Fossils near Tyler, TX
4 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Tyler report fossil. The closest is Ladonia Fossil Park, about 83 miles out (1 hr 44 min drive).
Fossil collecting spots cluster around exposed sedimentary rock: road cuts, creek banks, quarries, and badlands where erosion keeps bringing fresh material to the surface.
Map of 4 fossil collecting spots within 150 miles of Tyler, Texas
Closest fossils spots to Tyler
- Ladonia Fossil ParkFannin County, Texas83 mi · 1 hr 44 min driveFossilized Shark Teeth, Ammonites, Mosasaur Teeth
- S side of US 287Ellis County, Texas95 mi · 1 hr 59 min driveFossil Leaf Prints
- General AreaEllis County, Texas102 mi · 2 hr 7 min driveFossilized Shark Teeth
- Whiskey Bridge (Brazos River)Burleson County, Texas140 mi · 2 hr 55 min driveFossil Snails, Fossilized Shells, Coral
Types of fossils reported near Tyler
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Fossilized Shark Teeth2
- Ammonites1
- Fossil Leaf Prints1
- Fossil Snails1
- Fossilized Oysters1
- Fossilized Shells1
Every fossil spot within 150 miles of Tyler
Sorted by distance from Tyler. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
| Spot | County | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ladonia Fossil Park | Fannin County |
| 33.4341, -95.9200 | Public |
| S side of US 287US 287 | Ellis County |
| 32.4434, -96.9226 | Public |
| General AreaWest US Highway 287 | Ellis County |
| 32.4929, -97.0392 | Public |
| Whiskey Bridge (Brazos River) | Burleson County |
| 30.6267, -96.5439 | Public |
Fossils near Tyler FAQ
Where can I find fossils near Tyler?+
4 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Tyler report fossil. The closest is Ladonia Fossil Park in Fannin County County, roughly 83 miles away (1 hr 44 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect fossils on public land near Tyler?+
4 of the 4 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
Is it legal to keep fossils I find?+
On federal land, common invertebrate and plant fossils (shells, corals, trilobites, leaf prints) may be collected casually for personal use. Vertebrate fossils (bone, teeth, anything with a backbone) are protected on federal land and need a research permit. Private land follows the landowner's permission. When in doubt, photograph it, note the location, and ask the managing agency.
How far from Tyler do I need to drive?+
The nearest fossil spot is about 83 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 140 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Tyler
Fossils near other cities
Hunt fossils around Tyler with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
