Iowa’s history is all around us, if you know where to look! Discover one of the most incredible places in the Hawkeye State where you can hike for miles and discover prehistoric fossils that date back more than 350 million years. The Fossil and Prairie Center in Rockford is a Midwestern treasure that showcases our fossil and dinosaur history.
The Fossil and Prairie Center is a relatively new space to showcase the history of the Hawkeye State.
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For decades, the Rockford Brick and Tile Company worked on these lands, and there are two remaining historic beehive kilns still standing.
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350 million years ago, this was the bottom of the ocean floor, and there are still millions of fossils remaining on sites like this throughout the Midwest.
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Most of the fossils you’ll find are marine invertebrates that lived in a shallow sea environment.
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Dig through the loose gravel and dirt and you’ll find fossils from gastropods, colony corals, cephalopods, and brachiopods.
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You won’t need any tools to collect the fossils, because they’re right on the surface. Bring a bucket with you to take them home!
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People of all ages love searching for treasure here at this fossil site in Iowa. You’re allowed to take home what you find!
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This public fossil gorge offers miles of hiking and the oldest souvenirs you’ll find in the Hawkeye State. It’s a one of a kind adventure.
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You can read more about this prehistoric fossil park hiding in Floyd County, Iowa on the county website, right here.
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If you love the idea of visiting a fossil site in Iowa, make plans to visit The Devonian Fossil Gorge here in the Hawkeye State, too!
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Address: Fossil & Prairie Center, 1227 215th St, Rockford, IA 50468, USA
