You Can Now Dig For Fossils At Montour Preserve In Pennsylvania
By Beth Price-Williams|Published August 04, 2020
×
Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Remember digging for buried treasure when we were kids? We might have pretended to find diamonds or a treasure chest filled with gold. Today, we can head over to Montour Preserve in Pennsylvania, and bring the kiddos along too, for a day of digging for fossils. Even better? The fossil pit is open all year round, so you can visit whenever it fits into your schedule.
Pack a picnic lunch and slip on a pair of pants and sturdy shoes for your fossil digging adventure at Montour Preserve.
Digging for fossils in the one-acre fossil pit is free and promises quite a unique experience. The fossil pit, in fact, dates back an estimated 395 million (yep - million) years and is made from "Mahantango Formation shale."
Pack everything you need before heading over to the fossil pit. Staff at the preserve recommend bringing a hammer, safety goggles, and soft brushes. Wear long pants as the shale can be jagged and sharp.
Don't forget to bring a bucket or a bag to keep all of your fossils in. Your best bet is to also bring some old newspaper or tissue paper, so you can wrap the fossils in it for protection.
Keep in mind that, if you're visiting on a hot day, the fossil pit will also be really hot, especially as the day goes on. Bring plenty of water to drink, too, so you don't get dehydrated.
Leave your beloved pup at home; dogs and other pets are not permitted. Read the full list of rules for digging in the fossil pit and for visiting the preserve.
Have you ever gone digging for fossils at Montour Preserve in Pennsylvania? Did you find anything? Share your experience in the comments! For more adventure, head over to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, which offers a drive-thru safari.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.