Fossil hunting is becoming an increasingly popular hobby among amateur enthusiasts. While it might be difficult to know where to begin, there are many places to find fossils in the US. Although many might believe that fossil hunting only encompasses finding dinosaur bones, fossil hunting in the US can uncover remains from a wide array of long extinct animals, from ancient mammals to prehistoric sharks. Visit any of these locations to find fossils in the US and begin your career as an amateur paleontologist while getting great exercise and enjoying the beauty of nature.
1. Ladonia Fossil Park – Texas
One of the most interesting places to find fossils in the US is Ladonia Fossil Park in Ladonia, Texas. This site contains mainly Cretaceous era specimens, but mammoth bones and teeth have also been found in the area.
2. The Calvert Cliffs – Maryland
The Calvert Cliffs in Maryland are another great spot to find fossils in the US. Featuring stunning views of the Chesapeake, the Calvert Cliffs are home to many Miocene fossils, and megalodon shark teeth have even been recovered in the area!
3. Penn Dixie Center – New York
Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center in Hamburg, New York is another great location to find fossils in the US. The Penn Dixie Center is known for its wide array of ancient aquatic fossils, including brachiopods, cephalopods, and crustacea.
4. Oregon Paleo Center – Oregon
Visit the Oregon Paleo Lands Institute Center in Fossil, Oregon to uncover plant fossils. Featuring specimens from the Oligocene period, some of the fossils recovered from this site are over 33 million years old! Staff on site are also available to help you identify your finds.
5. Big Brook – New Jersey
Another great place to find fossils is Big Brook in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Like Ladonia Fossil Park, Big Brook contains fossils from the Cretaceous Period, ranging from 67 to 74 million years ago. Surrounded by serene woodlands, Big Brook is home to mosasaur fossils and teeth, although fossils from ancient goblin sharks have also been found in the area as well.
If you’re interested in places you can find fossils in the US, you might also like Go on a Hunt for Petrified Wood or 5 Common Rocks Found by Rockhounding.
Featured Image from Phil Hearing/Unsplash
