Northern Ohio Fossils
The Fossil Park Area; Sylvania, Lucas Co., OH
~ 370 - 400 Million Years Old
Middle Devonian
Silica Formation
This is your place for Devonian fossil hunting, including Trilobites and Brachiopods!
This shows fossil hunters hunting in the Hanson quarry. This quarry is now closed to collectors. As one can see, the Silica formation is nicely exposed.
This is a quarry at Paulding that exposes the Silica shale fossils. This quarry is also now closed to collecting.
Brachiopods are by far the most common fossil. They come in many different shapes and sizes.
Megalodon Unearthed:
Dr. Jay M. Lipoff , 2026
New Megalodon Book: Expert insight and vivid fossil photography strip away myths to reveal the true science of history's most fearsome shark.
Why Are There Fossils Here? About the Silica Formation Fossils
In the middle Devonian, a vast sea covered Ohio. The sea floor was very muddy, creating a remarkable place for fossilization to occur. The Silica Formation in northwest Ohio represents this marine environment from the middle Devonian; it leaves a well-preserved and abundant fossil record. The preservation of these Devonian fossils are among the best in the world. In this formation, one can find the abundant remains of early fish, corals, brachiopods, echinoderms, and trilobites (especially Eldredgeops - formerly Phacops). These exquisitely preserved fossils are found in soft gray shale and quickly weather free from matrix.
The Silica formation is only accessible through quarries in the area. However, access to these quarries is restricted, the Hanson quarry provides spoil from the Silica formation for a Fossil Park in the area, where people are welcomed to collect.
Location: Where are the fossils: About Fossil Park
Fossil Park in Ohio
Fossil Park
Fossils at Fossil Park, Ohio
5675 Centennial Road, Slvania, OH 43560
GPS Coordinates: 41° 42.8" N, 83° 44.6" W
Fossil Park is directly across the road from the Mayberry Square Plaza
Go to the address above and not to the Main Olander Park address, Olander Park is not near the Fossil Park
Google Map of Fossil Park in Ohio
About the Park
A few employees of the Hanson Quarry came up with an idea to allow the public access to these famous Devonian collecting grounds. They came up with an idea that eventually became Fossil Park!
Fossil Park is open to the public.
In the park, truckloads of Silica Shale from nearby quarries are dumped into a few large areas, where the public can simply hand split the shale, and find the same fossils one can find in the quarries.
Visitors are guaranteed to find brachiopods and corals from the ancient Devonian reef. The more dedicated collectors can find parts of Trilobites and sometimes even whole ones.
The Fossil Park is a GREAT place to bring kids!
Hours:
Fossil Park is open DAILY from the 1st weekend in April to the 2nd weekend in November
Read the Fossil Park sign in the image below for more information.
Fossil Park is only staffed on the Weekends during the spring and summer months.
Admission: FREE
Rules:
Fossil Park Rules Sign in Ohio - Devonian Fossils
View a Sample of Fossils Found in the Silica Formation:
If you plan on collecting Devonian fossils in Ohio, click the image below to go to the fossils that can be found.
Recommended Fossil Collecting Equipment:
No equipment is allowed in Fossil Park. A box and towels are recommended to store the fossils you find.
Although they have shade, restrooms, and water, it still can get VERY hot in the summer. Dress appropriately and bring items such as a hat, sunscreen, extra water, and a snack.
Recommended Book for Fossils of Ohio:
Recommended Ohio Book:
Fossils of Ohio (Bulletin 70)
By Rodney M. Feldmann (ed)
Copyright 1996
State of Ohio Div. of Geological Survey
This book is a MUST for anyone collecting in Ohio or nearby Devonian formations.
It has detailed descriptions and images of 100's of fossils one can find throughout Ohio,
including the Cincinnati Arch. It can be ordered through the Ohio DNR website, just search for "Fossils of Ohio (Bulletin 70)"
Recommended Trilobite and Fossil Hunting Books:
The Trilobite Collector's Guide
Andy Secher, 2024
This book by Andy Secher, a leading trilobite collector, offers a captivating journey into the world of these ancient arthropods. With over 400 stunning photos, entertaining top-ten lists, invaluable collecting tips, and ways to spot a fake trilobite, it's a must-have for fossil enthusiasts!
Trilobites: Common Trilobites of North America (A NatureGuide Book)
Jasper Burns, 2000
An excellent guide for identifying North American trilobites, featuring meticulous line drawings and concise information on classification, geologic range, and distribution. Ideal for enthusiasts seeking detailed insights and accurate identification of these ancient arthropods.
101 American Fossil Sites You've Gotta See
Albert B Dickas, 2018
This is a great updated fossil sites book with at least one fossil site in each state. Each site is broken into 2 pages. One has detailed information, such as directions, GPS coordinates, formation information, etc...
The other is dedicated to images of the site and the fossils found there. It also gives information on fossil 'viewing' sites such as dinosaur trackways, museums, and active excavations.
Plus, my fossil photos are peppered throughout this book!
Recommended Fossil Clubs in the Area
Dry Dredgers
The Dry Dredgers is a Cincinnati based fossil club. Their club and website is a wonderful resource on fossils of ohio. They take regular field trips around the Cincinnati region.!
North Coast Fossil Club
This is another great fossil club based out of Cleveland. They also take regular field trips to fossil sites in and around Ohio.
