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Fossil Hunting Near Me

Every US state has fossils. Select your state below to find collecting sites, learn what's legal, and discover what ancient life is preserved in your area.

Find Fossils in Your State

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How to Find Fossil Sites Near You

The best way to find fossil collecting opportunities near you is to check our state-by-state guides. Each guide includes specific collecting sites with GPS coordinates, legal rules, common fossil types, and local fossil clubs.

Top States for Beginners

If you're flexible on location, these states offer the easiest, most productive fossil hunting:

  • Florida — Shark teeth on beaches and in rivers. Hard to leave empty-handed.
  • Ohio — Trammel Fossil Park is purpose-built for collectors. Free, easy, productive.
  • Texas — Mineral Wells Fossil Park is free and full of Pennsylvanian marine fossils.
  • Maryland — Calvert Cliffs drops Miocene shark teeth onto the beach daily.
  • New York — Penn Dixie Fossil Park offers Devonian trilobites and guided programs.

Join a Local Fossil Club

The single best thing you can do as a new fossil collector is join a local club. Club members know the best sites (many of which aren't publicly listed), organize group trips, and can help you identify your finds. We list clubs on every state page.