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Yeah... Fossils dig you too

About the Park

 

Admission is FREE

 

Open 8:00am-845pm Daily

Mineral Wells Fossil Park provides the fossil enthusiast, paleontologist, 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 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.

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. 

What can i find?

The most common fossil found at Mineral Wells Fossil Park are the stalks of crinoids (sea lilies). While crinoids may look like weird plants, they are actually animals. There are likely dozens of species found here, each with their own design and ornamentation. Some even have spikes.

Park Rules

 

Fossil Park Rules

 The City of Mineral Wells is not responsible for accidents or injuries occurring on this property. Use of this property is at your own risk. 

  •  Fossil collecting is allowed in designated areas only. 
  •  Operation of motor vehicles/motorcycles/ATV’s/bicycles is prohibited.
    Parking permitted in designated area only. 
  •  Dumping/open fires/smoking are prohibited. 
  •  Possession/discharge of firearms, hunting and archery are prohibited. 
  •  Possession/consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs is prohibited. 
  •  No pets allowed. 

 

Fossil Collecting Rules

  • Fossil collecting is for personal use only - not for commercial sale. 
  •  Surface collecting only is allowed. 
  •  Small gardening tools are permitted. 
  • Shovels, hoes, picks etc., or motorized equipment are prohibited.

 

Caution

  •  Enter and exit collecting area at designated points only. Area has dangerous drop offs, steep slopes and loose soil. 
  •  Encounters with dangerous insects/animals are possible. 
Please be a responsible collector so this site can be available to the public for years to come!

Directions

Crazy Fossil Dig

3rd Saturday in October

Through our partnership with the Dallas Paleontological Society and the City of Mineral Wells, you can rest assured that there will be plenty of fossils to go around. Take the entire family on a trip back in time to dig for ancient fossils from another era!

  •  Tools of the Trade Display 
  •  Fossil Identification 
  •  Museum Quality Objects 
  •  Activity Packets & Handouts 
Crazy-Fossil-Dig
*The event will happen rain or shine, so come equipped with umbrellas or ponchos and shoes you don't mind getting muddy! See you at the dig!

Equipment

 Small zip bags or nail aprons are good for small finds and keeping things organized.

Knee pads or patches are recommended for crawling around. 

Plan your Visit

 This is a fairly primitive site, so be sure to bring a lot of water with you. During the hot summer months visiting in the early morning and evenings is highly recommended. There is a shade structure, but it is still a good idea to bring an umbrella with you for shade while digging. The park has primitive restrooms and no running water. 

Precautions

 Enter and exit the collecting area at designated points only. The area has dangerous drop offs, steep slopes and loose soil.

Encounters with dangerous insects and animals are possible. 

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Mineral Wells Parks and Recreation

Mineral Wells Fossil Park is managed by the Parks and Recreation Department. Please help them by practicing Leave No Trace Principals
Mineral Wells Parks and Recreation
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Dallas Paleo

Mineral Wells Fossil Park was established with assistance from the Dallas Paleontological Society. See the other great things they do.

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Visit Mineral Wells

Stop by the Visitor Center at 107 N. Oak Ave in Mineral Wells to purchase your Fossil Dig Kit!
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