Some people may not see the point of digging through soils or finding rocks and break them to find fossils. Especially if they know that fossils like ammonites or trilobites are so common.

Trilobites alone, for example, can be found all over the world–with concentration in some places/spots than others. Hence, some people would think that trying to find them is rather pointless.

Well, for those of you who think otherwise, here are some places that will quench your fossil-hunting thirst and you definitely should check out.

 

Dorset, UK

We can all agree that Dorset is a gorgeous place. Located in the southwest of England, this county is famous for its coastline and fossils. This place is one of the best fossil hunting sites in the UK and it’s become one of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage sites.

The 95 miles coastline is full of fossils that date back years and years ago, including the most common ones: ammonites and belemnites, which to unknowing eyes, can look nothing like Jurassic fossils at all.

You’ll find these fossils in many parts of Dorset, and you can look for different sources of the fossils wherever you go. It’s without a doubt that you’ll find a lot of ammonites and belemnites during your search, but if lady luck is on your side, you may also find plant remains or fossilized animal bones, even a dinosaur fossil.

What’s going to be exciting is finding peculiar “rocks” and hope that when you break it in half, they’re going to reveal some fossils inside. But even if you don’t find any, the beautiful view is still going to be worth your time.

 

Delta, Utah

In the west center of Utah, you can find a place called U-Dig Fossils. It’s a family-run facility that offers visitors access to 40 acres of excavated shale to search for trilobites that date back millions of years to the mid-Cambrian period.

Now, for those of you asking, “Yeah, but why trilobites? It’s not like there’s an unknown species or something.” Well, maybe it’s not about finding something new; it’s more to collecting fossils that aren’t clunky and are holdable.

The facility itself began in 1994 as a part of a college project by the owner whose uncle was leasing the land. Ever since, it’s been attracting fossil hunters and the owner has charged rates for digging. 

For adults, rates begin at $33 for a two-hour dig. For a four-hour dig, visitors can find about ten to 20 trilobites that are up to 2 inches long. 

 

 

Anticosti Island, Canada

Don’t fret if you live around Quebec, because you can still dig trilobites in this island. There are a lot of these fossilized creatures that it’s dubbed a “trilobite treasure trove.” Anticosti Island is also known for its thick sedimentary layers that reveal North America’s most complete geological strata, stretching from the Silurian period to the Ordovician period.

Thus far, there have been around 52 discovered trilobite species on the island, including well-preserved species like Arctinurus anticostiensis. 

Fun fact: trilobites found on Anticosti are known for being two to three times larger in size than similar ones found elsewhere around the world. Maybe there were only a few predators on this island? One can only speculate.

 

Borre, Denmark

This small town is known for its best-preserved large burial mounds or barrows. The barrows date back around AD 700 to 1100, containing the remains of Viking chiefs and their families. Archaeologists have excavated many of these burial mounds, revealing richly-furnished graves containing weapons, jewelry, and other artifacts.

But hey, if you’re not here about human fossils, so to speak, don’t you worry. Borre was once surrounded by a shallow sea, so you can find many fossils in the limestone cliffs along the coast. The fossils include shells, corals, and crinoids (a type of sea urchin but more plant-like).

If you want to go fossil hunting in this place, better go here during the summer months when it’s warm and dry. Don’t worry about amenities, for the town has several hotels and camping sites. Other than that, there are also restaurants, cafés, and a number of museums that may enrich your knowledge of the area.

A bit of a trivia: Borre is home to Denmark’s oldest known fossil, a 450-million-year-old trilobite. So if you’re planning to dig here, you’ll be in good lands.

 

Ohio, USA

Devonian era geeks should find joy in Ohio because it’s home to many types of fossils including the ones from this period. One of the best places to find them is at Alum Creek State Park. 

The park has a berth of beach that will satisfy your fossil hunting. Also, you’ll be able to find fossils in the creeks and streams that run through the park.

Those of you who want an extra oomph and get a hold of some rare or valuable fossils yourself, go to the Ohio State University campus. The school’s Orton Geological Museum has a fossil bed (one from the Devonian period) that’s open to the public and packed with fossils.

Should you find those two places not enough to satisfy your digging cravings, you can also go to Caesar Creek State Park. It has a beach area and creek beds where you can find a lot of fossils like brachiopods and crinoids. 

With three places in Ohio alone, you’ll have a great time and rewarding experience.

 

 

Western Cape, South Africa

Let’s face it, South Africa is the place of many wonders, and you fossil hunters can explore its caves that are rife with fossils. Some of the famous fossils include early humans, namely the well-preserved remains of a woman known as “Mrs. Ples.”

Again, don’t worry if you’re not into human fossilized remains, because in the cave of the Western Cape there are also fossils of saber-toothed cats, lions, and elephants.

There are many vendors that offer guided tours, so your fossil hunting experience in the Western Cape will be better. These tours will take you to some of the best caves with fossils in the area, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the different types of fossils that can be found in South Africa.

 

Nangetty, Australia

A lot of exotic, unique animals are packed in Australia and its neighboring country, New Zealand. Well, Australia also has a place known for being one of the best places in the world to go fossil hunting.

Nangetty is rich in fossils, including those of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. There are also other types of fossils like petrified wood.

Now, it’d be better to go fossil hunting during the dry season, around October to March. The reason being is that the ground is hard and dry in these months, so it can be easier to find fossils. Although, it’s also okay to do it during the wet season if you know where to look, so you don’t need to worry.

Another good thing is that you don’t need to being your own equipment, because there are companies that offer tours and tools rental. 

 

Sources

https://alexonthemap.com/places-in-the-world-to-go-fossil-hunting/

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/five-places-to-see-trilobites-in-the-united-states-180980209/