Posted in New Jersey Attractions, Sights & Landmarks February 28, 2023 by

Few People Know About This New Jersey Quarry Filled With Dinosaur Tracks

New Jersey’s history goes back a long way, far before humans walked what is now the Garden State. Millions of years ago, dinosaurs and other ancient creatures wandered the grounds – and today, their legacy can still be found at one unique fossil park in New Jersey. Riker Hill Fossil Site in Livingston, part of the larger Riker Hill Complex which includes an art park, is one of the only places in New Jersey where you can see ancient fossil tracks. First discovered in 1968, it has now been found to be the site of several thousand remnants of ancient animals. Although the site is now a National Natural Landmark, it is still open to visitors who are willing to leave the unique site as it is, leaving only their own tracks as they walk in the literal footsteps of giants.

At first glance, the Riker Hill Fossil Site looks just like any other quarry - but it's anything but.
Dmadeo/Wikipedia
This site is home to one of the world's largest collections of dinosaur tracks and other remnants of prehistoric creatures, including long-extinct insects.
Z22/Wikipedia
Helpful signs around the site explain how the park was discovered and catalogued - along with tips on how to preserve it while you're here.
D Baker/Google Local
The park itself is easy to navigate, with a comfortable pair of shoes being all that's needed to look around.
D Baker/Google Local
Many of the fossils are marked with indentations made by dinosaurs and other animals millions of years ago.
Dmitry Tolstonogov/Google Local
There are well over a thousand tracks here - many found by one man, paleontologist Paul E. Olsen, who began cataloguing the park as a teenager.
Dmitry Tolstonogov/Google Local
The fossil site is on the same grounds as the Riker Hill Art Park, a former missile site which is now a public art space featuring sculptures, paintings, and other unique attractions.
Dmadeo/Google Local

Have you visited Riker Hill Fossil Site in Livingston? Let us know what you thought of this unique fossil park in New Jersey, and tell us what you saw in the comments section! For more information, you can visit the official Riker Hill site to make plans for your visit. For another truly ancient landmark in New Jersey, make sure to visit this unique ravine.

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Address: Riker Hill Fossil Site, Sunshine Ln, Livingston, NJ 07039, USA