The fossils found at this site originate from an ancient shallow sea that covered the Cincinnati region during the Ordovician period.
The park is one of the few places in the United States where amateur fossil hunting is not only allowed but encouraged on public land.
The specific geological formation here is known as the Kope Formation, consisting of interbedded shale and limestone.
The site was donated to the city of Sharonville by the Trammel family, specifically to preserve the fossil-rich land for public enjoyment.
Visitors are permitted to keep the fossils they find, as long as they are collected by hand and not via heavy excavation tools.
The high concentration of fossils is due to the rapid burial of marine life by underwater mudslides millions of years ago.
Trammel Fossil Park is a unique 10-acre public site in Sharonville, Ohio, that allows visitors to dig for and keep fossils from the Late Ordovician Period. The park features a steep, exposed limestone shale hillside specifically managed to facilitate fossil collection without the need for specialized mining equipment. Visitors can find a variety of marine invertebrate fossils, including brachiopods, bryozoans, horn corals, and trilobite fragments. The site is a protected geological preserve where fossil collection is explicitly permitted and encouraged for educational purposes. It is situated within an industrial park setting, providing a contrast between the modern business environment and the ancient marine life preserved in the sediment. The park provides paved paths at the base of the hill, while the fossil-bearing strata are located along the slopes. Educational signage throughout the park identifies the common fossils found in the region. The geological formations here date back approximately 450 million years.
The mid-slope vantage point looking back toward the limestone strata, or close-up shots of fossils held against the rock face.
Bring a spray bottle of water to wet the rocks, which makes the fossils easier to spot against the shale.
Carry a small bag or container to collect your finds, as you will likely leave with many specimens.
Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes with good grip, as the shale slopes can be slippery and uneven.
Do not attempt to climb the steepest parts of the hill if it is muddy, as it creates an erosion hazard and increases the risk of slipping.
Open year-round, but access can be restricted following extreme weather events that cause unstable slope conditions.
Use only hand tools or brushes; do not use hammers, picks, or heavy equipment that could damage the site's geology. Pack out all trash to keep the site pristine.
