Celebrate Our Geologic Heritage

During 2025 we celebrate the 16th Anniversary of National Fossil Day!  Join paleontologists, educators, and students in fossil-related events and activities across the country in parks, classrooms, and online during National Fossil Day.  National Fossil Day is an annual celebration held to highlight the scientific and educational value of paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. Learn more, Dig 20 Ideas Inspired by National Fossil Day.

Next National Fossil Day is
Wednesday October 15, 2025

artwork of prehistoric plants and animals
NFD 2025 Poster Artwork

Featuring Oligocene plants and animals of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Color drawing of prehistoric animal and an ancient human artifact.
2024 Art Contest Winners

2024 theme: "Compare the work of an Archeologist and a Paleontologist"

two dinosaurs walking across a dry lakebed
Age of Dinosaurs

inosaur fossils found at least 21 NPS areas encompasses everything from some of the earliest to the last known dinosaurs of North America.

illustration of two Columbian Mammoths
Prehistoric Life of Tule Springs

Meet the Ice Age creatures that once roamed near modern day Las Vegas.

cover of coloring book with text Prehistoric Life in the national parks and cartoon scene
Prehistoric Life Coloring Book

The Prehistoric Life of the National Parks coloring book and extra bonus coloring pages are available to download!

ranger-led group activity learning about fossils
Become a Junior Paleontologist

Spanish and English books available for download.

collage of partner logos
Partners Make NFD Happen

Artwork depicting the Coconino desert environment and two primitive tetrapods
Fossil Footprints Across Our Parks

Take a virtual ranger-guided hike through time and across parks!

Last updated: January 15, 2025

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