshellclub.org/wp/

Mineral Wells Fossil Park provides the fossil enthusiast, paleontologist, and student an excellent opportunity to see and collect well preserved "Pennsylvanian Period" fossils with ease and abundance.

February 12, 2017 - Common Finds: Jellyfish, an otherwise rarely preserved animal, are quite common here, among ferns, calamites, other plant material, worms, and the occasional insect. How to collect here: Just an hour’s drive from downtown Chicago, this world-class fossil site has 100+ acres of land from a former strip mine open for public fossil hunting to anyone from March 1-Sept 30th.

July 9, 2025 - Keep an eye on the I&M Canal National Heritage Area events page,which will have future New Collectors Day fossil tours if and when they resume. Collecting is allowed primarily from spoil-pile areas in the Francis Creek Shale, provided a free day-use permit is obtained from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

August 3, 2022 - Geologist holding fossil and geological hammer close up ... Even though it was the femur of a dinosaur, those Trilobites last existed about 250 million years ago. Could you imagine those things creeping out other animals back in the day right here in the Lone Star State? Maybe you'd like to create memories like that with your family. Well, you've come to the right place, because there are plenty of rad places in Texas where you can hunt fossils, as you'll see below.

March 15, 2025 - Adam Holm’s family has been hunting fossils on Mazon Creek near his Morris home for more than 60 years. ... Holm makes his living finding and selling fossils imprinted inside rocks that he freezes and thaws and eventually breaks open with a hammer in his back yard.

April 2, 2013 - Hey guys . . . this is my first post. I'm looking for any good fossil hunting sites near Dallas Texas, any ideas? Also, driving to Lubbock for my brothers college graduation in a month, so if you know any sites out that way, I'd love to know too. What kind of stuff can you find around that area--...

The Utah Geological Survey provides timely scientific information about Utah's geologic environment, resources and hazards.

August 5, 2025 - One of the "world's best fossil sites" is located just an hour outside of the Windy City, according to Chicago Field Museum researchers. Dr. Argan Mann, assistant curator of early tetrapods at the Field Museum, leads a lab dedicated to studying fossils found at Mazon Creek State Park, which the museum calls a "biological treasure trove." The researchers are now sharing their discoveries with the public. Stream NBC 5 for free, 24/7, wherever you are.

June 18, 2020 - However, on Bureau of Land Management lands, you can collect fossils without a permit (as long as they aren’t bones). There are also private lands that allow fossil hunting for a fee. The Ernst Quarries near Bakersfield are full of large marine fossil deposits.

The fossils are found inside concretions which are scattered throughout the strip mine overburden which has been dumped in piles across the entire area. The State of Illinois acquired some of the strip mined land and has opened it as a wildlife preserve but it is open to fossil hunters too.

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This site used to be a borrow pit ... become a mecca for amateur and experienced fossil hunters alike. Dig to your heart's content for crinoids, trilobites, brachiopods, gastropods, and other ancient treasures of the late Carboniferous at this fantastic free park--and keep ...

The best place to easily find common ... even required. Maps for the entire area are readily available at the visitor center of the Mazonia State Fish & Wildlife Area just off of Route 66....

Find out about upcoming fossil hunting field trips on ESCONI’s website. ... Meet the Scientist Who’s Spent Decades Making Sure Birds Killed in Chicago Building Collisions Don’t Die in Vain

August 26, 2014 - Guide for beginning fossil hunters · Author(s) Collinson, Charles William · Issue Date · 2002 · Keyword(s) Fossils - Collection and preservation. Paleontology - Illinois · Date of Ingest · 2014-08-26T14:15:30Z · Geographic Coverage · Illinois · Publisher ·

September 15, 2025 - One of the best places for fossil collecting in Colorado. In the Pikes Peak tourist area. Open 7-days in summer. Unlimited hunting. Family & kid friendly.

August 31, 2009 - Camp Sagawau is located at 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont. Fossil hunts are free and the next one is 9 a.m. Oct. 14. Canyon hikes are at noon on Saturdays and Sundays during October, with special fall color hikes at 9 a.m. Oct. 13 and 21. At 9 a.m. on Oct. 28, take a Nature Prepares for Winter trek.

Although this is private property, the owners allow access to the beach and cliff area for $10/person (kids under 5 free). Day use fee is cash only. Matoaka is usually open for fossil hunters year round (8am - sunset) but contact the site before your visit as this may vary.