From Dinosaurs to Trilobites: 18 U.S. Fossil Hunting Destinations You’ll Love

Fossil hunting is an exciting way to step back in time and discover the remnants of ancient creatures that roamed the Earth millions of years ago. Across the U.S., there are prime fossil-hunting destinations where enthusiasts can unearth everything from dinosaur bones to marine fossils.

Whether you’re a seasoned paleontologist or a curious beginner, these 18 U.S. locations offer some of the best opportunities to dig up a piece of prehistory. Grab your tools, get ready for an adventure, and explore these fossil-rich destinations to find ancient treasures buried beneath the surface.

1. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park is famous for its rich fossil beds, offering a glimpse into ancient life. The park is home to fossils of mammals that lived 30 million years ago, including saber-toothed cats and ancient horses.

Guided fossil hunts are available, giving you a chance to explore the past in a dramatic landscape.

2. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Colorado

This site is known for its incredibly well-preserved insect and plant fossils from the Eocene epoch. Fossil hunters will find ancient leaves, insects, and petrified redwoods dating back 34 million years.

While collecting is not allowed within the park, nearby commercial sites offer the chance to take fossils home.

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3. Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah

Dinosaur National Monument is one of the best places in the U.S. to see dinosaur fossils still embedded in rock. The Quarry Exhibit Hall lets visitors view over 1,500 dinosaur fossils, including Stegosaurus and Allosaurus bones.

While hunting isn’t allowed here, nearby areas offer fossil digging adventures.

4. Sharktooth Hill, California

Sharktooth Hill in California’s Central Valley is one of the world’s richest Miocene-era fossil sites. It’s famous for its abundance of fossilized shark teeth, especially from prehistoric species like the megalodon.

Fossil hunters can join digs to uncover marine fossils that date back 15 million years.

5. Green River Formation, Wyoming

The Green River Formation is one of the most famous fossil hunting sites in the U.S. for well-preserved fish fossils. Dating back 50 million years, this site offers an abundance of fish, plant, and insect fossils.

Several nearby quarries allow visitors to dig and keep what they find, making it a fossil hunter’s paradise.

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6. Peace River, Florida

Peace River is a hotspot for finding fossilized shark teeth, manatee bones, and even mammoth remains. This riverbed offers a treasure trove of prehistoric marine and terrestrial fossils.

With a shovel and sifting screen, you can search the river for ancient remains.

7. Hell Creek Formation, Montana

The Hell Creek Formation is famous for its dinosaur fossils, including the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex. This site is known for fossils from the Late Cretaceous period, making it a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts.

Guided digs are available for those looking to find their own piece of dinosaur history.

8. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Nebraska

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is home to an impressive collection of mammal fossils from the Miocene epoch. Fossils of ancient rhinos, beardogs, and other extinct mammals can be found here.

While collecting is not permitted, the visitor center offers fascinating exhibits of fossils unearthed in the area.

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9. Glen Rose, Texas

Glen Rose is home to Dinosaur Valley State Park, where visitors can see fossilized dinosaur footprints along the Paluxy River. This area offers a rare opportunity to walk where dinosaurs once roamed, with tracks preserved in the riverbed.

Nearby, fossil hunts for smaller specimens like marine fossils and plant imprints are also available.

10. Aurora Fossil Museum, North Carolina

Aurora is known for its rich deposits of fossilized shark teeth and other marine fossils.
The Fossil Museum offers a hands-on digging area where visitors can search for prehistoric shark teeth.

It’s a great spot for family-friendly fossil hunting, with plenty of treasures to be found.

11. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park is famous for its fossilized trees, some over 200 million years old. The park showcases stunning petrified wood, along with fossils of prehistoric reptiles and plants.

Although collecting fossils is prohibited, the scenery and history make this a fascinating stop for fossil enthusiasts.

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12. Black Hills, South Dakota

The Black Hills region is known for its fossil-rich areas, including sites like the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs. This active dig site has uncovered over 60 mammoth fossils and offers guided tours of the excavation.

It’s an incredible destination for those interested in Ice Age fossils and paleontology.

13. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland

The shores of Chesapeake Bay are a prime spot for finding Miocene-era fossils, especially shark teeth. Fossil hunters can explore the cliffs and beaches, searching for ancient marine fossils dating back 10 to 20 million years.

This area is perfect for casual fossil hunters and families looking for a fun outdoor adventure.

14. Fossil Butte National Monument, Wyoming

Fossil Butte is another hotspot for fish fossils from the Eocene epoch. The site offers an extraordinary glimpse into an ancient lake ecosystem from 50 million years ago.

Fossil digs are available nearby, giving visitors the chance to uncover perfectly preserved fish fossils.

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15. U-Dig Fossils, Utah

U-Dig Fossils is a commercial quarry in Utah where visitors can dig for trilobites, one of the most well-known ancient creatures. These marine fossils are over 500 million years old, making them a prized find for fossil hunters.

The site offers tools and guidance, ensuring a fun and educational experience for all ages.

16. John Day Fossil Beds, Oregon

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is known for its colorful rock formations and rich fossil history. The area contains fossils from plants and mammals dating back 40 million years.

The visitor center offers exhibits and fossil programs, but collecting is prohibited within the monument.

17. Waco Mammoth National Monument, Texas

This unique fossil site contains the remains of a herd of Ice Age mammoths, discovered in 1978. Visitors can tour the dig shelter to see fossils in situ and learn about the mammoths that once roamed the region.

While digging isn’t allowed, the experience offers a rare look at a real fossil excavation site.

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18. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico

The Bisti Badlands are a remote and surreal landscape, home to dinosaur fossils and petrified wood. This off-the-beaten-path destination offers adventure seekers the chance to explore an unspoiled fossil-rich area.

The rugged terrain and striking rock formations make fossil hunting here an unforgettable experience.

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