Hueston Woods State Park is a fossil collecting location in Preble County, Ohio. The site exposes Ordovician (Late Ordovician Richmondian) fossils where visitors can hunt for brachiopods, bryozoans, crinoids, trilobites, and horn corals.

Collecting is allowed in designated areas; check park visitor center for current rules and permitted locations (6301 Park Office Rd). May also need to check Army Corps of Engineers rules for some areas. Free access with park admission. No permit required but check with naturalist before collecting.

Hueston Woods began when Matthew Hueston started purchasing land in 1797 after serving under General Mad Anthony Wayne. His descendants remained until the 1930s. The state bought the land in 1941 and opened it as a state park in 1957. In 1956, Four Mile Creek was dammed to form 625-acre Acton Lake, named for Ohio legislator Clyde Acton who persuaded the legislature to buy the property. The park’s beech-maple climax forest was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1967. The park is known as one of the best places in the world to hunt for Ordovician-age fossils, visited by people from around the world each year.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about fossil collecting at Hueston Woods, including directions to the site, collecting rules and regulations, the types of fossils you can find, and what to expect during your visit.

Location and Directions

Hueston Woods State Park is located at 6301 Park Office Rd College Corner OH. The fossil collecting site is in Preble County, Ohio.

Directions to Hueston Woods

To reach Hueston Woods: There are multiple creek localities within park including Four Mile Creek Picnic Area near dam and Covered Bridge Area; check visitor center for permitted spots.

When you arrive, the fossil collecting area is located at designated creek exposures especially Four Mile Creek and Covered Bridge areas.

What Fossils You’ll Find

Hueston Woods contains Ordovician (Late Ordovician Richmondian) fossils preserved in limestones and shales.

Brachiopods are the primary fossil assemblage at the site. Bryozoans are also found throughout the collecting area. Crinoids occur less frequently but have been been discovered at Hueston Woods.

Geologic History

Hueston Woods exposes the Richmond Group formation, a significant Ordovician (Late Ordovician Richmondian) geological unit in Preble County, Ohio.

Millions of years ago, the area that is now Ohio was a shallow tropical sea environment. The climate was warm tropical with extensive shallow seas supporting diverse marine communities.

As these ancient organisms died, sediments buried and preserved their remains. Over millions of years, geological processes transformed these sediments into the fossil-bearing rocks visible at Hueston Woods today.

How Hueston Woods Became a Fossil Collecting Site

Hueston Woods was established as a protected area to preserve fossil resources while providing public access for education and collecting. Recognition of the site’s paleontological importance led to its designation as a managed collecting location.

Park or preserve status protects Hueston Woods from commercial exploitation while maintaining access for hobbyists and researchers. This management approach ensures fossil resources remain available for future generations while allowing current visitors to experience the thrill of discovery.

Collecting Rules & Regulations

Is Fossil Collecting Allowed?

Fossil collecting is allowed at Hueston Woods. Visitors may keep the fossils they find at this public collecting site.

Key Points:

• No permits or fees required
• Open to all experience levels
• Specimens become property of the collector
• Free access to fossil beds

Tools and Equipment

Recommended Tools:

Fossil collectors should verify which tools are allowed before beginning their search. Some sites provide tools for visitors, while others require collectors to bring their own equipment.

Common Collecting Tools:

• Rock hammers and chisels
• Brushes for cleaning specimens
• Hand screens for processing sediment
• Sturdy containers, bags, or buckets
• Newspaper or bubble wrap for protection
• Spray bottle with water (reveals fossil details)

Safety Guidelines

Essential Safety Guidelines:

Safety should be every collector’s top priority when visiting Hueston Woods.

Personal Protection:

• Wear closed-toe shoes or boots with good traction
• Eye protection is essential when using rock hammers or chisels
• Sun protection: sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing
• Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated

Site Awareness:

• Supervise children at all times
• Watch for unstable rock faces, deep water, steep slopes
• Be aware of poisonous plants and wildlife
• Let someone know your plans before visiting remote sites
• Never collect alone in isolated areas

Sources

Ohio DNR Hueston Woods State Park website; Wikipedia; This Local Life Ohio fossil parks article; Atlas of Ordovician Life fossil collecting documentation; The Lake Effect blog; StateParkS.info article Dec 2024; Only In Your State article July 2025; Akron Ohio Moms fossil hunting guide; Ohio DNR Geological Survey fossil collecting guide