Mineral Wells Fossil Park
Mineral Wells, Texas
crinoid stemsbrachiopodsbryozoansechinoid spinesshark teeth
Public land, rules apply · Free
Mineral Wells Fossil Park
A failed borrow pit turned into one of the best free fossil sites in Texas: Pennsylvanian sea floor, with crinoid stems, brachiopods, and bryozoans washing out fresh after every rain. Surface collecting only and no shovels or picks, but what you pick up is yours to keep — a rarity that comes of the park being city-run rather than a museum property. Open daily 8 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. with no admission.
The card catalog
| What you can find | crinoid stems, brachiopods, bryozoans, echinoid spines, shark teeth |
|---|---|
| Access | Public land, rules apply — Free |
| Fees | Free, no admission and no permit, and you keep what you pick up. Collecting is for personal use only, not for commercial sale. Surface collecting only — small gardening tools are permitted; shovels, hoes, picks, and any motorized equipment are prohibited. |
| Season & hours | Open every day of the year, 8 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., holidays included. Go right after rain, when a fresh crop of fossils has washed out of the shale. An annual Crazy Fossil Dig event runs each October. |
| Kids | Family-friendly — About as good as family fossil hunting gets — the material lies loose on the ground and no digging is required. Portable restrooms sit at the entrance but there is no running water on site, so bring your own. No pets allowed. Bring a hat; the pit is a sun trap. |
| Official source | City of Mineral Wells, Texas (official) |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
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Before you go
What does Mineral Wells Fossil Park cost?
Free, no admission and no permit, and you keep what you pick up. Collecting is for personal use only, not for commercial sale. Surface collecting only — small gardening tools are permitted; shovels, hoes, picks, and any motorized equipment are prohibited. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Mineral Wells Fossil Park open?
Open every day of the year, 8 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., holidays included. Go right after rain, when a fresh crop of fossils has washed out of the shale. An annual Crazy Fossil Dig event runs each October. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Mineral Wells Fossil Park good for kids?
Yes — Mineral Wells Fossil Park works for families. About as good as family fossil hunting gets — the material lies loose on the ground and no digging is required. Portable restrooms sit at the entrance but there is no running water on site, so bring your own. No pets allowed. Bring a hat; the pit is a sun trap.