Fossils in the metro

[sanka]

I'm looking for fossil/artifact hunting places in the twin cities metro area. With the warm weather coming up I'm itching to get out. I know of Lilydale park, but apparently you have to pay to hunt them there. I don't expect anyone to give up a secret spot, but maybe just a point in the right direction.

[hydro]

Lilydale is well worth the price of the day permit. It's easy to get to and there are a lot of fossils to be found.

Other places to look at are 36th street and West River Road in Minneapolis, Grand Avenue and East River Road in St. Paul, and anywhere the river has cut through the limestone.

Another place to try is road construction, particularly if there is a bluish tint to the excavation till, that color is common in the Decorah Shale which is full of fossils. Try the project at Crosstown and 35W.

Also, try Googling this text string "Fossil collecting in the Twin Cities area". The Minnesota Geological Survey has an interesting publication that will assist you.