Secret Stones Of The Midwest: Hidden Fossil Beds

The Midwest hides fossil beds from the Devonian, Pennsylvanian, and Ordovician periods, with sites from Ohio to Iowa offering hands-on digging for trilobites, brachiopods, and even the elusive Tully Monster. Here are the best-hidden fossil beds in the region, with specific tips for each location.

1. Mazon Creek, Illinois

Mazon Creek, near Morris, Illinois, preserves a 300-million-year-old Pennsylvanian ecosystem. The site is world-renowned for its detailed plant and animal fossils.

What to Find: Ferns, jellyfish, and the Tully Monster.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall, when the weather is mild.
Tips: Bring a small hammer and chisel to carefully extract fossils from the shale.

2. Fossil Park, Ohio

Fossil Park in Sylvania, Ohio, lets visitors dig for Devonian-era fossils in a family-friendly setting.

What to Find: Trilobites, brachiopods, and crinoids.
Best Time to Visit: Summer, when the park hosts educational programs.
Tips: Wear sturdy shoes and bring a container for your finds.

3. Big Brook, New Jersey

Though not traditionally considered part of the Midwest, Big Brook in New Jersey offers a unique fossil-hunting experience. This site is known for its Cretaceous-period fossils, including marine life and dinosaur teeth.

What to Find: Shark teeth, belemnites, and mosasaur bones.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall.
Tips: Use a small sieve to sift through the creek bed for smaller fossils.

4. Rockford Fossil and Prairie Park, Iowa

Rockford Fossil and Prairie Park in Iowa combines Devonian-period fossil hunting with prairie exploration.

What to Find: Corals, brachiopods, and gastropods.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early summer.
Tips: Check out the visitor center for educational displays and fossil identification guides.

5. Falls of the Ohio State Park, Indiana

Falls of the Ohio State Park, on the banks of the Ohio River, exposes Devonian fossil beds that are easily accessible.

What to Find: Corals, brachiopods, and trilobites.
Best Time to Visit: Early fall, when river levels are low.
Tips: Wear water-resistant shoes and bring a magnifying glass for detailed examination.

6. Milwaukee Public Museum, Wisconsin

The Milwaukee Public Museum in Wisconsin houses an impressive collection of fossils from around the Midwest, including dinosaur skeletons, ancient fish, and plant fossils.

What to Find: Dinosaur skeletons, ancient fish, and plant fossils.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with special exhibits in the summer.
Tips: Take a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.

7. Penn Dixie Fossil Park, New York

Penn Dixie Fossil Park in Blasdell, New York, offers a hands-on experience with Devonian-era fossils.

What to Find: Trilobites, brachiopods, and cephalopods.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall.
Tips: Bring a small shovel and a brush to carefully uncover fossils.

8. St. Paul Stone Quarry, Indiana

St. Paul Stone Quarry in Indiana is a lesser-known site rich in Ordovician-period fossils, providing a glimpse into ancient marine ecosystems.

What to Find: Brachiopods, bryozoans, and trilobites.
Best Time to Visit: Summer, when the quarry is open to the public.
Tips: Wear protective gear and follow safety guidelines while exploring the quarry.

9. Fossil Ridge Park, Colorado

Fossil Ridge Park in Colorado, though not in the Midwest, is worth mentioning for its rich fossil beds. This park offers a chance to find fossils from the Cretaceous period, including dinosaur bones and marine life.

What to Find: Dinosaur bones, ammonites, and fish fossils.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall.
Tips: Bring a camera to document your finds and a notebook for notes.

10. Cincinnati Dry Dredgers, Ohio

The Cincinnati Dry Dredgers is a group of amateur paleontologists who explore the rich fossil beds around Cincinnati, Ohio. Joining one of their field trips offers a chance to learn from experienced fossil hunters.

What to Find: Trilobites, brachiopods, and crinoids.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with organized trips in the spring and fall.
Tips: Join their mailing list to stay updated on upcoming trips and events.

Exploring these hidden fossil beds connects you to Earth's history, from the Devonian period in Iowa to the Ordovician treasures in Ohio. Each location offers a unique adventure. Remember to respect the sites, follow local guidelines, and bring a small brush to uncover your own piece of history. The Midwest's hidden fossil beds are waiting to be explored.