Fossil And Prairie Park - Charles City/Mason City Area, Iowa

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     Fossil And Prairie Park - Charles City/Mason City Area, Iowa

This center will provide interpretive information about the fossils in the area and the nearby native prairie. The park has over 400 acres, of which 80 contains the flora of a typical Iowa prairie.

This 400-acre park is a unique attraction, being one of only three known public fossil collecting sites in the nation (CNN, 2003). The Devonian fossils can be easily collected by visitors of any age, attracting school groups from elementary through college, as well as researchers and families. The park also has historic beehive kilns, over 60 acres of virgin prairie, re-created sod house, and visitor center. In the Center, museum quality exhibits interpret the natural and historic features of the park. Trained staff and volunteers greet visitors and answer questions about the park and local tourism.

Visitors can also tour a wetlands area, a riparian corridor, and kilns. The fossils are found in a quarry area. Walking trails have also been developed.

Admission – None

Directions – Located in the middle of agricultural land the park is 15 miles west of Charles City and 22 miles east of Mason City.

Hours – 6:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., year-around

Phone – (515) 257-6214