I’ve always been fascinated by paleontology. Unearthing fossils to puzzle together ancient history has always seemed like quite an adventure. If you find yourself fascinated by digging up such treasures, you’ll be delighted to hear that Maryland is brimming with prehistoric adventures. With that in mind, we’ve put together a road trip that will take you to some authentic digging sites, plus a few other paleontologist-approved attractions and a wonderful place to stay right in downtown Annapolis.
This Maryland Road Trip Is a Paleontologist’s Dream
1. Calvert Cliffs State Park
National & State Parks⬩Maryland
Stretching for nearly 24 miles along the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay, Calvert Cliffs have quite a presence. They date back 10 or even 20 million years, back to a time when Southern Maryland was covered by a shallow sea. Eventually, when the sea receded, the cliffs were exposed and suddenly began to erode. Today, visitors can find remnants of prehistoric life: whales, rays, sharks, and giant seabirds. Calvert Cliffs State Park invites explorers to enjoy its stunning landscape, and those fascinated by paleontology can dig for fossils along the park’s sandy beach. It’s important to note that the area directly beneath the cliffs is closed due to the potential for dangerous landslides.
2. Flag Ponds Nature Park
Hiking⬩Lusby, MD
It’s almost impossible to imagine, but fossils found along the shoreline indicate that prehistoric crocodiles once roamed coastal Maryland. When you visit Flag Ponds Nature Park, you can search along the shoreline for clues from the Miocene Period, such as shark teeth and other fossils. One of the park’s most popular trails is the Duncan Pond North Ridge Trail, a 2.2-mile loop trail that’s moderately challenging. Hikers will get to roam through the maritime forests and enjoy breathtaking Bay views.
3. Purse State Park
National & State Parks⬩Marbury, MD
Hugging the Potomac River in western Maryland, Purse State Park is a fantastic spot for finding shark teeth and turritella fossils. Technically, Purse State Park is now managed by the Nanjemoy Wildlife Management Area. Exploring the beach, you’ll have the most luck finding fossils along the water—they come in and out with the water. To get to the fossil beach, take the Purse Shark Tooth Beach Trail, a 0.6-mile trek to the beach with a steep drop near the water.
4. Dinosaur Park
South Laurel, MD
Located in Prince George County, Dinosaur Park invites visitors to become paleontologists for a day. And after a fossil-filled day of digging, it’s the perfect spot to reflect on your findings. In addition to being an educational center, Dinosaur Park is a fossil site. The treasures unearthed here are approximately 115 million years old, dating back to the Early Cretaceous period. The park is also home to the Astrodon Johnstoni, the Maryland State dinosaur, the largest species found east of the Mississippi River. (It could grow up to 66 feet tall!) Visitors should note that personal fossil collecting is not permitted, and the fenced fossil site is available only during public or private educational programs. For more information on planning your visit, be sure to check out the Dinosaur Park website.
Where to Stay
Villa Annapolitana
Annapolis, MD
After exploring Dinosaur Park, continue on towards Annapolis for a wonderful place to stay. Villa Annapolitana is an adorable home that isn’t quite prehistoric, but it is historic, dating back to the 1700s. The home features three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, accommodating as many as seven guests. Popular Annapolis sites such as the State House, Governor’s Mansion, and USNA are all within walking distance.
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Photo credits (from top to bottom): David Heise / Flickr, alliecat1881 / Flickr, krossbow / Flickr, Paul / Flickr, Kate / Airbnb
