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Our family took a weekend getaway to the greater Cincinnati region of Ohio recently to visit King’s Island (Mason) and Trammel Fossil Park (Sharonville). While the boys (including my husband 🙂 ) probably enjoyed King’s Island more – I’d say I enjoyed Trammel more than they did!
I’ve been wanting to visit a fossil park where you keep your finds – finally, I got to! Our visit doubled as a homeschool field trip for us. Trammel is one of two hunt and keep fossil parks that I’m aware of – the other being near Toledo in Sylvania: Olander’s Fossil Park.
We spent about eight hours at King’s Island and maybe two – maybe – at Trammel. I could have stayed longer! I definitely brought more fossils home than any of the boys.
At Trammel you’ll find informational signs like those I’m sharing below that tell you how they the different fossils break down into sections like “Miamitown”, “Bellevue”, etc.
Then, on the hillside there will be markers telling you what fossil corresponds with what layer.
Trammel Fossil Park sits on 10 acres of undeveloped land in the middle of an industrial park. The park was donated so that anyone could dig and keep some fossils and learn. Everything is free – no admission, keep your finds. There is no public restroom other than a portapotty and the hillside is quite crumbly and somewhat steep in places – hunt at your own risk. It’s open from dawn till dusk, I believe.
I believe Trammel Fossil Park represents an area that was once under water. Most of the fossils there, I believe, are from the ocean floor. Of course, we believe the whole world was covered with water once when God judged mankind for their wickedness saving for Noah and his family. I wonder if any of these fossils are the result of that flood? It’s fascinating to think about!
For directions and more information on Trammel Fossil Park visit the Sharonville website here.
While you’re down in the Cinci area you might want to visit the Creation Museum. If you’re looking for a homeschooling resource be sure to check out this dvd by Awesome Science: The John Day Fossil Bed.
