The Epic Park Near Cleveland Where You Can Take Home 375-Million-Year-Old Fossils
By Nikki Rhoades|Published May 31, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Northeast Ohio is full of hidden gems, but the rest of the state has much to offer as well. Today we’re going to take a road trip about two hours outside of the city limits for an adventure that’s unlike any other. You may have heard that this portion of the state once hosted an ancient ocean and that the prehistoric residents (including sharks like cladoselache fyleri) are now exquisitely preserved in local shale deposits. While the paleontological community knows this to be fact, few residents have the opportunity to search for their very own fossils… that is, unless you’re willing to travel. Today we’re going to visit an incredible park in Northwest Ohio that will tantalize your inner paleontologist with discoveries worthy of a museum.
You've just arrived at Fossil Park, and you are in for a treat.
Located over in Northwest Ohio, this park is one site that is well worth the trip. Your inner paleontologist will adore the opportunity to hunt for ancient life, and you just may be surprised at what you may find.
The land that this park occupies was once the base of an ancient ocean, and traces of the waters' earliest residents remain.
The shale throughout the state is a remnant of this ancient ocean, and fossils are abundant within. However, there are few places where you can conduct your very own excavation in search of prehistory.
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This five-acre quarry is thought to contain around 200 prehistoric species, and you can actually visit the site excavate for these fossils.
While tools are prohibited, the shale in which the fossils are embedded is soft enough to break with your hands. The fossils are introduced by Hanson Aggregate Midwest’s quarries, so you truly never know what you will uncover.
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This park is open daily through October and parking, admission and fossil hunting are all free.
The park is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., allowing you plenty of time to uncover hidden treasures. Be sure to stay hydrated during your adventure, as fossil hunting can be tiring work.
Heat exhaustion can occur if you are unprepared. Not only should you bring these supplies along, but it is also important to dress for the weather.
You'll also want to bring a soft brush to help clean off the fragile fossils, and you may want to bring a tackle box or something similar to transport them.
Your inner rock hound will be amazed at just how many specimens you'll be taking home with you, and you will adore knowing that your collection has grown thanks to your own super sleuthing.
After you are done hunting for fossils, you will love hiking along the trail surrounding the park.
Please note that dogs are not allowed in the fossil pit, though they are allowed on the trail. Leave your furry friend at home if you're planning on spending time in the fossil pit—there are lots of incredible dog-friendly parks close to home that you can visit later on.
History truly comes to life at this unique site near Cleveland.
