Did you know you can hunt for fossils right here in Ohio?

It’s true—and it’s completely free of charge to do. Release your inner paleontologist and fossil hunt at the Olander Park System’s Fossil Park in Sylvania, Ohio. It’s a fossil park that’s fun for the whole family. Most people don’t even know it exists. Take a look:

The Olander Park System features five different parks, each with their own unique environment. The Fossil Park features one of the very few Devonian Era sites in the world.

JenBell1969/Trip Advisor You’ll find it at 5675 Centennial Rd., Sylvania, OH 43560.

The Fossil Park features 5 acres of rock quarry to explore. (It’s also ADA accessible.)

TNGray/Trip Advisor About 375 million years ago, northwest Ohio was covered in an ancient sea. Today, the area is full of “fossilized brachiopods, coral and more than 200 species of prehistoric life”, according to the fossil park’s website.

This unique park will bring out your adventurous side. Pictured below are some typical fossils you may find at the park.

TNGray/Trip Advisor You can dig for fossils at the park from April 11 - November 13 every day from 7:30 a.m. until 90 minutes before sunset.

Please note: Tools are prohibited in the park as the shale is soft enough to break with your hands.

Jessika W./Trip Advisor Pets are also prohibited in the fossil pit, although they are allowed on the trail and in the parking lot.

Throughout the park, you’ll find some educational signs that go into detail about the area and the types of fossils you’ll find there.

ShiroWani/Trip Advisor You can even schedule educational programs in the park. For more information click here .

The best part about this unique activity is the fact that you get to take your treasures home.

ShiroWani/Trip Advisor (And don’t forget to walk the trail surrounding the park before you leave!)

Olander Park System’s Fossil Park is located at 5675 Centennial Rd., Sylvania, OH 43560. Have you ever been here before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

JenBell1969/Trip Advisor

You’ll find it at 5675 Centennial Rd., Sylvania, OH 43560.

TNGray/Trip Advisor

About 375 million years ago, northwest Ohio was covered in an ancient sea. Today, the area is full of “fossilized brachiopods, coral and more than 200 species of prehistoric life”, according to the fossil park’s website.

You can dig for fossils at the park from April 11 - November 13 every day from 7:30 a.m. until 90 minutes before sunset.

Jessika W./Trip Advisor

Pets are also prohibited in the fossil pit, although they are allowed on the trail and in the parking lot.

ShiroWani/Trip Advisor

You can even schedule educational programs in the park. For more information click here .

(And don’t forget to walk the trail surrounding the park before you leave!)

For more free things to do in Ohio, check out our previous article: 15 Great Things To Do In Ohio Without Opening Your Wallet.

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