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Download a map of all Ohio State Parks. Find a map for a specific State Park. Launch. Ohio State Parks Guide & Map (pdf) A map and amenities guide to Ohio's State Parks. Updated April 2024.
- Where to Find Fossils in Ohio
- Types of Fossils Found in Ohio
- FAQs About Fossil Hunting in Ohio
- Sources & Further Reading
Ohio is one of the best states in the country for fossil hunting and has long been a favorite destination for collectors, students, and enthusiasts. While you can find a wide variety of fossils in locations all across the state, the best collecting sites tend to be congregated in the southwest near Cincinnati and, to a lesser extent, the northwest ...
Ohio boasts some of the richest and most prolific fossil beds in the United States, and even the world. About 500 million years ago, Ohio was covered in a shallow ocean that was teeming with ancient forms of life. Those creatures left behind their remains at the bottom of the sea, and they were eventually buried and turned into rock in the form of ...
Do You Need a Permit to Collect Fossils in Ohio?
When collecting fossils or rocks, it is imperative that you obtain permission from the landowner before removing anything from a piece of property. In some places in the United States there are even different rules about collecting depending on the type of fossils you’re finding. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, you need a free fossil collecting permit at some state parks, while other public parks do not require a permit. Check with each park for their rules on collectin...
Can I Find Trilobites in Ohio?
Almost every fossil collector wants to find some great trilobite specimens. They are such unique and cool looking fossils that they are a must for any collection. Luckily, trilobites aren’t very hard to find in Ohio. Trilobites can be found in Ohio in Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Mississippian, and Pennsylvanian rocks, especially in the southwestern part of the state. Many types can be found including Flexicalymene, Bumastus, Phacops, Cedaria, and Isotelus which is the official invertebrat...
Can I Find Dinosaur Bones in Ohio?
With Ohio’s reputation as a fossil collecting destination, you might wonder if you can find any dinosaur bones in the area. Unfortunately, this is one area where Ohio fossil collecting falls short. No dinosaur fossils have ever been found in Ohio, and it is unlikely that they ever will be. Dinosaurs lived during the Mesozoic era, and all of the fossil-bearing rocks exposed on the surface in Ohio are older than that. Mesozoic era (dinosaur-aged) rocks have all been eroded away, taking any foss...
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Primitive backpacking, hunter camps, and equestrian camping opportunities are available in some state forests. A wide range of family-friendly camping options are offered at 60 Ohio State Park campgrounds including primitive, electric and full-service sites.
Nearly 375 million years ago, northwest Ohio was a great sea teeming with life. Fossil Park is rich in fossilized brachiopods, coral, and more than 200 species of prehistoric life. You’re going to dig exploring for these buried treasures, and the best part is, you get to keep whatever you find!
You can discover all sorts of "prehistoric breadcrumbs" along the Ohio Valley Fossil Trail, a partnership of a dozen parks, museums, and other regional sites where fossils can be seen and touched -- including today's feature destination: Trammel Fossil Park.
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Aug 17, 2022 · Choose from 1,000 miles of trails to explore, beaches and boating facilities for fun on the water, cozy campgrounds, cabins and lodges for comfortable stays, and special events and nature programs to make your stay memorable. Enjoy your visit!
