Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve
Unearth 380-million-year-old fossils at this top-ranked quarry, once a tropical seabed. Dig for trilobites and ancient marine life!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Potential resident discounts!
Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve
Best Time
Potential resident discounts!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Unearth 380-million-year-old fossils at this top-ranked quarry, once a tropical seabed. Dig for trilobites and ancient marine life!
"A truly unique Western NY adventure with fossils everywhere!"
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The shale can be sharp; protect your feet! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Sun Protection
Little to no shade, so pack sunscreen & a hat! :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Trilobite Hunting
Unearth ancient marine life! These iconic fossils are a thrilling find for any visitor.
Devonian Ocean Floor
Explore the remnants of a tropical sea from over 380 million years ago.
Cone Corals & Shells
Easier to find than trilobites, these abundant fossils offer a glimpse into ancient marine ecosystems.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Digging for Treasures
Fossil Hunting Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The shale can be sharp; protect your feet! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Sun Protection
Little to no shade, so pack sunscreen & a hat! :sunwithface: +1
Hydrate Well
Bring plenty of water, especially on warm days. :droplet:
Kneeling Pad Recommended
Makes digging more comfortable. :woman_kneeling:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The shale can be sharp; protect your feet! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Sun Protection
Little to no shade, so pack sunscreen & a hat! :sunwithface: +1
Hydrate Well
Bring plenty of water, especially on warm days. :droplet:
Kneeling Pad Recommended
Makes digging more comfortable. :woman_kneeling:
Check for Discounts
Erie County residents get discounts on Fridays! :moneywithwings:
Staff are Fossil Experts
Don't hesitate to ask for help finding fossils. :nerd_face:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Penn Dixie Fossil Park as a unique and highly engaging destination for all ages. The thrill of finding ancient fossils, coupled with the friendly and knowledgeable staff, makes for a memorable experience. While the digging can be hard work and shade is limited, the opportunity to unearth prehistoric treasures is a major draw. +2
"Very unique and cool place to visit! You can find fossils that were fossils during the age of the dinosaurs!
But expect some hard work as you pick and pry apart layers of shale looking for the elusive trilobites. Cone corals, shells and worm burrow remains are easier to find.
A truly unique Western NY adventure!"
Rob Mrowka
"Really a cool place to learn about prehistoric geology and animals. It didn't take long for us to start finding fossils and the staff is super friendly and helpful. Tickets can be purchased online. There is little to no shade, so bring water and sunblock. Wear good shoes as the shale your walking on can be sharp. A kneeling pad or old towel is a good idea too. Highly recommend for a cool little history lesson with cool souvenirs."
Rowan Overland
"What a great place! There are fossils everywhere! My family and I had a memorable day here, enjoyed by the kids as much as the adults! The folks who volunteer to run the fossil park are very knowledgable and kind. Kevin was our guide and he helped us find some really special stuff. Fun and hands-on outdoor learning for the whole family, and you get to go home with some really cool fossils ensuring you will never forget going to Penn Dixie Fossil Park!"
K C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve is located in Hamburg, NY, near Buffalo. Many visitors arrive by car. Public transportation options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or ride-sharing services is recommended.
Yes, there is parking available at the park. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure a spot.
Absolutely! Many visitors combine a trip to Niagara Falls with a stop at Penn Dixie. It's a great detour for a unique experience.
Driving is generally the easiest for families with children and gear. Consider carpooling if you're traveling with other families.
Hamburg and the greater Buffalo area offer various hotels and rental options for those looking to stay overnight.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's best to check their official website or social media for the most current rates. Some TikTok videos mention potential discounts for local residents on specific days.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons.
Erie County residents can sometimes get half-off admission on Fridays, and Town of Hamburg residents might even get free entry on certain days. Always check for local resident deals!
Operating hours can change seasonally. It's crucial to check the official Penn Dixie Fossil Park website or their social media channels for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Yes, as an Arts Access partner, Penn Dixie invites passholders to explore the park free of charge.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can find a variety of fossils from the Devonian period, including trilobites, cone corals, shells, and worm burrow remains. It's like exploring the floor of an ancient ocean! +1
The park provides tools for digging and prying shale layers. However, some visitors prefer to bring their own preferred tools for comfort.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic hands-on learning experience for kids, turning them into paleontologists for a day.
Most visitors spend 2-4 hours exploring and digging. You can easily spend longer if you're really into the fossil hunt!
Yes, the knowledgeable staff and volunteers, like Kevin and Brian, are often available to guide you and help you find special fossils. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Capture close-ups of your fossil finds, the vast quarry landscape, and the unique geological formations. Drone footage offers stunning aerial views!
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check park rules regarding tripods to ensure they don't obstruct pathways or other visitors.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming might require special permission.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide softer, more dramatic lighting for your photos, especially in the quarry.
Absolutely! Documenting your discoveries is a great way to remember your visit. Many visitors share their finds on social media.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as it can be a full day of digging. Ensure everyone wears comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Consider bringing a small wagon to carry gear and any treasures found. The knowledgeable staff are great at engaging children and making the experience educational and fun.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save further, pack your own lunch and plenty of water. This avoids purchasing more expensive on-site options. The experience itself is the main attraction, and it's a memorable one that doesn't require a huge budget.
👫 Couples & Adults
Enjoy the thrill of discovery together as you search for ancient Devonian fossils. It's a chance to connect with nature and history in a hands-on way. The knowledgeable guides can add an educational layer to your visit, making it even more interesting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Ocean of Penn Dixie
The quarry you explore today was once the seabed of this ancient ocean. As marine life perished, their remains settled and were gradually buried by sediment. Over millions of years, these sediments, along with the fossilized remains, were compressed and lithified into the shale rock layers that visitors now carefully excavate. This geological process is what makes Penn Dixie such a remarkable site for paleontology and a prime location for fossil hunting.
Understanding this ancient history enhances the experience. When you find a fossil, you're not just holding a rock; you're holding a piece of Earth's history, a direct link to the creatures that inhabited this region eons ago. The Devonian fossils found here, such as trilobites and various marine invertebrates, offer invaluable insights into prehistoric life and the evolution of our planet.
Fossil Hunting: What to Expect
Don't be discouraged if trilobites aren't immediately apparent. The shale is rich with other fascinating Devonian fossils, including various types of cone corals, ancient shells, and evidence of worm burrows. These are often more readily found and still offer a significant connection to the past. The key is to be observant and methodical in your search.
The staff and volunteers at Penn Dixie are a tremendous resource. They are passionate about paleontology and eager to share their knowledge. Don't hesitate to ask them for tips on where to look, how to identify finds, or even for help excavating a particularly promising specimen. Their guidance can significantly enhance your fossil hunting success and overall experience.
The History and Preservation of Penn Dixie
In the 1990s, a group recognized the immense paleontological value of the quarry and began advocating against industrial development. Their efforts led to the establishment of the Hamburg Natural History Society, which now operates the park. In 1995, Penn Dixie reopened as a nature reserve and fossil park, dedicated to science education and public access to this unique geological site.
Today, Penn Dixie is recognized as a premier fossil park, even ranked #1 in the U.S. in a scientific study. It continues to be a place where visitors can engage in hands-on learning, unearthing the past while ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit