Trammel Fossil Park

"So...do you like fossils? Rocks? For free/at your own labor? You'd be nuts to skip this stop if you are ever near by or passing through. Who knows how long they'll let you dig here."

"I don't know what I was expecting, but this park is essentially a parking lot, some porta-potties, and a very big hill. It's pretty steep in places, but you don't have to climb to the top to get to the fossils - they're all over the hill, both in little chunks and in larger rocks that they'd need to be removed from with tools. If you get up to the top of the hill, there is a little trail that looks like it goes to a college campus on one side, and has a much less steep descent to the parking lot on the other (if you walk to the far end of the parking lot, you could also take the trail up to the top of the hill for a much easier climb than just going straight up from the parking lot)."

"★ Popularity: Well known. ★ Size/Location: Medium. ★ Terrain: Moderate. ★ Business Hour: Dawn to dusk. ★ Scenery and views: Overlook of town. ★ Parking: Spacious. ★ Accessibility: Signs. ★ Amenities: Restrooms, washing faucets. ★ Condition and cleanliness: Well-maintained ★ Safety: Safe neighborhood. ★ Crowd levels: Busy. ★ Reservation: Public. ★ Expense: Free. A few months ago, I visited this unique park in search of the perfect fossil for a coworker. It had come highly recommended as the only park in Ohio where visitors could freely dig for and take home fossils without the need for a permit. As I arrived early in the morning, the park was quite empty, just the solitude I needed. I eagerly explored the digging areas, each specifically designated for different types of fossils such as shells or isopods. It was as if I had entered a playground of time, where remnants of long-extinct marine life lay waiting to be discovered beneath the surface. I patiently flipped rock after rock, hoping to unveil a fossil that would provide a window into the enigmatic world that thrived in the oceans millions of years ago. As I scoured the grounds, it was obvious that past visitors had already made some remarkable discoveries, leaving behind only remnants of what was once a rich fossil bed. I remained undeterred, knowing that even in the presence of fewer treasures, I could still uncover fragments of the past. With great enthusiasm, I gathered several chunks of rock adorned with an assortment of fossils, each one a testament to the vibrant life that existed millions of years ago. I couldn't help but feel a childlike sense of wonder and excitement. The park had granted me the opportunity to relive those nostalgic moments of childhood, when digging for treasures in the backyard was a cherished pastime. The joy of discovering hidden gems within the earth's ancient history was rekindled, leaving me with a profound appreciation for the natural wonders preserved in the fossil record. In conclusion, I enjoyed my time at this fossil park. I would highly recommend this park to anyone seeking an immersive and memorable adventure. Just remember to come prepared with a sturdy pair of shoes and tools for breaking rocks."

"Neat little place carved out in the city. Not sure about the reviews that say they didn’t find any. For us they were everywhere. Like others say, wear comfy shoes as you will be going uphill on loose rocks. Was a fun time. It makes you think what’s under our feet in our day to day lives."

"It was neat to hike around a bit and see how many fossils there are. Based on what I saw online, you can take fossils home but our group did not. You can also get a good view from the hillside."