Make a Day of Exploring an Ancient Fossil Park

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This summer we took the boys on some day trips. Even though each trip lasted just a day, we were still able to pack in some memorable experiences. Enter an ancient fossil park! An ancient fossil park? In a day? Yes! You’re probably asking yourself where you can find this gem. Read on to get all the details.

Trammel Fossil Park-Where is it?

This hidden gem is located in Sharonville, Ohio. The BEST part is that it’s FREE! Sharonville is north of Cincinnati, Ohio. That means there are plenty of other things to do while you’re in the area. For example, our family went to Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield first, then headed over to visit Trammel after lunch. The Newport Aquarium isn’t very far away and would be another fun place to visit.

Trammel Fossil Park is located in an industrial park. That means at first you might think you’re in the wrong place, but you aren’t. There are signs for it, so just follow the signs.

What Makes It Special?

Trammel Fossil park gives you a look back into what geologists call deep time. Deep time is millions and millions of years ago. In fact, it’s so far back that our brains have trouble understanding just how long ago it was. The fossils that are found here are from creatures and plants that lived hundreds of millions of years BEFORE dinosaurs roamed the Earth!

When you arrive at the Fossil Park, there are signs that give you more information about the area. Be sure to read them. We learned that the rocks here are over 450 million years old! The area used to be covered by a saltwater sea, so you’ll find a variety of fossils. We took a picture of the signs to help us reference what we might find.

Helpful Tips for Visiting

The first thing to know is that you are welcome to take home any fossils you find. Of course they ask that you are mindful to leave some for others, but there are plenty of fossils to go around. I would suggest bringing a small bucket or something strong enough to carry what you might find. Remember, these are rocks, and rocks can be heavy!

The second thing to know is that you need to bring something to dig with. A small pick, a hammer, a small handheld shovel, or even screw drivers to dig through the dirt will all work.

Third, be sure to wear sturdy shoes. You’ll be climbing on and hunting in dirt and rocks. The day we went it had just rained, so it was rather slick. That made wearing sturdy shoes even more important.

Fourth, be sure to use the restroom BEFORE you come to the park. The park has a small porta-potty for emergencies, but that’s it.

Fifth, make sure to have cold water and sunscreen on hand because when the sun comes out, those rocks get hot!

Special Thanks

The Trammel Fossil Park is made possible by a generous donation from R.L. Trammel. Mr. Trammel realized the geological importance of the area and donated it to the city of Sharonville for all to enjoy!

So if you’re looking for something fun and educational to do, head on over to Trammel Fossil Park. Your budding geologists won’t be disappointed, and dare I say, neither will you!

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