Inside of the Paleontology Museum
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Clark Park Interpretive Center

4.1
·27 reviews·Buena Park, United States

Discover ancient fossils and local history at the free Clark Park Interpretive Center, nestled within a beautiful regional park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed-Sat mornings

Beat the crowds, see fossils

CrowdLow
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Inside of the Paleontology Museum

Clark Park Interpretive Center

Best Time

Wed-Sat mornings

Beat the crowds, see fossils

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient fossils and local history at the free Clark Park Interpretive Center, nestled within a beautiful regional park.

4.1
(27 reviews)

"A cool find at a park! Many cool fossils of a whale, dolphins, sloths, a horse, and local animals."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Admission to Center

The Interpretive Center itself is free to enter, making it a great educational outing!

Confirm Hours Before Visiting

The center has specific hours (Wed-Sat, 10 AM-2 PM), so check before you go.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fossil Collection

Fossil Collection

Interpretive Center

Discover ancient fossils of whales, dolphins, sloths, horses, and local fauna.

InstagramReddit+1
Interactive Exhibits

Interactive Exhibits

Interpretive Center

Engage with hands-on displays, including animal pelts, to learn about local wildlife.

Reddit
Scenic Park Grounds

Scenic Park Grounds

Ralph B. Clark Regional Park

Enjoy the beautiful park surroundings with a lake, hiking trails, and playgrounds.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Check Operating Hours

The Interpretive Center has limited hours, typically Wednesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM. Confirm these before your visit to avoid disappointment. Instagram+2

Park Entry Fees

While the Interpretive Center is free, the park itself has an entry fee, usually $5 on weekends and $3 on weekdays per vehicle. Reddit

Best Times

When
Wed-Sat mornings
Why
Beat the crowds, see fossils
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter park atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This may have been our best movie screening in Clark Park yet 🫣 Don’t miss out on the fun - on Friday, August 15, we will be screening Madagascar (2005) on the big screen at Clark Park! The movie will begin around 8:15 PM. Bring your blankets, grab a friend, and join us for a night under the stars!!
@ucd.phl
5.7K likes • 61K views

Free Admission to Center

The Interpretive Center itself is free to enter, making it a great educational outing! InstagramReddit

Confirm Hours Before Visiting

The center has specific hours (Wed-Sat, 10 AM-2 PM), so check before you go. Instagram+1

🔎 If you enjoy learning about history and cultures of the past, you’ll dig this news! 🦴 The Interpretive Center at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park is open again. The center recently underwent renovations to repair roof panels, windows and structural beams. 🚪 The center is open Wednesdays from 12 to 4 p.m. and Thursday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. School and group tours are available with advan...
ocparks
647 likes • 14.9K views
FOSSIL COLLECTION + 3 PLAYGROUNDS + EASY FAMILY HIKE // Clark Regional Park in Buena Park has it all! It is so fulfilling to have this beloved Interpretive Center open again after an extended closure for repairs. Personally, I kept checking and asking every time we visited if it was open and the answer was “not yet” for such a long time. But now it’s open again! You can visit! INTERPRETIVE CENTE...
ocplayparks
5.5K likes • 228.4K views

Park Entry Fee

Be aware of the park's vehicle entry fee, especially on weekends. Reddit

Family-Friendly Fun

Combine your visit with playgrounds, hikes, and the lake for a full family day. Instagram+1

📍Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center 8800 Rosecrans Ave. Buena Park, CA. 90621 When you are done with the interpretive center, enjoy the beatiful surrounding of the lake, 3 playgrounds, hiking trails, amd more. #ocparks #oc #orancecounty #family #familytime #interpretivecenter #fossils #history #educational #kidsfun
relentless.family
20 likes • 410 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Admission to Center

The Interpretive Center itself is free to enter, making it a great educational outing! InstagramReddit

Confirm Hours Before Visiting

The center has specific hours (Wed-Sat, 10 AM-2 PM), so check before you go. Instagram+1

Park Entry Fee

Be aware of the park's vehicle entry fee, especially on weekends. Reddit

Family-Friendly Fun

Combine your visit with playgrounds, hikes, and the lake for a full family day. Instagram+1

Educational Field Trips

Great spot for school groups to learn about erosion and local natural history. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.1
(27 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the free admission to the Interpretive Center and its impressive fossil collection, highlighting whale, dolphin, and sloth fossils. The park itself is described as beautiful and clean, with friendly staff. Some note the limited operating hours as a minor drawback.

"Many cool fossils of a whale, dolphins, sloths, a horse, and local animals. Some are ancient like cephalopods. There are some interactive items like pelts of beavers and foxes Only opens from 10-2. And it’s free! What a cool find at a park!"

Owen

"Entrance for the park is $5 weekends &$3 weekday per vehicle. Beautiful clean park. Friendly staff"

vanessa amaya

"You must experience the atmosphere!"

Lin Thu

What People Like

Impressive fossil collection
Free admission to center
Beautiful park grounds

What People Dislike

Limited operating hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Clark Park Interpretive Center is located within Ralph B. Clark Regional Park at 8800 Rosecrans Ave, Buena Park, CA 90621. Instagram+1 The park is accessible by car, with designated parking available. Instagram

Yes, there is designated parking available within the park. Instagram Parking is free on the main street or you can pay for parking within the park, which has a fee on weekends and weekdays. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Clark Park Interpretive Center itself is free to enter and explore its exhibits. InstagramReddit

The Interpretive Center is typically open Wednesdays from 12 PM to 4 PM, and Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM. Instagram+2 It's always a good idea to confirm these hours before your visit. Instagram

Yes, Ralph B. Clark Regional Park has an entry fee per vehicle. It's $5 on weekends and $3 on weekdays. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a cool collection of fossils found in the park and surrounding areas, including ancient marine life like whales and dolphins, as well as local animals. InstagramReddit There are also interactive items like animal pelts. Reddit

Absolutely! The park features three playgrounds, a lake, and hiking trails, making it a great spot for family fun. Instagram+1 The Interpretive Center also offers educational exhibits for children. Instagram+1

Yes, there are hiking trails available in Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, offering opportunities to explore the natural surroundings. Instagram+1

Yes, Ralph B. Clark Regional Park is equipped with restrooms and picnic tables, making it convenient for a day out. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the natural beauty of the lake, the educational exhibits within the Interpretive Center, and the surrounding park landscape. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ralph B. Clark Regional Park is a fantastic destination for families. The Interpretive Center offers engaging fossil exhibits and interactive displays that can spark curiosity in young minds. Instagram+1 Beyond the center, the park boasts three playgrounds, a lake, and hiking trails, ensuring there's something for every child to enjoy. Instagram+1 Pack a picnic to take advantage of the available picnic tables and make it a full day of affordable fun. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

The Clark Park Interpretive Center is a gem for budget-conscious travelers as admission is free. InstagramReddit While the park itself has a vehicle entry fee ($5 on weekends, $3 on weekdays), it's a small price for a day of exploration. Reddit You can save further by packing your own snacks and drinks, utilizing the park's picnic areas. Instagram

📚 Educational Explorers

For those keen on learning, the Interpretive Center is a must-visit. Its extensive fossil collection provides a deep dive into the region's natural history, from ancient marine life to local fauna. InstagramReddit The interactive exhibits, like animal pelts, offer a hands-on learning experience that complements the displays. Reddit The park's trails also offer opportunities to learn about local geology and ecology, making it a great spot for educational field trips. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Fossil Collection

The Clark Park Interpretive Center boasts an impressive collection of fossils, many of which were unearthed directly within the park's boundaries or from the development of the nearby Coyote Hills area. Instagram Visitors can marvel at ancient marine life, including whale and dolphin fossils, alongside remains of local fauna like sloths and horses. Reddit The center also showcases older geological finds, such as cephalopods, offering a glimpse into the region's deep past. Reddit

These exhibits are not just for looking; many are designed to be interactive. Travelers often mention engaging with displays like animal pelts of beavers and foxes, which provide a tactile learning experience. Reddit This hands-on approach makes the center a valuable educational resource, particularly for children studying earth science and natural history. Instagram

The Interpretive Center is a testament to the rich paleontological history of the area, making it a unique and free attraction for those interested in natural history and science. Instagram

A Day at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park

Ralph B. Clark Regional Park offers a comprehensive outdoor experience beyond the Interpretive Center. The park features three main playgrounds, providing ample space for children to play and burn energy. Instagram+1 A central lake adds to the scenic beauty and offers a tranquil spot for relaxation. Instagram

For those who enjoy being active, the park provides hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the natural landscape and learn about local ecosystems. Instagram+1 The park is also equipped with essential amenities like restrooms and picnic tables, making it ideal for family outings and gatherings. Instagram

Whether you're visiting the Interpretive Center or simply enjoying the park's recreational facilities, Ralph B. Clark Regional Park is a well-rounded destination for families and nature enthusiasts. Instagram+1

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