This fall, set out on an adventure to unearth Ohio’s ancient history. Once a vast ocean with Caribbean like weather, Ohio became a breeding ground for thousands of fossils that can be found today. If you’re looking for a free adventure that would allow you to be outside and enjoy the beautiful Fall Foliage Ohio has to offer, try your hands at digging for fossils. To aid you in this trek ODNR has compiled a list of locations in the state to ensure your success in hunting for fossils this fall.

SOUTHWEST

Caesar Creek State Park (Clinton/Warren counties) – Soak in the autumn sun while finding fossils ranging from 450 to 500 million years old along the crest of the Cincinnati Arch. Pick up your permit at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center, and while you are there check out the center’s display of fossils found at the park. For more information about fossil hunting at Caesar Creek, call 513-897-1050.

Cowan Lake State Park (Clinton County) – Go back in time at Cowan Lake where fossil-laden limestone is revealed by the ongoing erosion of the bedrock along the eastern edge of the Cincinnati Arch. Special permission to collect fossils here must be obtained from Ohio State Parks. For more information call 937-382-1096.

Hueston Woods State Park (Preble/Butler Counties) – What better way to be surrounded by Fall Foliage colors than to take a fossil expedition to the park’s dam spillway area, offered every Sunday at 11 a.m., or picnic at the Rock Quarry. For more information call 513-523-6347.

Stonelick State Park (Clermont County) – A great sampling of Ohio fossils that once were entombed now await discovery this fall. For more information call 513-734-4323.

East Fork State Park (Clermont County) – Just south of Stonelick State Park, continue your search for fossils amongst the fall scenery. To learn more about fossiling at the state park, call 513-734-4323.

NORTHWEST

Fossil Park (Lucas County) – Travel back some 375 million years ago to the Devonian Age as you dig for these buried treasures in the 5-acre rock quarry. Specific details about fossil hunting at this park, including hours of operation, can be obtained by calling 419-882-8313.

OTHER RESOURCES AND TIPS:

To help identify the various fossils, bring a field guide, such as Fossils of Ohio, published by the ODNR Division of Geological Survey.
Take along a bag to carry your fossil discoveries. Pack paper and pencil to record from where, when and by whom the fossil was collected.
Consider a mason’s hammer for splitting rocks (some parks do not permit tools, so be sure to call ahead).
If using a mason’s hammer, protect your eyes with appropriate eyewear.
Protect your skin with sunscreen and insect repellant.
Practice good etiquette – treat property as though it were your own. Don’t litter.