If you’ve ever dreamed of digging up ancient fossils like a real-life paleontologist, there’s a park in Texas where you can do just that.
This unique spot is home to fossils over 300 million years old—and the best part? You get to keep whatever you find!
No fancy tools or digging permits required—just bring your curiosity (and maybe a bucket for all your finds).
So where is this fossil-filled wonderland? Keep reading, because this hidden gem is closer than you think.
Where Is It?
Mineral Wells Fossil Park sits in north-central Texas, just outside the city of Mineral Wells, making it an easy and exciting day trip.
It’s around an hour and a half drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
If you’re coming from Austin, expect a drive of around three and a half hours, give or take.
It’s well worth the drive, after all, how often do you get the chance to dig up ancient fossils and take them home?
What To Expect
Mineral Wells Fossil Park isn’t your typical manicured park with paved trails and picnic areas.
Instead, you’re stepping into a rugged, open fossil-hunting ground filled with prehistoric treasures just waiting to be discovered.
The park is essentially a large, open excavation site with rocky, uneven terrain.
The park was once a borrow pit used for construction, but when erosion started revealing a large number of fossils, it was turned into a fossil-hunting paradise.
The area is completely outdoors with limited shade, so expect full sun and Texas heat, especially in the summer.
There are no water fountains or concessions, so bring plenty of water and whatever supplies you need for the day.
What makes this place special? The sheer number of fossils from the Pennsylvanian Period—roughly 300 million years old.
You’ll see ancient marine life imprints everywhere, including crinoids (which look like little Cheerios), brachiopods, trilobite bits, and even fossilized coral.
Since this area was once covered by an ancient sea, most of what you’ll find are remnants of prehistoric ocean creatures.
It’s a come-as-you-are kind of place—no fancy equipment or permits needed.
You’re allowed (and encouraged!) to take home whatever fossils you find.
There’s no digging required since most fossils are right on the surface, but if you want to search deeper, small tools like brushes and trowels can help.
There are no staff on-site, so it’s a self-guided experience with the open land and a whole lot of prehistoric history at your feet.
Things To Do
There’s no visitor center or set path to follow—just walk around with sharp eyes, and you’re bound to spot something incredible.
Search for Fossils (and Keep Them!)
As the ground is packed with fossils, you’ll likely fill your pockets in no time.
Most fossils are scattered right on the surface, so even kids can spot them without any digging.
Look for small, circular crinoid stems, seashell-shaped brachiopods, and pieces of ancient coral.
If you’re lucky, you might even find trilobite fragments, which are the jackpot of this site.
Bring a Fossil Guide and Identify Your Finds
Since there’s no official ranger station or staff on-site, it helps to have a fossil identification guide with you.
A quick Google search before you go or a field guide on Pennsylvanian-period fossils can make a huge difference in figuring out what you’ve found.
There are also some informational signs near the parking lot with pictures of common fossils in the area, so be sure to check those out before you start searching.
Enjoy a Totally Free Outdoor Adventure
Mineral Wells Fossil Park is completely free to visit, which makes it a fantastic budget-friendly activity.
Whether you stay for an hour or spend the whole afternoon searching for fossils, there’s no cost other than whatever supplies you bring.
It’s also an easy, low-effort outdoor activity—no long hikes and no climbing required.
Perfect for Families, Science Lovers, and Curious Explorers
This place is a dream for kids who love dinosaurs (even though these fossils are older than the dinos), geology nerds, and anyone who enjoys a good hands-on adventure.
It’s the kind of spot that makes science fun, letting you experience the thrill of finding and holding a 300-million-year-old fossil.
And because the fossils are everywhere, even first-time visitors will leave with some amazing finds.
Know Before You Go
Before you grab your fossil gear and head out, here are a few key things to know:
Address:
Mineral Wells Fossil Park
2375 Indian Creek Rd, Mineral Wells, TX 76067
Hours:
The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM. No reservations are needed.
Cost:
Completely FREE! No entry fees, no permits required, and any fossils you find can be taken home for personal use.
Parking:
There’s a small designated parking lot right at the entrance. It’s not huge, but unless there’s a big group visiting, you should have no trouble finding a spot.
Weather Considerations:
This park is entirely outdoors, with only a single shade structure and no water fountains or facilities.
Summers can get really hot, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to stay cool.
For a more enjoyable experience, consider visiting in the fall, winter, or early spring when temperatures are mild and comfortable.
Wildlife & Terrain:
The ground is rocky and uneven, so sturdy shoes are a must—leave the flip-flops at home.
You may also encounter some Texas wildlife (hello, lizards and the occasional snake), so always be aware of your surroundings.
Restrooms & Amenities:
There are no picnic areas, and while the park does have primitive bathrooms with no running water, they’re pretty basic.
If you prefer a more traditional restroom stop, your best bet is stopping in Mineral Wells before you arrive.
It’s a simple, no-frills spot, but it’s an absolute goldmine for fossil lovers.
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