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Homeschool:
Fieldtrips for the Family
Places to go to find rocks, fossils and dinosaurs.
Complied by
Dr. Stephen C. Meyers
The Institute For Biblical And Scientific Studies
2424 E. Hagert St. Philadelphia, PA 19125
Delaware | Maryland | New Jersey | Pennsylvania | Dinosaur Books | Fossil Books | Rocks-Geology Books | State Geological Surveys | Clubs
Delaware
The Delaware Canal
Near Delaware City, DE - SITE 1
Description: A good place to find fossil shells is along the banks of the Delaware Canal in the spoil areas where they have dredged the canal. The only place left to find these fossils is near the northeastern most side of the canal called Reedy Point. They are planning to dredge the canal again which should expose many fossils. About 90 per cent of the fossils are mollusks or clams. Bring a bucket and trowel. From there we went to Delaware City and took a boat across to Pea Patch Island to Fort Delaware State Park which has an interesting old fort and nature trail.
Schedule: Dawn to dusk.
Cost: Free!
Directions: If you are North of Delaware take I-95 South to 202 South to 13 South (Also 301 is the same road for awhile). From 13 take 72 to 9 South past Delaware City. Turn off road to the left before going over the bridge crossing the canal. Off on the dirt side roads look for fossil shells. If you are South of Delaware take I-95 to second exit to 7 South to 13 (also 301) South. Follow same directions as above.
Web page: Dinosaurs in Delaware
Fort Delaware State Park
Delaware City, DE - SITE 2
Description: There is a very interesting old fort on Pea Patch Island. There is a nice ferry ride across to the island. There are also nature trails on the island. We usually stop here when we look for fossils along the Delaware Canal.
Schedule: Opened weekends and holidays April 24 through September 26 from 11am to 6pm. Open Wednesday to Friday June 16 to September 3 from 11am to 4pm. For more information call (302) 834-7941.
Cost: $3 per adult, and $1.50 for children under 15. This includes the ferry ride over to the fort and back. Scenic river cruises on the C&D Canal are available Saturday evenings 7-9pm at $10 a person from May 29 to Labor Day.
Directions: From the North take I-95 South to just South of Wilmington to Rt 202 South to Rt 301 South to 72 East to Rt 9. In Delaware City take Clinton Street all the way to the boat dock. There is a parking lot on the right. If you are coming from the South take I-95 North to 273 toward Christiana to 7 South to 301 and follow the above directions.
Web page: Fort Delaware State Park
Delaware Museum of Natural History
Wilmington, DE - SITE 3
Description: This is a good museum with displays of rocks, fossils, dinosaurs, and other animals. They have new exhibits, and special programs for kids.
Schedule: Open Monday through Saturday 9:30am to 4:30pm. Open Sunday 8am-5pm. For more information call (302) 652-7600.
Cost: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 3-17yrs. old. Under 3 yrs. Old free.
Directions: Take I-95 to Exit 7, Penn. Ave. in Wilmington. Take Rt.52 north for 5 miles. Museum is on the left.
Web page: Delaware Museum of Natural History
Iron Hill Museum
Newark, Delaware - SITE 3A
Description: This is a small but very interesting Museum. There interesting rocks and fossils. There are also Indians artifacts. There is a nature walk through the woods where you can see Iron Hill which was a prehistoric jasper quarry where Indians would make tools. There are special programs and fieldtrips for children.
Schedule: Open from 12 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information call (302) 368-5703.
Cost: $1 per person, under 6 years old are free.
Directions: Take I-95 to Exit1A in Delaware. Go South on 896. Turn right on Old Baltimore Pike. It is about one mile down the road on the right. The address is 1355 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, DE 19702
Web page: Iron Hill Museum
Maryland
The Maryland Science Center
Baltimore, MD - SITE 4
Description: This is an excellent science center with a IMAX theater, and planetarium. Animals caught in the tar pits are on display. Near by is the Baltimore National Aquarium with some fantastic sea creatures.
Schedule: They are open 7 days a week except Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Memorial Day to Labor Day they are opened 10am-6pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am to 8pm Friday to Sunday. From Labor Day to Memorial Day they are opened 10am-5pm Monday to Friday, and 10am-6pm Saturday and Sunday. For more general information call (410) 685-5225.
Cost: Admission is $9 for Adults, $7 ages 4-17, and senior citizens. 3 and under are free. Admission includes the IMAX theater and planetarium.
Directions: Take I-95 to Baltimore to I-395 to Pratt Street. Turn right on Pratt to the downtown Inner Harbor.
Web page: The Maryland Science Center
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, MD - SITE 5
Description: There is a nice small visitor's center here with very interesting displays of rockets, satellites, meteorites, and a rock from the moon. You can also sit in a Geminii space craft. NASA communication center is here as well as the Hubble Space Telescope control center. There is also a gift shop.
Schedule: The Visitor's Center is opened 9am-4pm daily, and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. There are tour groups of the center at certain times. For more information call (301) 286-8103.
Cost: Admission is free.
Directions: From Baltimore or Washington DC, take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (Rt.295) to Rt.193 East exit. Stay on Rt.193 for about 2 miles, go past the Goddard Space Flight Center's main entrance and turn left onto Soil Conservation Road. Turn left before you get to the guard house, and go up the road to the visitor's center.
Web page: Goddard Space Flight Center
The National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC - SITE 6
Description: This is an excellent museum with all kinds of space ships, rockets, and satellites. There are moon rocks, mars rocks, and meteorites. You can explore the planets, visit the planetarium, and climb into skylab. This is a must see museum.
Schedule: They are opened seven days a week from 10am to 5:30pm. For more information call (202) 357-2700.
Cost: Admission is free.
Directions: Take I-95 to 495 the Capitol Beltway to New Carrollton exit for Metro parking. Take the Orange line into Washington DC and get off at the L'Enfant Plaza Station exit. It costs about $2.10 one way per person. There is a Metrorail One Day Pass for $5 for all day on and off. For Metro information call (202) 637-7000. Go North to 10th and Constitution Avenue NW. There is the Cherry Hill RV Park in College Park, MD. Call (301) 937-7116. The nearest campground is Capitol KOA in Millersville, MD. Call (410) 923-2771.
Web page: The National Air and Space Museum
The National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC - SITE 7
Description: This is an excellent museum. There are plenty of big dinosaurs and other fossils. There is also a hall of geology with many gems and minerals. On the second floor in the hall of western cultures there are many ancient artifacts that relate to the Bible. There are bones and artifacts from Bab Edh-Dhra which is thought to be Biblical Sodom by some scholars.
Schedule: Open seven days a week from 10am to 5:30pm. Closed on Christmas Day. For more information call (202) 357-2700.
Cost: Admission is free.
Directions: Take I-95 to 495 the Capitol Beltway to New Carrollton exit for Metro parking. Take the Orange line into Washington DC and get off at the L'Enfant Plaza Station exit. It costs about $2.10 one way per person. There is a Metrorail One Day Pass for $5 for all day on and off. For Metro information call (202) 637-7000. Go North to 10th and Constitution Avenue NW. There is the Cherry Hill RV Park in College Park, MD. Call (301) 937-7116. The nearest campground is Capitol KOA in Millersville, MD. Call (410) 923-2771.
Web page: The National Museum of Natural History
Chesapeake Beach & Railway Museum
Chesapeake Beach, MD - SITE 8
Description: Chesapeake Beach is a public beach where you can get to the bay. Southward along the cliffs is a good place to find fossils. Look along the beach where the tide washes in new fossils in the wet sand. You can find shark's teeth, ray dentals, whale bones, and lots of shells. No digging in the cliffs. There is a Railway Museum with audio-visual presentation of its history, artifacts, photographs, and exhibits.
Schedule: The Railway Museum is opened daily May through September from 1pm to 4pm. Open weekends in April and October from 1pm to 4pm. For more information call (410) 257-3892.
Cost: Admission is free to the Railway museum.
Directions: From Washington DC Capital Beltway (I-495) take Route 4 South. Keep on Route 4 until just past the Calvert County line, and turn left on Rt.260. Follow this this road for 5 miles to Chesapeake Beach. Turn right on Rt.261 to get to the Railway Museum. From Baltimore if you want to avoid Washington DC take I-695 to 97 South to Route 3 which turns into Route 301 South to Route 4 South to Rt.260 to Chesapeake Beach. From Philadelphia take I-95 South to Baltimore to 895 to 97 South to Route 3 to Bowie. Then take 301 South to Route 4 to Rt.260 to Chesapeake Beach.
Web page: Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary
Calvert County, MD - SITE 9
Description: This 100 acre sanctuary is the northernmost naturally occurring cypress swamp in the US. It is like traveling back in time to when Maryland was covered with swamps, and Mammoths and saber-tooth cats wandered around. There is a quater-mile walkway through the swamp where you can see the wonders of God's creation. There is a nature center with exhibits and audiovisual presentations.
Schedule: They are opened April through September, Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1-5pm. Also opened October through March closing at 4:30pm. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's day.
Cost: Admission is free. Groups of 10 or more should make advanced reservations. For more information call (410) 535-5327.For Calvert County tourism call 1-800-331-9771.
Directions: From Washington DC Capital Beltway (I-495) take Route 4 South. Keep on Route 4 which merges with Route 2. Just South of Prince Frederick, turn right onto Sixes Road (Rt.506). Look for the sign and turn left into the Sanctuary on Gray's Road. Go a quarter mile down on the right. From Baltimore if you want to avoid Washington DC take I-695 to 97 South to Route 3 which turns into Route 301 South to Route 4 South then follow the same directions above. From Philadelphia take I-95 South to Baltimore to 895 to 97 South to Route 3 to Bowie. Then take 301 South to Route 4 which merges with Route 2 and follow the same directions above.
Web page: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp and B1 Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
The Matoaka-Beach Cabins
Near St. Leonard, MD - SITE 10
Description: These cabins are located near the beach for easy fossil and shell collecting along Calvert Cliffs which is world famous for its fossils. You can find shark's teeth, whale bones, ray dental plates, shark vertebra, bone fragments, and many shells along the beach. Beware of stinking jelly fish, and biting flies in July and August. Use strong insect repellent, and wear fishing boots in the water.
Schedule: You need to make reservations for a cabin by calling (410) 586-0269 or write to Matoaka Beach Cabins, P.O.Box 124, St. Leonard, MD 20685. Deposit is required.
Cost: For just a day visitor it is $3 for an adult, and $1 for children under 12. To rent a cabin for a week with bathroom, shower, refrigerator, stove, and six beds, it is $330-$405. For two nights it is $135-$160. You need to bring your own linens, blankets, food, and cooking and eating utensils. Pets are not allowed. It is very rustic.
Directions: From Washington DC Capital Beltway (I-495) take Route 4 South. Keep on Route 4 which merges with Route 2 until you get to Calvert Beach road. Turn left and go through St. Leonard and follow signs for Matoaka Cabins. From Baltimore if you want to avoid Washington DC take I-695 to 97 South to Route 3 which turns into Route 301 South to Route 4 South which merges with Route 2 then follow above directions. From Philadelphia take I-95 South to Baltimore to 895 to 97 South to Route 3 to Bowie. Then take 301 South to Route 4 which merges with Route 2 and follow the above directions.
Web page: John's Guide to Maryland's Fossils
Flag Ponds Nature Park
Calvert County, MD - SITE 11
Description: Flag Ponds Nature Park has 327 acres with 3 miles of hiking trails, observation platforms overlooking two ponds, a beach, fishing pier, and visitors center with wildlife exhibits. On the beach you can hunt for fossil shark's teeth, shells, whale bones, and other fossils. The Choptank formation is exposed here which is from the Miocene era. The Calvert Cliff's area is world famous for its fossils. You may want to bring a bucket, small shovel, and a screen or sieve for sifting through the sand for fossils. You are not allowed to dig into the cliffs. Near Flag Ponds is the nuclear power plant that has a visitor's center, Calvert Cliffs State Park where you can also collect fossils, and the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons. Matoaka Beach Cabins in St. Leonard can be rented which are right next to the beach.
Schedule: Flag Ponds Nature Park is opened daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 p.m. on weekends). It is opened on weekends only the rest of the year from 9 to 6 p.m. For more information call (410) 586-1477 or 535-5327.
Cost: It costs $6 per car to get in. Guided tours cost extra.
Directions: From Washington DC Capital beltway (I-95), take Route 4 South. Keep on Route 4 which merges with Route 2. About 10 miles South of Prince Frederick and past St. Leonards is a sign for the park. From Baltimore if you want to avoid Washington DC take I-695 to 97 South to Route 3 which turns into Route 301 South to Route 4 South then follow the same directions above. From Philadelphia take I-95 South to Baltimore to 895 to 97 South to Route 3 to Bowie. Then take 301 South to Route 4 which merges with Route 2. About 10 miles South of Prince Frederick and past St. Leonards is a sign for the park.
Web page: Flag Ponds Nature Park
Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Visitors Center
Calvert, MD SITE - 12
Description: This Visitor's Center has very interesting displays about nuclear power, local history, and fossils found at Calvert Cliffs. There is also an observation point overlooking the plant.
Schedule: The Center is opened 10am to 4pm every day except for major holidays. General visitors are not permitted inside the nuclear power plant, but group tours can be scheduled through the Education Center Office, (410) 260-4673.
Cost: Admission is free, so don't pass up this opportunity.
Directions: From Washington DC Capital Beltway (I-495) take Route 4 South. Keep on Route 4 which merges with Route 2. It is located 10 miles South of Prince Frederick. From Baltimore if you want to avoid Washington DC take I-695 to 97 South to Route 3 which turns into Route 301 South to Route 4 South then follow the same directions above. From Philadelphia take I-95 South to Baltimore to 895 to 97 South to Route 3 to Bowie. Then take 301 South to Route 4 which merges with Route 2 and follow the same directions above.
Web page: Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Calvert County, MD - SITE 13
Description: There are nature trails, and long the beach you can look for fossil shells, shark's teeth, and other marine fossils. There are picnic tables, grills, and a playground. This park may be the only place you can get to Calvert Cliff beach for free without passing over private property. The only bad part is the two mile walk to the beach. No pets allowed, and no swimming.
Schedule: The park is closed from November to March. From April to May it is opened Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am-6pm. From June to August it is open daily from 10am-6pm. September to October it is opened Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am-6pm.
Cost: Free! For more information call Friends of Calvert Cliffs at (410) 326-9598.
Directions: From Washington DC Capital Beltway (I-495) take Route 4 South. Keep on Route 4 which merges with Route 2 until you get to Calvert Cliffs State Park which is 14 miles South of Prince Frederick. From Baltimore if you want to avoid Washington DC take I-695 to 97 South to Route 3 which turns into Route 301 South to Route 4 South which merges with Route 2 until you get to the Park. From Philadelphia take I-95 South to Baltimore to 895 to 97 South to Route 3 to Bowie. Then take 301 South to Route 4 which merges with Route 2 until you get to the Park.
Web page: Calvert Cliffs State Park and Maryland Geological Survey: Calvert Cliffs, Maryland
The Calvert Marine Museum
Solomons, MD - SITE - 14
Description: This is an excellent small museum. It has a number of fossils including a giant jaw of a Great White Shark. There are 15 aquarium exhibits showcasing life in the Chesapeake Bay. There is also boats telling the maritime history of the area. You can also tour the Drum Point Lighthouse, take a cruise around the harbor aboard the Wm. B. Tennison, and visit the J.C. lore Oyster House to learn about the seafood industry. There are also a woodcarving and small craft shops.
Schedule: The museum is opened daily 10am to 5pm. It is closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. For group arrangements and guided tours, call (410) 326-8217.
Cost: $5 for adults, $2 for children 5-12 years old. This includes a tour of the lighthouse.
Directions: From Washington DC Capital Beltway (I-495) take Route 4 South. Keep on Route 4 which merges with Route 2 until you get to Solomons. From Baltimore if you want to avoid Washington DC take I-695 to 97 South to Route 3 which turns into Route 301 South to Route 4 South which merges with Route 2 until you get to Solomons. From Philadelphia take I-95 South to Baltimore to 895 to 97 South to Route 3 to Bowie. Then take 301 South to Route 4 which merges with Route 2 until you get to Solomons. The museum is on the left before you go over the big bridge.
Web page: The Calvert Marine Museum
Fort Frederick State Park
Big Pool, MD SITE - 15
Description: In this state park is a massive stone Fort built in 1756 as a defense in the French and Indian War. There are exhibits, and orientation film. Just 1.8 miles East of the Fort entrance on the North side of Rt.56 just past McCoys Ferry Road is a shale pit with interesting fossils. You should get permission from the owner, Ms. Shumaker at (310) 739-0136. A few hundred feet East on the South side of Rt.56 is a dirt road that leads to an abandoned quarry with fossils. South on McCoys Ferry Road leads to a campground and park about the C&O Canal.
Schedule: The park is opened everyday except Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day. The Fort is only opened mid-May to mid-October from 9am-5pm. For more information call (301) 842-2155.
Cost: The park is free, but entrance into the fort is $2 for adults, and $1 for children 6-12 years old.
Directions: Fort Frederick State Park is located at 11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool, MD 21711. From I-70 take exit 12, Rt 56 to the Park.
Web page: Fort Frederick State Park
Sideling Hill
Near Hancock, MD - SITE 16
Description: There is a huge cut in the mountain on I-68 that exposes a U-shape pattern of rock layers made of sandstone, shale, and conglomerate. There is a visitors center with geological displays showing how the mountain formed. There are also a walkway and guided tours.
Schedule: The center is opened 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm. They are closed on holidays. For more information call (301)-842-2155.
Cost: Free Admission.
Directions: It is located 6 miles West of Hancock, MD on Interstate 68.
Web page: Maryland Geological Survey: Geology of Sideling Hill Road Cut
New Jersey
Cape May Diamonds
Cape May, NJ - SITE 17
Description: Cape May diamonds are not real diamonds, but they are cut and look just like diamonds. They are actually quartz crystals that are tumbled smooth by the waves. The best place to look for these diamonds is at Sunset Beach just above the half sunken cement ship. There is the Sunset Gift Shop that has these cut like diamonds. Look for the clearest pebbles along the beach. Put them in some water to see how clear they are. If you have a rock tumbler, these will polish up crystal clear. Be sure to visit nearby Cape May Point State Park. There is a small museum there that is free. It has a number of fossils that have been found along the beaches. There are also nature trials and a lighthouse which you can climb to the top. For more information call (609) 884-5404. Another interesting adventure is to take a boat ride out to watch for whales and dolphins. The Cape May Whale Watcher leaves Miss Chris Marina in North Cape May daily at 1pm for a four hour cruise. For more information call (609) 884-5445.
Schedule: The beach is opened daylight hours.
Cost: Free.
Directions: Take the Garden State Parkway South into Cape May and turn right onto Sunset Blvd. Follow this road all the way to the end for Sunset Beach. Cape May Point Park and lighthouse is just before Sunset Beach, turn left onto Lighthouse Ave.
Salem County Jasper
Near Salem, NJ - SITE 18
Description: Along the beach near sunken barges you can collect jasper, quartzite, and quartz which is the most abundant. Look along the shore where the tide comes in. Jasper can be red, yellow or brown in color. Be sure to bring bug repellent. Not too far away is Fort Mott State Park off of Rt.49.
Schedule: Daylight hours.
Cost: Free!
Directions: From the NJ Turnpike, or 295 take 49 South to Salem. Take County Rt.658 South to Alloway Creek Neck Road. Stay right when the road divides, and turn left at the light. Do not continue right which leads to the Nuclear power plant. Go about a half mile down to a path that leads to the beach.
Cooper County Park
Haddonfield, NJ - SITE 19
Hadrosaurus foulkii Landmark
Description: In 1858 on the farm of John E. Hopkins in Haddonfield, NJ along a tributary of the Cooper River, the world's first reasonably complete dinosaur skeleton was found and named Hadrosaurus foulkii. In 1868 it became the first dinosaur skeleton ever mounted for exhibit which was at the Academy of Natural Science in Philadelphia, and can still be seen there. It is the official"New Jersey State Dinosaur". A Monument marks the spot near where this dinosaur was found now in Cooper County Park. Below the monument is a creek where you still might be able to find small dinosaur fragments. Use a shovel and a screen in the creek to find fossils. A mile East of the intersection of Rt 70 and Grove Street on Rt 70 is a McDonald's, and a half mile further is Gary's Gem Garden at Saw Mill Village in Cherry Hill, NJ. Gary has many rocks and fossils that are very interesting to see. He also has many helpful books and supplies. The shop phone number is (609) 795-5077.
Schedule: Daylight hours.
Cost: Free!
Directions: From Philadelphia take the Ben Franklin bridge, and follow 30 East to 70 East to Grove Street, and turn right. Several blocks down turn left at Maple Ave and follow it down to the end where the landmark is located.
Web page: Hadrosaurus foulkii
Vincentown Micro-Fossils
Vincentown, NJ - SITE 20
Description: Along the Rancocas Creek (South branch) just North of Vincentown many very small fossils can be found in the bank of the creek especially behind the Vincentown sewer plant where the sewer pipes stick out. Most of the fossils are small broken pieces of coral. There are also very interesting foraminifera and echinodernata.
Schedule: Daylight. Check with the sewer plant for permission to cut through the back fence to the stream. Park outside the gate to the sewer plant on the side of the road. No large groups. If gate is closed then go around fence to the stream.
Cost: Free!
Directions: From Philadelphia take the Ben Franklin Bridge to Rt.70 East to Rt.206 North to Vincentown Turn left onto Main St, go through the town, and turn left onto Newbolds Corner Road. The road just pass the pet supplies farm turn left, and follow the road to the sewer plant. Park outside the gate off the road.
New Jersey State Museum
Trenton, NJ- SITE 21
Description: This museum has a number of fossils on display in the Hall of Natural History. They also have an Indian room, North American mammal room, a planetarium, and shop.
Schedule: They are opened Tuesday through Saturday, 9am to 4:45pm, and Sunday from noon to 5pm. They are closed on Mondays and all major state holidays. For more information call (609) 292-6308. For recorded message call (609) 292-6464.
Cost: Admission is free. Planetarium is $1.
Directions: The New Jersey State Museum to located at 205 West State Street in downtown Trenton, NJ. From Philadelphia take I-95 North across the bridge to Trenton. Take Rt.29 South to Calhoun Street Exit. Go North on Calhoun for half a block and turn right on to State Street.
Web page: New Jersey State Museum
Big Brook
Marlboro, NJ - SITE 22
Description: Big Brook is well known for fossil shark's teeth that can be found in the bottom of the stream. You need boots (waist high) or shoes and clothes you can get wet in, a screen, and a shovel. The farther up stream you go the better the finds. Look for gravel bars and avoid sand bars. Sift the gravel from the bottom of the stream in the screen looking for dark shark's teeth which are usually less than an inch. Dinosaur bones are rare finds. Belemnites which look like spear points are numerous. Do not trespass outside the stream onto private property. Best time to come is in the spring to before the cold weather of fall.
Schedule: Daylight hours only.
Cost: Free.
Directions: Take Highway 79 north past Freehold, New Jersey. Turn right onto Vandenberg road in Marlboro. Go past Boundary road and about 2 miles down turn left onto Hillsdale road. About a half mile down this road just past the bridge over Big Brook you can park on the right side. Hike down into the stream at the bridge and go upstream.
Web page: Big Brook Identification Page see also New Jersey Fossil Website
The Poricy Park Nature Center
Middletown, NJ - SITE 23
Description: There is a fossil display, gift shop, picnic area, and restrooms at this nature center. Just down the road are fossils in the stream. Bring a screen and trowels. Dig only in the stream bed, so bring boots to wade in the stream. There are many shells, some shark's teeth, and some belemnites.
Schedule: The center is opened Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm and on Sunday 12:30 to 3:30pm. Closed on Saturdays.
Cost: There is no charge for groups less than 15. There is a $25 cost for groups of 15 to 45 people. Please call the nature center at (908) 842-5966 for reservations for groups. A guided tour costs $60 for a group under 35 people.
Directions: From Philadelphia take the New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 7A (Route 195). Take 195 East to the Garden State Parkway. Take the Garden State Parkway North to Exit 114 (Holmdel-Middletown). Make a right at the light at the end of the ramp. At the next light turn right onto Dwight road. Stay on this road for one and a half miles to the first light. At the light turn left onto Middletown-Lincroft road. Continue for a quarter mile, past the fossil bed area, and turn right at the first light onto Oak Hill road. The nature center is on the right before the second set of railroad tracks. From Southern New Jersey take the Garden State Parkway and follow the above directions. Form Northern New Jersey follow the Garden State Parkway and get off on Exit 114. At the light at the end of the ramp, turn left onto Red Hill road. Make a right at the second light onto Dwight road and follow the above directions.
Web page: Poricy Park
Sayreville Amber
Sayreville, NJ - SITE 24 - SITE IS NOW CLOSED!
Description: This is a world famous place for finding ancient amber from the time of the dinosaurs. Amber, a translucent golden color, is fossilized sap or resin from trees. Some of the oldest known bees, ants, wasps, cockroaches, flies, and other insects have been found preserved in amber. There have also been dinosaur footprints found in the clay in the Cutter clay pit. There are alternate beds of clay and lignite matter in which a forest burned. You can find pieces of wood and marcasite which is similar to fools gold caused by the decayed wood and minerals in the water. There are very many tiny fragile pieces of amber in the lignite matter. About 12 feet down are bigger pieces of amber. SITE NOW CLOSED!
Schedule: Daylight hours. Number of people come on the weekends.
Cost: Free!
Directions: From Philadelphia take Rt.1 to 276 East to New Jersey Turnpike North. Get off at Exit 9 and take Rt.18 South to W. Prospect Street to Reid Street to Main Street. Turn left on Main Street and follow this road which turns into Washington Road in Sayreville. Keep on Washington then turn left onto Lakeview Drive. Go all the way to the end. Go over the curb and up the dirt road and left over the railroad tracks at the top of the hill. Go down the hill to the dark dirt where pits have been dug out for amber. You can also park at Kennedy Park just past Lakeview Drive and then climb over the hill. Construction may close this site soon. Another pit area is located off of Main Street just past the main buildings of Sayreville.
Dinosaur Tracts of Riker Hill
Roseland, NJ - SITE 25 - SITE IS NOW CLOSED!
Description: This is the best location to find dinosaur tracts in NJ. There are numbers of trackways in the layers of rock in the Towaco formation redbeds of the Jurassic period. It is about a mile walk in the woods to get to the quarry. Nearby is an Environmental Center that you might want to stop and see. SITE NOW CLOSED!
Schedule: Daylight hours only.
Cost: Free!
Directions: Get on the New Jersey Turnpike North to the Garden State Parkway North to 280 West. Get off at Exit 5-b, Caldwells. Go to Eagle Rock Ave and turn left, and take a right on Locust Ave. There is parking on the left after Nob Hill apartments in Becker Tract Park. Cross the street and follow trail through the woods to the quarry which is behind the Nob Hill apartments.
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, NJ - SITE 26
Description: They have a display of dinosaur footprints, and information on mastodon discoveries in the area. There are nature trails and educational programs.
Schedule: Open daily, Monday to Sunday from 9am to 4:30 pm. Closed on major holidays. They are closed in July and August. For more information call (973) 635-6629.
Cost: Admission is free. Educational programs may have a fee.
Directions: The center is located at 247 Southern Blvd. Chatham Township, NJ 07928. From Philadelphia take I-95 North to Trenton to Rt.31 North to 202 East to 287 North to exit 35 South Street. Turn right at the light and turn left onto Woodland. Go about 5 miles to the second light and turn right onto Greenvillage Road. Go straight through the light. The road turns into Southern Blvd. It is on the right side.
Web page: Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
The Morris Museum
Morristown, NJ - SITE 27
Description: The main attraction are the dinosaur footprints that have been found in New Jersey. There are other dinosaurs and fossils on display. There is also a min-zoo.
Schedule: They are opened Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and on Sunday 1pm to 5pm. Closed on major holidays. For more information call (973) 538-0454.
Cost: $2 for Adults, and $1 for children and students.
Directions: The Morris Museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960. From Philadelphia take I-95 North to Trenton to Rt.31 North to 202 East to 287 North to Madsion Ave. Exit. Turn left at the top of the ramp onto 24 (Madison Ave) At the third light turn left onto Normandy Heights Road. Continue on just past Columbia Parkway. Turn left into the Museum.
Web page: Morris Museum
Sterling Hill Mine & Museum
Ogdensburg, NJ - SITE 28
Description: You get a guided tour through their museum and can walk through the zinc mine. They will turn the lights off, and turn on short wave lights to show all the rocks that fluoresce different colors. This is very impressive. There is a gift shop and snack area. You can see ancient mining pits and equipment. The Franklin Mineral Museum is just down the road.
Schedule: Opened 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm. Last tour leaves at 3:30pm. They are closed December 1 to March 1.
Cost: $6.50 for adults, $4.50 for children under 17. Groups rates for 10 or more. For more information call (202) 209-7212.
Directions: This mine is located in Northern New Jersey in the town of Ogdensburg. From Philadelphia take I-95 North to Trenton to Rt.31 North to 202 East to 287 North to 23 West to 517 South just before Franklin. Go down Passaic Ave to entrance. From Southern New Jersey take either the New Jersey Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway to 287 North and follow the above directions.
Web page: Sterling Hill Mining Museum
The Franklin Mineral Museum
Franklin, NJ - SITE 29
Description: The Franklin area of New Jersey is world famous for fluorescent rocks. The Franklin Mineral Museum has a spectacular display of fluorescent rocks. There is a replica of a mine, and other interesting rocks, and fossils. There is also a dump site where you can collect your own fluorescent rocks. There is a shed where you can check to see which rocks glow that you have collected. The minerals will glow under short wave light. Do not confuse this with long wave light that is common (dark purple bulb). You can buy a portable short wave light for about $35. You can also buy a small bag of fluorescent rocks for $1. Be sure to bring a hammer, chisel, safety glasses, and a bucket for collecting rocks.
Schedule: Open March weekends and weekdays by appointment for groups. Open to all April through November, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open Sunday 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Closed Easter and Thanksgiving. For more information call (201) 827-3481, or write the Franklin Mineral Museum, P.O.Box 54, Franklin NJ 07416.
Cost: For the Museum adults are $4. Preschool through High School students are $2. Mineral collecting is the same price as the museum. Adults are allowed to collect 25 lbs. and children 10 lbs. There is a combined discount ticket for both the museum and mineral collecting. Adults are $7. Preschool to High School students are $3.
Directions: The Franklin Mineral Museum is located on Evans Street in Franklin, New Jersey. From Philadelphia take I-95 North to Trenton. Take 31 North to 202 East to 287 North to Rt.23 West to Franklin, NJ. Take Franklin Road (Rt.631), and turn right on to Buckwheat Road, then left on to Evans Street. There are small blue signs pointing the way to the museum.
Web page: Franklin Mineral Museum
Pennsylvania
Prospect Park-Morton Homestead
Near Philadelphia, PA - SITE 30
Description: This park is located just South of the Philadelphia International Airport off of 420. A small stream which empties into the Darby Creek has some interesting rocks of clear quartz, quartzite, and blue Kyanite. This is a historic place with the Morton Homestead, and ferry dock. You can see some old artifacts in the restored house. There are paths, picnic tables, and historic information.
Schedule: Daylight hours.
Cost: Free!
Directions: From Philadelphia take I-95 South to 420 North. Just past the Wildlife refuge is the Morton Homestead, But because of the divided highway you must go to the first road or light and turn around and come back. Turn in at the Morton Homestead sign. The stream is to the right and the homestead is on the left.
Academy of Natural Sciences
Philadelphia, PA - SITE 31
Description: This museum has an excellent display of dinosaurs, rocks, fossils, and other animals. There is also a dino-dig where children can dig for dinosaurs. You can see a full size T-Rex next to Giganotosaurus.
Schedule: Opened Monday thru Friday from 10am to 4:30pm. Opened Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 10am to 5pm. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Cost: $6.75 for Adults, $5.75 for children 3-12 years old. For more information call (215) 299-1000.
Directions: Take I-95 or I-76 to 676 to the Museum exit. Go North one block to Ben Franklin Parkway and turn right. There is metered parking here. Down further at 19th Street is the Museum. A Block away is the Franklin Institute which also is very interesting.
Web page: The Academy of Natural Sciences
Wagner Free Institute of Science
Philadelphia, PA - SITE 32
Description: This is a very old museum that is preserved just how it looked in the late 1800's. Wagner gave free lectures which was continued by Dr. Joseph Leidy. There are more than 100,000 specimens in the Museum. There are dinosaur bones, fossils, minerals, and all kinds of animals. Cabinet drawers can be opened to see other specimens. This is a rare opportunity to see a Victorian museum and where historic lectures took place. The Institute offers free courses around the city on geology, paleontology, astronomy, and biology.
Schedule: Opened Tuesday thru Friday from 9am to 4pm. For more information call (215) 763-6529.
Cost: Donations are requested.
Directions: The Museum is located at 1700 West Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121. Take I-95 or I-76 to 676 to Broad Street exit. Go North on Broad St. to Ceil B. Moore Ave. turn left, and go to 18th Street and turn right. Turn left on Montgomery. The museum is one block down on the right. Park right out front. This is near Temple University.
Web page: Wagner Free Institute of Science
University of Pennsylvania Museum
33rd and Spruce Sts.,Philadelphia, PA 19104 - SITE 32A
Description: The University Museum has many artifacts that relate to the Bible; however, there are no signs telling you how they relate to the Bible. One gallery has artifacts from the ancient city of Ur where Abraham may have lived before God told him to leave for the promised land. Another gallery covers the ancient Sumerians who have stories that parallel the Bible like creation, flood, and Babel (See the book "History Begins at Sumer" by Samuel Kramer). Some of these artifacts are probably from before Noah's flood about 2900 BC(See the book "The Origins Solution" by Dick Fischer). There is also the Code of Hammurapi that parallels the laws of Moses. Another gallery deals with Palestine with artifacts from the Philistines and Israelites. The largest gallery deals with Egypt. Most likely the Israelites were in Egypt during the Hyksos rule. Part of Merneptah's temple is here. The Merneptah's Stele is the first mention of Israel outside the Bible about 1210 BC
Schedule: The Museum is opened Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays and holidays. For general information call (215) 898-4000.
Cost: $5 for Adults, $2.50 for students, children under 6 are free. Pre-arranged groups of 10 or more: $2.50 adults, $1.50 for students, and children under 6 are free. Strollers and camera's are permitted. No loud noise, no food, no gum chewing are allowed in the galleries. There is a lunch room with soda machines where you can eat your bag lunch. Groups meet at the Kress side entrance across from the parking garage. The cost is $7 for parking in the garage. Street parking is metered and is hard to find.
Directions: Take 76 Schuylkill expressway to South Street exit. Turn West at the light at the top of the ramp. The next light turn left at Convention Avenue. The first drive way is for the University parking garage. The Museum is at 33rd and Spruce Sts.
Web page: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Philadelphia Insectarium
Philadelphia, PA - SITE 33
Description: This is an unusual place of live bugs. There are a few fossils, and insects in amber. There are also special demonstrations and videos. There is also a gift shop.
Schedule: Open Monday thru Saturday from 10am to 4pm. For more information call (215) 338-3000.
Cost: $4 per person.
Directions: In Philadelphia take I-95 to the Cottman Avenue Exit. Follow Cottman to Frankford Avenue and turn right. The Insectarium is at 8046 Frankfort Avenue after Rhawn and before Welsh Street on the left side of the street. There are parking meters out front.
Web page: Philadelphia Insectarium
Fairmount Park-Wissahickon Creek
Philadelphia, PA - SITE 34
Description: Along the trials that follow the Wissahickon Creek you can find garnet stones among the schist which is metamorphic rock. The geology of the area is very interesting. The garnet is deep red in color and only half an inch big.
Schedule: Daylight hours.
Cost: Free!
Directions: In Philadelphia take Rt.1 to Fox Ave exit North to Queen Ave. Turn left on Queen Ave, and go to Henry Ave and turn right. Follow Henry Ave to Wise's Mill Road, and turn right into the parking lot near Valley Green Inn. On foot follow Valley Green Road over the bridge, and take the trail to the left. Down the path across from the first small pavilion you may find small garnets.
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
Philadelphia, PA - SITE 35
Description: This center has some displays on birds, some fossils, and rocks. There are also nature trails, and educational programs.
Schedule: They are opened Monday thru Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, and on Sunday from 1pm to 4:30pm. For more information call (215) 482-7300.
Cost: $5 for adults, and $3 for children.
Directions: Take I-76, the Schuylkill expressway to Exit 31. Cross over the Schuylkill River. Follow Green Lane to Ridge Ave and turn left. Follow Ridge Ave. and turn left on to Port Royal Ave. Then turn right on to Hagy's Mill Road. The Center is about a half mile down on the left.
Limerick Nuclear Power Plant
Limerick, PA - SITE 36
Description: While building this power plant on November 9, 1981 an operating engineer saw horse prints on blasted sections of rock. The Site geologist directed the preservation of these rocks. The tracks of 60 prints were identified as footprints of different dinosaurs from the Triassic period. Most of the tracks are three-toed from small carnivorous dinosaurs like Grallator while larger ones are from Anchisauripus. A second type of four-toed dinosaur is probably Cheirotherium. The Limerick Energy Information Center located near the power plant has a large rock with dinosaur footprints on display. There are also educational displays about nuclear power and free booklets. You can ride a bicycle to generate electricity. This is a small, but very interesting place to visit.
Schedule: Open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and holidays. For more information call (215) 495-6767. Group reservations are suggested, and can include a visit to the training center, and vehicle tour of the plant exterior.
Cost: Free!
Directions: Take Rt.422 North to Sanatoga exit. Go South on Evergreen Road, and turn left down Sanatoga Road. Follow signs to the information center located off of Keen Road. Along 422 there are road cuts of reddish rock that contains dinosaur footprints, and many mud cracks.
Reading Public Museum
Reading, PA - SITE 37
Description: This museum has a Natural History Hall with some interesting rocks and fossils. This hall is being renovated, and will open in October 1998. There is also a planetarium.
Schedule: Opened Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm, and Sunday from noon to 5pm. On Wednesday they stay opened to 8pm. For more information call (610) 371-5850.
Cost: $3 for adults, and $2 for children ages 4-17 years old.
Directions: The museum is located at 500 Museum Road in Reading. Take Take Rt 422 to Reading to Museum Road.
Web page: Reading Public Museum
Crystal Cave
Kutztown, PA - SITE 47
Description: Crystal Cave is a beautiful natural wonder located near Kutztown, Pennsylvania. It was discovered in 1871 and is the oldest operating cave in Pennsylvania. There are a lot of stalactites, stalagmites, and dripstone formations to see. There are bats living in this cave. There is also a playground, nature trail, picnic area, miniature golf, theater, rock shop, gift shop, and museum. There is a fast food shop, and a ice cream parlor.
Schedule: Opened daily and weekends from March thru May from 9-5p.m. Memorial Day weekend thru Labor day, 9-6p.m. September thru November, 9-5p.m. Opened on holidays as well. The tour through the cave lasts about 45 minutes. For more details call (610) 683-6765, or write Crystal Cave Co. RD#3 Box 416, Kutztown, PA 19530-9141.
Cost: Adults are $7. Children(4-11) are $4.50. Three and under are free. Parking is also free. Groups rates(15+) for adults are $4.50. Children under 12 are $3. Rates may change.
Directions: Crystal Cave is located near Kutztown and Route 222, about halfway between Reading and Allentown. It is about 69 miles from Philadelphia, or about one and a half hours away. Trenton, NJ, and Wilmington, DE are also about the same distance away as is Philadelphia. From Philadelphia take 76 to 476 North to 78 West to Krumsville Exit. Follow Rt.737 to the Cave.
Web page: Crystal Cave Park
Lost River Caverns
Hellertown, PA - SITE 39
Description: This cave has interesting crystal formations. There is also the Gilman Museum, Rock Shop, Jewelry Shop, and Jungle Garden all free to see while waiting for the caverns tour. The caverns is 52 degrees all year so you might need a jacket. Across the road is a covered bridge and parking lot. In the stream below called Silver Creek, you can collect jasper and quartz. The jasper is mainly a yellow-orange in color.
Schedule: The Caverns are open everyday 9am to 5pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. From Memorial Day to Labor Day they are opened 9am to 6pm.
Cost: $7.50 for adults, $3.75 for children 3-12 years old. Group rates for 15+ is $4.75 for adults, and $2.50 for children. For more information call (610) 838-8767. There is free trailer camping and a picnic grove.
Directions: The caverns is located just below Allentown. From Philadelphia take 476 North, or 309 North to I-78 East to Exit 21-Rt.412 South to Hellertown. Turn left on to Penn St which turns into Durham St. About a half mile down are the caverns on the right and parking on the left.
Web page: Lost River Caverns
Deer Lake Fossils
Deer Lake, PA - SITE 40
Description: This is one of the easiest places to find fossils like brachiopods (mollusks). A rare find are trilobites. The shale can easily break apart. The dark gray shale formed from mud on the bottom of the sea with low oxygen which preserves fossils much like in the Black Sea today. A good place to look is behind "The Cafe" restaurant. Their phone is (717) 366-1693.
Schedule: Daylight hours.
Cost: Free!
Directions: Take Rt.61 North out of Reading, PA past I-78 to Deer Lake, or from Allentown take I-78 to Rt.61 exit. Go North past 895 going West about 200 feet. Across from a church on the left is a shale pit with fossils. There is an active quarry up further across from Deer Lake Inn. You must call the number on the NO Trespassing sign to get permission. Just up the road is "The Cafe" where you can get something to eat, and out back you can look for fossils on the left side of the cafe.
Web page: Penn's Cave
Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine
Ashland, PA - SITE 41
Description: Ride a coal car into this coal mine to see how miners dug out the coal. The mine is about 50 degrees so bring a jacket. Take a steam train ride on the "Henry Clay" built in 1920. There are a playground, picnic area, gift shop/snack bar. About 200 yards away is the Museum of Anthracite Mining devoted to mining and geology. A short ride away is an area where you can find your own fossils. You must sign a release form and get directions from the coal mine. Bring a hammer and chisel. About two miles away is Centralia where a coal mine fire has been burning for years.
Schedule: Open daily from Memorial Day thru Labor Day weekend from 10am to 6pm. Open weekends in May, September, and October. For more information call (717) 875-3850. The Museum is opened November 1st to April 30th from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday thru Saturday, and on Sunday Noon to 5pm. From May 1st to October 31st its opened Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and on Sunday, noon to 6pm. Closed holidays except Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. For more information call (717) 875-4708.
Cost: The Coal Mine Tour is $6 for adults, $3.50 for children under 12. The Steam train ride is $3.50 for adults, and $2 for children. There is a ten per cent discount on groups of ten or more. The Anthracite Museum is $3.50 for adults, and $1.50 for children.
Directions: From Philadelphia take I-476 North to I-78 West to Rt.61 North to Ashland. You can also take 422 to Reading to Rt.61 North. From Harrisburg take I-81 North to Rt.61 North. The Museum is at 17th and Pine Streets, Ashland, PA 17921.
Web page: Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine
Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
Scanton, PA - SITE 42
Description: Take a trip on a coal car down some 300 feet below ground to see how they mined anthracite coal. This is a very interesting tour. You can see how fast stalactites have formed since the mine was cut. The temperature is 55 degrees in the mine so take a jacket with you. You can also visit the Anthracite Heritage Museum about mining and mills. They show the different types of coal and how they formed. This is all in McDade Park which has picnic groves, baseball, basketball, and tennis courts. In the winter there is ice-skating and sledding. There is also the Steamtown National Historic site in Scranton. Further North in Carbondale there is a place to find your own fossil ferns.
Schedule: The Coal Mine Tour is opened April 1st thru November 30th. Trips are hourly from 11am to 5pm. The museum is opened year around except holidays from 9am to 5pm and noon to 5pm on Sundays. For more information call (717) 963-MINE.
Cost: Coal Mine Tour is $6 for adults, $4 for children 6-12 years old. The Museum is $3.50 for adults, and $2 for children. Group discounts for 25 or more.
Directions: From Philadelphia take I-476 North to I-81 North exit 57B. Take the Keyser Avenue exit. Turn right and travel three miles to right hand turn at sign for McDade Park.
Web page: Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
Carbondale Fern Fossils
Carbondale, PA - SITE 43
Description: Fern fossils are very interesting. They grew as high as 50 feet in ancient swamps. Bring a hammer and chisel. The shale is brittle. There are several spoil piles from coal strip mining. Observe all No Trespassing signs. On the way from Scanton to Carbondale on US Highway 6 is Archbald Pothole State Park. This is PA's largest glacial pothole. It's worth the stop to see how this formed.
Schedule: Daylight hours.
Cost: Free!
Directions: Carbondale is located Northeast of Scranton, PA. From Philadelphia take I-476 all the way to the end. Then take 81 South one exit to 57 follow US Highway 6 to Carbondale. On the way is Archbald Pothole State Park. Three miles past State Highway 107 is the Carbondale elementary school road. There are a few shops before the school where you can park and climb to the shale piles, or drive down into the apartments back on the dirt roads to the spoil piles.
Indian Echo Caverns
Hummelstown, PA - SITE 44
Description: There is a variety of geological wonders in this cave. Stalactites hold tight to the ceiling of the cave. The cave is 52 degrees so you might need a jacket. There are a Petting Barnyard, picnic area, playground, horse-drawn carriage ride, and a place to pan for ruff gemstones like emeralds, rose quartz, garnet, and fool's gold. There is also a historic train ride that stops there from Middletown to Hummelstown.
Schedule: Memorial Day to Labor Day they are opened 9am to 6pm, and the rest of the year from 10am to 4pm. They are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Gem panning is from May 1 to October 15. For more information call (717) 566-8131.
Cost: $8 for adults, $4 for children 3-11 years of age. Group rates of 20+ are $6 for adults, and $3 for children. Round trip train ride, one and one quarter hours long during the summer is $7 for adults. For more information about the train rides call (717) 944-4435.
Directions: From Philadelphia take I-76 to Harrisburg. Get off at exit 19, follow I-283 East and exit at the Vine Street Middletown/Hummelstown exit. Follow the road to Hummelstown Rt.322. Go one mile South on Rt.441 to the Caverns. There are signs to direct you.
Web page: Indian Echo Caverns
Pennsylvania State Museum
Harrisburg, PA - SITE 45
Description: This museum has a number of large Mastodons. One was dug up by Dr. Murray called the Marshell Creek Mastodon. There are dinosaur fossils as well. There is a planetarium.
Schedule: Opened Tuesday thru Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday noon to 5pm. Closed Mondays. For more information call (717) 787-4978.
Cost: Admission is free. The Planetarium costs $2 for adults, and $1.50 for children.
Directions: The Museum is located at 3rd and North Streets. Take I-76 to 283 to the 2nd Street Exit to North Street.
Web page: Pennsylvania State Museum
Montour Fossil Pit
Near Washingtonville, PA - SITE 46
Description: The Montour Preserve has 966 acres of land. There is a visitor's center near the fossil pit. This was a shallow Devonian sea which form shales and mudstones on the bottom. There are brachiopods, bryozoa, crinoids, coral, and trilobites.
Schedule: The visitor's center is opened year-round Monday thru Friday 9am to 4pm, and weekends noon to 4pm May to September. For more information call (717) 437-3131.
Cost: Free!
Directions: From Philadelphia take I-76 to 476 North to 80 West to Rt.54 North past Washingtonville and turn right on SR 1006 to the visitor's center. The fossil pit is about a mile further.
Crystal Point Diamond Mines
Williamsport, PA - SITE 47
Description: These are not real diamonds, but beautiful quartz crystals that look like diamonds. The mine is a long trench some two football fields long and about 12 feet wide in the side of Bald Eagle Mountain. Bring a bucket, groves, garden claw, and a screwdriver.
Schedule: May 1st thru October 31st from 8am to 5pm. You must call for an appointment. Contact Mr. Smith at (570) 323-6783, or write to the mine in care of Raytowne, Box 1, 1307 Park Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701.
Cost: $30 for Adults, and $10 for children under 12 years old.
Directions: After making an appointment, you meet the owner, Mr. Smith, at Raytowne which is a factory building made into a shopping center. From Philadelphia take I-76 to 476 North to 80 West to 180 North to Williamsport to 15 North to Fourth Street turn right to Rose Street. Turn left and go to Park Ave and turn left. The building is on the left.
Web page: Crystal Point Diamond Mines
Swatara State Park
Pine Grove, PA - SITE 48
Description: Swatara State Park is located in Lebanon and Schuykill counties between Second and Blue mountains. Swarata Gap is one of the most beautiful water gaps in PA. In the park there is a borrow pit called the Suedburg fossil site, where you can look for interesting fossils from the Mahantango formation. The best place to look is in the West end of the pit. You can find brachiopods, trilobites, crinoid stems, bryozoans, and pelecypods.
Schedule: Open from dawn to dusk. For more information call (717) 865-5722.
Cost: The park is free.
Directions: Swatter State Park is near the intersection of 81 and 78, Northeast of Harrisburg. Take Exit 30 or 31 from interstate 81 to get to the park.
Web page: Swatara State Park
Coral Caverns
Near Bedford, PA - SITE 49
Description: The most interesting feature of this cave is the fossil coral reef in the limestone rocks that is the farthest inland. There is also a wall of fossilized sea creatures from ancient times. There are picnic tables available.
Schedule: Opened daily from May 30th to Labor Day from 10am to 6pm. Opened weekends in the Spring and Fall. For more information call (814) 623-6882.
Cost: Small fee.
Directions: From the PA turnpike take exit 11 to Bedford on Rt.220. Then Take Rt.30 to Rt31 and follow signs to Coral Caverns. It is about 10 miles off the turnpike.
Web page: Coral Caverns
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Pittsburgh, PA - SITE 50
Description: The Dinosaur Hall in this museum is one of the best collection of dinosaurs in the world. There are Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Diplodocus (78 feet long), Apatosaurus (formerly called Brontosaurus) and of course Tyrannosaurus Rex (20 feet tall). Most where found between 1902 and 1923. This is an excellent museum to visit.
Schedule: Opened Tuesday thru Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Friday only to 1pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. For more information call (412) 622-3131.
Cost: $6 for Adults, $4 for children ages 3-18 years old.
Directions: It is located at 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. From I-76 take 376 to exit 6,7 or 8 to Forbes Ave.
Web page: Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Dinosaur Books
Dinosaurs of the East Coast by David Weishampel and Luther Young. Published by John Hopkins University Press in 1996. This is an excellent book about where to find dinosaurs on the East coast. It also has important history about dinosaur discoveries. The book can be bought at major bookstores like Barnes and Noble for about $35.95.
Dinosaurs in Maryland by Peter Kranz. Commissioned by Maryland. Geological Survey, Educational Series No.6, 1989; $3.50. This is a good booklet with pictures and illustrations.
Handbook of Paleo-Preparation Techiques by Howard Converse, Jr. Published by Florida Paleontological Society in 1984. This is an excellent book on preparing fossils. The Calvert Marine Museum carries this book for $12.95.
When Dinosaurs Roamed New Jersey by William Gallagher. Published by Rutgers University Press. This is an excellent book about the history of dinosaurs in New Jersey. This can be bought at major bookstores for under $20.
Where to find Dinosaurs Today by Daniel and Susan Cohen. Published by Cobblehill Books in 1992 for $6.99. This is mainly a list of museums that have dinosaur exhibits.
Fossil Books
Cretacesous Fossils from the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal: A Guide for Students and Collectors by Edward Lauginiger. Published by Delaware Geological Survey; Special Publication No.18, 1988. This booklet has good pictures and maps for finding fossils along the Delaware Canal.
The Cretaceous Fossils of New Jersey: Part 1 & 2 by Horace Richards, from Bureau of Geology and Topography, NJ. Reprinted in 1991. These are thick books for the more serious collector with much information and pictures.
Fossil Collecting in Pennsylvania by Hoskins, Inners, & Harper. Published by Department of Environmental Resources, General Geology Report 40, 1983. This a good book for locating fossils in Pennsylvania.
Fossil Collecting in the Mid-Atlantic States by Jasper Burns. Published by John Hopkins University Press in 1991. This is an excellent book for finding fossils in WV, VA, & MD with a few places in PA and one in DE. The Calvert Marine Museum carries this book for $22.95.
Fossil Plants From the Anthracite Coal Fields of Eastern PA by John Oleksyshyn. Published by PA Dept. of Environmental Resources, General Geology Report 72, 1982. This book is good for information on fern fossils in Eastern PA.
Fossil Vertebrates - Beach and Bank Collecting for Amateurs by M.C. Thomas. This booklet has a lot of pictures of fossils that is very helpful. It is available at the Smithsonian bookshops for under $10.
Fossils: Evidence of Vanished Worlds by Yvette Gayrard-Valy. Published by Abrams in 1994. This is a nice little book telling the tales of fossil discoveries from ancient times to modern times with many pictures.
Fossils of Calvert Cliffs by Wallace Ashby. Published by Calvert Marine Museum, 3rd edition 1995. This is a very well illustrated booklet about Calvert Cliffs. Cost is $4.75.
Golden Guide: Fossils, Golden Guide: Rocks and Minerals, & Golden Guide: Dinosaurs. These are nice, handy little books with much information. Cost is $5.50.
Let's Go Fossil Shark Tooth Hunting by B. Clay Cartmell. Published by Natural Science Research in 1978. This is a good booklet on fossil shark tooth hunting along certain beaches like Calvert Cliffs, MD. The cost is $3.50.
The Practical Paleontologist by Steve Parker. Published by Simon and Schuster in 1990. This is well illustrated, $24.95.
Rocks-Geology Books
Buried Treasures You Can Find by Robert Marx. Published by Ram in 1993. This list 7500 locations in all 50 states where you might find buried treasure like sunken ships, old coins and old mines.
Coal in Pennsylvania by William Edmunds and Edwin Koppe. PA Department of Environmental Resources, Educational Series No.7, 1968. This is a good booklet with good illustrations.
Crystals, Gems & Minerals of the Bible by Ruth Wright and Robert Published by Keats in 1970. This is an excellent book covering all 62 minerals and gems mentioned in the Bible.
Environment History of Maryland Miocene by Gernant, Gibson, & Whitmore. Published by Maryland Geological Survey; Guidebook No.3, $6.75. This has good Geological information with a field trip guide.
Fee Mining Adventures and Rock Hunting Expeditions in the US By James and Jeannette Monaco. Published by Gem Guide Book Co. in 1997 for $11.95. This lists many places for fieldtrips in the US
Gem Trails of Pennsylvania and New Jersey by Scott Stepanski and Karenne Snow. Published by Gem Guides Book Co. in 1996. This is an excellent book on where to find minerals and fossils in PA and NJ.
The Geology of New Jersey by Wilber and Johnson. Published by Department of Conservation and Development, State of NJ. in 1940, Bulletin 50. Good details on NJ geology for $8.
Guidebook to the Geology of the Philadelphia Area by Bruce Goodwin. Published by the PA Dept. of Internal Affairs in 1964, General Geology Report G 41. This book is old, but it has much geological information.
Iron in the Pines: The Story of New Jersey's Ghost Towns and Bog Iron by Arthur Pierce. Published by Rutgers University Press in 1957. This book tells the story of the iron mining in the pine land of NJ in the 19th century. Cost is $13.95.
Mineral & Gem Trails of (Different States) by Joe & Helen Klitsch. Distributed by Johe Co. (1978). There are three booklets; 1. Covers MA, VT, NH, MA, & RI; 2. Covers NY, NJ, PA, CT; 3. Covers DE, VA, MD, & NC. This series for different states is old and out-dated, but it still has some interesting places to find minerals.
Mineral Collecting in Pennsylvania by Geyer, Smith, & Barnes. Published by PA Department of Environmental Resources,1976. This book gives many localities for collecting minerals in PA with very helpful maps and information. Cost is $7.95.
Nature's Hidden Rainbows: The Fluorescent Minerals of Franklin, New Jersey by Robert Jones, Jr. Published by UVP in 1970. This book gives the very interesting history and geology of Franklin, New Jersey's world famous fluorescent rocks. The cost is $6.50 in Franklin Mineral Museum.
The Practical Geologist by Dougal Dixon. Published by Simon and Schuster in 1992. This is a well illustrated book, $27.95.
Roadside Geology of (State) by different authors. This is an excellent series of books that is well illustrated with maps and pictures.
The Rockhound's Handbook by James R. Mitchell. Published by Gem Guide Book Co. in 1996. This has much helpful information. The cost is $12.95.
Rocks and Minerals of Pennsylvania by John Barnes. Published by PA Department of Environmental Resources in 1991. This is well illustrated with a color geological map of PA.
List of Publications from State Geological Surveys
Delaware
Delaware
Geological Survey
University of Delaware
Newark, DE 19716-7501
Maryland
Maryland
Geological Survey
2300 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218-5210
Phone: (410) 554-5000
New Jersey
Mail orders:
Maps & Publications Sales Office
Bureau of Revenue CN 417
Trenton, NJ 08625
Counter purchases:
Maps & Publications Sales
Bureau of Revenue
Caroll Building
428 East State Street
Trenton, NJ
8-4, Mon-Fri. (609) 777-1038
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Geological Survey
PO Box 2357
Harrisburg, PA 17105
(717) 787-2169
US Geological Survey
Call 1-800-USA-MAPS or write:
Reston Earth Science Information Center
US Geological Survey
507 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
Geological Inquiries Group
US Geological Survey
907 National Center
Reston, VA 22092
(703) 648-4383
USGS Book and Open File Sales
Box 2586
Denver, CO 80225
Clubs
Delaware Valley Paleontological Society
Delaware Valley Earth Science Society