Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve
Blasdell, New York
pyritecalcitemarcasitetrilobitesbrachiopodscrinoids
Fee dig · Fee, seasonal
Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve
A retired cement quarry south of Buffalo where Devonian shale splits open into trilobites, brachiopods and crinoid stems, with brassy pyrite replacing some of the shells. Admission covers a 20-minute tour led by a professional educator, basic tools, a safety briefing and unlimited collecting, with no cap on what you carry out. Summer only, and the last entry is well before closing, so arrive early.
The card catalog
| What you can find | pyrite, calcite, marcasite, trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids |
|---|---|
| Access | Fee dig — Fee, seasonal |
| Fees | 2026 rates: $25/adult, $15 ages 3-17, $17 seniors (62+), students and military; Erie County residents $20. Members free |
| Season & hours | June 24 through September 27, 2026; Wednesday-Sunday 9am-4:30pm through Labor Day (September 7), then weekends only. No public entry after 2:45pm and the final tour departs then |
| Kids | Family-friendly — Flat, open quarry floor, and admission includes basic collecting tools (trowel and bucket), a fossil identification card and souvenir bags. About as easy as collecting gets with small children |
| Official source | Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve (operator) |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
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Before you go
What does Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve cost?
2026 rates: $25/adult, $15 ages 3-17, $17 seniors (62+), students and military; Erie County residents $20. Members free Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve open?
June 24 through September 27, 2026; Wednesday-Sunday 9am-4:30pm through Labor Day (September 7), then weekends only. No public entry after 2:45pm and the final tour departs then Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve good for kids?
Yes — Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve works for families. Flat, open quarry floor, and admission includes basic collecting tools (trowel and bucket), a fossil identification card and souvenir bags. About as easy as collecting gets with small children