Mineral Wells Fossil Park — Hours, Rules, What to Find & Nearby Lodging
Planning a day at Mineral Wells Fossil Park? Here’s your quick guide to hours, rules, directions, and where to stay nearby. The City lists the park open daily 8:00 AM–8:45 PM (year-round). Always check the official page before you go: City of Mineral Wells – Fossil Park
Quick links:
Book Online · RV Sites · Barndominium · Park Map · The Area
Official Park Site: mineralwellsfossilpark.com
How To Get There (And Where To Park)
From Mineral Wells, take US-180 west, then turn north on Indian Creek Rd and continue ~2 miles to the entrance at 2375 Indian Creek Rd, Mineral Wells, TX 76067. See the park’s directions page and map:
What You Can Find (And Why This Site Is Special)
Surface collecting here turns up Pennsylvanian-age marine fossils ~300 million years old—commonly crinoid stems, plus echinoids, brachiopods, bivalves, bryozoans, corals, and occasional trilobites (even rare shark material has turned up). Learn more:
Park Rules (Read This Before You Dig)
Collect only in designated areas; surface collecting with small hand tools is allowed; follow posted rules. Review the official rules here:
Pro tip: Wear knee pads, bring small bags for finds, and follow the trail by the canopy down to the borrow pit. See the park’s tips and layout:
Make It A Weekend: Stay Near Mineral Wells Fossil Park
Skip highway motels and stay riverside. Inez Spring (near Eastland) offers shaded, full-hookup RV Sites, a spacious 4BR/4BA Barndominium, strong Wi-Fi, laundry, and late check-in. Lock in your dates now: Book Online.
While you’re in the area, add a day at Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway—rock climbing, trails, paddling, and more.
Events & Seasonal Note
Watch for the park’s community dig day (often the “Crazy Fossil Dig,” third Saturday in October); confirm dates on the official page or Facebook before you go:
FAQ (Quick Answers With Helpful Links)
Is the park free?
Yes—public access, free fossil hunting in designated areas (see rules).
What fossils are most common?
Crinoid stems, plus brachiopods, bryozoans, corals, bivalves, and more.
Official fossil overview
Best nearby state park?
Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway