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Experience the life of a fossil hunter at one of only two prime Devonian Era sites on the entire planet, at a park that is unlike any other.
When your work is done, transport your treasures home, where you can continue to learn, research, and remember your adventure.
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!
Fossil Park’s 5-acre, ADA-accessible rock quarry allows you to search for world-renowned fossils in a safe, controlled environment. The fossils come from Hanson Aggregate Midwest’s large working quarries, located just a mile south of Fossil Park. The specimens are already in shale that is soft enough to break with your bare hands, making this an activity nearly anyone can enjoy.
The Quarry Ridge Bike Trail, parking lot, and bathrooms are open year-round, with these exceptions:
Thanksgiving: closed
December 24: closed at Noon
December 25: closed
December 31: closed at Noon
January 1: closed
Tools are prohibited. The shale is soft enough to break with your bare hands, so please leave hammers, picks, shovels, and similar items at home.
Bring a brush to help clean your fossils and a container to transport your treasures home. We recommend an egg carton for smaller children or a milk jug with the top removed and the handle intact.
Fossil hunting is allowed in designated areas only. Please do not cross the fence along the perimeter of the quarry.
The fossil pit is an open area without trees or shade. If you visit on a sunny day, plan to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.
Make a day of it! Fossil Park also features a trail perfect for walking, running, and biking.
The Quarry Ridge Bike Trail, parking lot, and bathrooms are open year-round.
Park Hours (Parking Lot & Bathrooms):
8:00am – 90 minutes before sunset
Thanksgiving: closed
December 24: closed at Noon
December 25: closed
December 31: closed at Noon
January 1: closed
Fossil Digging Quarry Hours:
April: 8:30 to 6pm
May: 8:30am to 7pm
June & July: 8:30am to 7:30pm
Closed during the July 4th Holiday weekend for Sylvania Fireworks Display
August: 8:30am to 7pm
September 8:30am to 6pm
October: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Special Instructions
Pets are not allowed in the fossil pit, but they are allowed in the parking lot and on the trail that circles the pit. All pets must be on a leash.
Location
5705 Centennial Road, Sylvania, Ohio
Click here for directions.
Admission
Parking, admission, and fossil hunting are free!
Facilities
Fossil Park has restroom facilities that are open year-round. Although there is no food service located at the park, Mayberry Square is directly across the street and offers a variety of restaurants.
Trail Map
Quarry Ridge Trail Map (Fossil Park to Sylvan Prairie Park)
Awards & Recognition
The Ohio Park & Recreation Association named Fossil Park one of the two best new parks in Ohio in 2001 and one of the State’s best six projects that same year.
Fossil Park is open. If you want to plan a field trip for your group, please call 419-882-8313 ext 1004.
Information for Guided Field Trips: TOPS welcomes school, scout, camp, and other groups to Fossil Park for field trips. Programs are typically limited to 40 students per session, but exceptions can be made. Each program lasts an hour with 15 minutes of instruction followed by 45 minutes of fossil hunting. Field trips are free for Sylvania School District classes. All others are welcome at $2 per child. Bus drivers and chaperones are free.
For more information, contact us by email at programs@olanderpark.com or by phone at 419-882-8313, ext. 1004.
Resources, Info, and Fun (Click to download!)
BONUS! In September 2020, we did a special Park It At Home kit and video! Check out the links below!
Check out our YouTube channel and the special video – CLICK HERE
The Olander Park System contains some of the best parks in Ohio. Explore what they offer and plan your visits based on what you’re looking for, such as boat rentals, bike trails, picnic shelters, and more.
If you have a passion for fossils, consider becoming a TOPS volunteer! Share your knowledge with others by leading field trips at Fossil Park. Educate groups on the history and fossils, and assist with fossil search and identification.
