Fossil Park has reopened after several months of renovation. Visitors to this unique venue will find a new, user-friendly entrance gate that is ADA accessible. The ramp leading to the fossil digging pit, which was in disrepair, has been replaced and new and improved interpretative signs have been installed along with an observation deck overlooking the fossil pit.

“Our goal was to create a much more user-friendly park,” noted TOPS Project Manager Dan Marsalek, who oversaw all of the renovations and new building at the park.

In addition, a new shelter house has been constructed that can seat up to 80 people. “This is a perfect venue for all different events and can be rented by the day,” noted TOPS Executive director Erika Buri. The cost for Sylvania residents is $50 per day and for nonresidents is $75 per day.

Fossil Park is open daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm and is one of only two prime Devonian Era sites in the world. Nearly 375 million years ago, northwest Ohio was a great sea teeming with life. Fossil Park is rich in fossilized brachiopods, coral, and more than 200 species of prehistoric life. This five-acre, ADA-accessible park allows visitors to search for world-renowned fossils in a safe, controlled environment. The fossils come from Hanson Aggregate Midwest’s large working quarries, located just a mile south of Fossil Park. The specimens are in shale that is soft enough to break with bare hands, making this an activity nearly anyone can enjoy.

For information or to reserve the shelter, call 419-882-8313 or visit olanderpark.com/fossilpark