Mineral Wells Fossil Park

Once upon a time, a giant pinata was filled with fossils, and hung over Texas.  When the pinata was broken, fossils rained down over what is now the Mineral Wells Fossil Park.  They are scattered over the ground, just waiting for your child to run around with a goody bag and fill it up!

 

Really, it's like that! 

 

 

And best of all, it's FREE! 

Located down a LONG gravel road, the Mineral Wells Fossil Park is open 4 days a week.  There is not an attendant, but a sign at the entrance explains a little about the geology of the region, and offers some help with identifying the fossils you find. 

You will find fossils, they can be found absolutely everywhere you look in the park.  However, the best places to look are on the inclines, where the soil is eroding.  I like gathering the columnals, which are super easy to spot for younger children. The look like a rock straw, and my 4 year old filled up a bag with them!  My oldest son likes trilobites, and my daughter is always looking for shark teeth.  Both are present, but you will have to look a little harder.  

 

 

 

My Mommy Tips:

• Wear good shoes with plenty of traction
• Visit early or late during the summer months, as there is absolutely NO SHADE!
• Take plenty of water, sunscreen and bug spray, just in case.
• Take bags to hold your fossil finds, or I prefer Home Depot Aprons, the big pockets work very well!
• They only have a porta potty - do with that information what you will.
• There are not tables, a playground or anything else, the only thing to do is look for fossils.

 

My kids just absolutely love it, and we have never left without having to carry my little one out kicking and screaming, no matter how long we have been there. Of course, I have to do that at Target, too.  And the bank.... which he refers to as the lollipop store.  But that's a little off subject.   

And did I mention, it's beautiful!  Peaceful and quiet (except for my children), nothing but sky above you and history beneath.  Can you see the hills off in the distance?  I can't really blame my kids for not wanting to leave.