“Find a piece of the past”
Mineral Wells Fossil Park provides the fossil enthusiast, palenontologist and student an excellent opportunity to see and collect well preserved "Pennsylvanian Period" fossils with ease and abundance. These fossils have been dated to be just over 300 million years old. Yes, you read correctly, you may collect and take fossils out of the park - for personal use only. See the park rules for more information. The park as it exists today is a result of 20 years of erosion of the old City of Mineral Wells landfill's borrow pit, which was closed in the early 1990s. The erosion of the borrow pit has revealed fossils documenting ancient sea species of crinoids (sea lilies), echinoids (urchins), brachiopods, pelecypods (clams and oysters), bryozoans, corals, trilobites (arthropods), plants and even primitive sharks. In recent years, the borrow pit has become a mecca for the avid fossil hunter, the amateur and professional paleontologist, and various fossil, paleontological, gem and mineral groups and societies in Texas and the surrounding states.
Went here after major storm, early on a Sunday morning. I was alone wandering around. The fossils are not overly impressive, but yes they are lying all over the ground. This would be great for kids. Take some small bags for finds, you don't really need a spade or anything. The ground is very muddy, there is a natural stream running through the ground and is quite boggy in places. There doesn't seem to be anything on sat av, so just keep following the Indian Creek Road until you see it right in front of you. You CAN'T miss it, trust yourself and keep going.
Great for a quick visit, and fun to surface collect fossils. We found crinoids and a couple of brachiopods. Plan for sun- the only shade is a tarp over a couple of picnic tables. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. It's essentially undeveloped, so don't expect amenities. There was a portable toilet in the parking area.
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Mineral Wells Fossil Park
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
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