Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve Fossil Hunting Guide

Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve is a fossil collecting location in Erie County, New York. The site exposes Middle Devonian fossils where visitors can hunt for trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids, and bryozoans.

The 54-acre site is recognized as the #1 fossil park in the United States, offering exceptionally well-preserved and abundant fossils from approximately 380 million years ago. Visitors can keep all fossils they find. Guided digs and educational programs available. Tools provided or bring your own. Safety glasses required. Please note that the fossil park is currently closed for the season, and is set to reopen May 2026.

The area was operated as Penn Dixie Cement Corporation quarry from 1890 until the 1960s. Limestone was extracted and processed into Portland cement. The quarrying operations exposed fossil-bearing Devonian shale. In 1995, the Hamburg Natural History Society acquired the property and transformed it into an educational fossil park.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about fossil collecting at Penn Dixie, including directions to the site, collecting rules and regulations, the types of fossils you can find, and what to expect during your visit. Blasdell provides the nearest services and amenities for visiting collectors.

Location and Directions

Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve is located at 4050 North Street Blasdell New York 14219. The fossil collecting site is in Blasdell, Erie County, New York.

To reach Penn Dixie: You can start your fossil hunting trip at the fossil park address. The Penn Dixie Fossil Part and Nature Reserve website recommends using Google Maps rather than Apple Maps for best results.

What Fossils You'll Find

Penn Dixie contains Middle Devonian fossils preserved in calcareous shale.

Trilobites are the primary fossil assemblage at the site. Brachiopods are also found throughout the collecting area. Crinoids occur less frequently but have been been discovered at Penn Dixie.

Geologic History

Penn Dixie exposes the Windom Shale Member of the Moscow Formation, a significant Middle Devonian geological unit in Erie County, New York.

Millions of years ago, the area that is now Blasdell, New York was covered by a warm, shallow tropical sea near the equator at depths ranging from 30 to 150 feet. The climate was tropical to subtropical with warm waters supporting diverse marine life.

As these ancient organisms died, sediments buried and preserved their remains. Over millions of years, geological processes transformed these sediments into the fossil-bearing rocks visible at Penn Dixie today.

How Penn Dixie Became a Fossil Collecting Site

Penn Dixie originally operated as an industrial site where commercial activities exposed fossil-bearing rock layers. Quarrying, mining, or excavation operations removed overlying sediments and revealed ancient deposits that had been buried for millions of years.

After industrial operations ceased, Penn Dixie transitioned to a location where fossil enthusiasts could legally collect specimens. The legacy of this industrial activity created the accessible rock exposures that make fossil collecting possible today. Many of the world's most productive fossil sites share this history of industrial operations inadvertently revealing paleontological treasures.

Collecting Rules & Regulations

Is Fossil Collecting Allowed?

Fossil collecting is allowed at Penn Dixie. Visitors may keep the fossils they find at this public collecting site.

Key Points:

• No permits or fees required
• Open to all experience levels
• Specimens become property of the collector
• Free access to fossil beds

Tools and Equipment

Fossil collectors should verify which tools are allowed before beginning their search. Some sites provide tools for visitors, while others require collectors to bring their own equipment.

Common Collecting Tools:

• Rock hammers and chisels
• Brushes for cleaning specimens
• Hand screens for processing sediment
• Sturdy containers, bags, or buckets
• Newspaper or bubble wrap for protection
• Spray bottle with water (reveals fossil details)

Important Notes:

• Power tools and heavy equipment are typically prohibited
• Restrictions prevent specimen damage and ensure visitor safety
• Always check site-specific tool policies before your visit

Safety Guidelines

Safety should be every collector's top priority when visiting Penn Dixie.

Personal Protection:

• Wear closed-toe shoes or boots with good traction
• Eye protection is essential when using rock hammers or chisels
• Sun protection: sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing
• Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated

Site Awareness:

• Supervise children at all times
• Watch for unstable rock faces, deep water, steep slopes
• Be aware of poisonous plants and wildlife
• Let someone know your plans before visiting remote sites
• Never collect alone in isolated areas

Sources

Penn Dixie website, Hamburg Natural History Society documentation