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Florissant Fossil Beds National MonumentA variety of tools used to excavate for fossils
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Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
While At The park
 

Things to do on a visit to Florissant Fossil Beds:

  1. Go to the visitor center and look at the displays of insect and leaf fossils. This is the best place to see these types of fossils.


  2. Go on the one-mile Petrified Forest Loop and see petrified redwood trees, a historic excavation site, and a geologic time exhibit. Take along a self-guided booklet.


  3. Explore the outdoor exhibit area where you can see massive petrified redwood trees and exhibits on geology and paleontology.


  4. Visit the Hornbek Homestead and learn from the exhibits and self-guided booklet.


  5. Go on one of our hiking trails and learn about the modern ecosystem.


  6. There is also a nearby, privately owned fossil collecting site. For a fee, your class can collect the same kinds of plant and insect fossils that are found in the Florissant Fossil Beds. Call the Monument for details.

 

Photo of two elk grazing in a grassy meadow  

Did You Know?
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument provides excellent habitat for a variety of mammals including bears, mountain lions, porcupines, ground squirrels, and a small herd of elk.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:23 EST