Pennsylvania’s rich in history, including natural history. One of the best places to get a glimpse at that natural history is this fossil park in Pennsylvania. It offers the unique opportunity to get your hands dirty as you dig for fossils. Even better? Whatever you find, you can take home, and it’s free. This is one unique Pennsylvania adventure that belongs on your bucket list.
Tucked away in Montour Preserve in Danville, the Montour Fossil Pit offers visitors the unique opportunity to dig for fossils. It’s an old-fashioned adventure that draws adventurers from all over.
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A short trail leads to the fossil pit that measures an acre. Within that acre of land are unknown numbers of fossils dating back nearly 400 million years, all just waiting to be discovered.
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Before you head to the fossil pit, which is open all year, make sure you have everything with you - and a few things you don’t. Dogs and other pets, for example, are not permitted in the preserve or the pit.
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Digging poses the risk of being cut by sharp edges of fossils, so your best bet is to wear long pants. If you’re visiting during the summer, the fossil pit can get hot, so keep that in mind.
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You’ll need a few things, too, for your fossil-digging adventure. Bring along safety goggles, a hammer, a brush to dust off the fossils you find, and something in which to carry the fossils.
Google/Kathleen Greenwood (Kathy) The preserve recommends bringing something, like newspaper, to wrap the fossils in, too.
Head to the park any time from dawn to dark to start poking around the fossil pit.
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Not sure what kind of gems you’ve uncovered? Check the informational board that offers a brief overview of the different types of fossils.
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Chances are you’ll find one (or more) of a few types of fossils, including oysters, mussels, and lamp shells.
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If you’re bringing the kids along, be sure to supervise them. Fossils sometimes have sharp edges.
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Learn more on the Montour Preserve website. Or, stop by its Facebook page.
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Have you been to this fossil park in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! If you’re fascinated by history, plan a visit to this abandoned paper factory in Pennsylvania.
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The preserve recommends bringing something, like newspaper, to wrap the fossils in, too.
Google/Patience Boyd
Google/Kayleigh Taylor
Google/Nicole T.
Google/Valerie Stephan
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Address: Montour Preserve Fossil Pit, 160 Sportsmans Rd, Danville, PA 17821, USA
