SHARONVILLE, Ohio – The Trammel Fossil Park in Sharonville is filled with history.

  • Fossils date back 450 million years
  • 10 acres donated to the city after initial fossil discovery
  • Free admission and parking

It's also full of fossils.

The 10-acre site was donated to the city of Sharonville after R.L. Trammel began development in the 1970's for what is now the Sharonville Industrial Park.

After discovering the treasure trove of fossils, the land was donated to the city. It became a city park in 2003.

“We draw from all over the country to this spot,” said Laura Glassman, of Sharonville Parks and Recreation. “I don't think people realize that Trammel Fossil Park is associated with Parks and Recreation.”

The city hosts a number of programs every year at the park. Visitors from all over the country visit the park because if you find something you can keep it. It's most popular with scout groups and students.

“It's an easy activity because you don't have to look real hard to find a fossil. You could just walk and the rocks you pick have fossils.”

David Meyer is a geologist and has spent decades exploring the park. He knows exactly what you'll find.

 

 

“These are all invertebrate creates like shellfish, trilobites - which are related to horseshoe crabs but they're extinct,” Meyer told Spectrum News 1 during an interview at the park. “Some things like sea stars and related things we call crinoids which are common.”

The park has a number of signs that describe the different layers of rock. Other information includes fossil information to help identify what you find.

Fossils at the park date back 450 million years to the Ordovician period.

 

 

The park has a bathroom, picnic area, and parking. There is no admission to the park and parking is free. It's open year-round from dawn until dusk.