Where to Find Fossils in Kansas: 132 Mapped Sites
Kansas has 132 documented sites where fossils have been reported, and the best-known are 12 Mile Creek Site, 1 mile north of Baldwin, and 6 mi S of Sheridan. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 2 of the 132 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Fossils Map: Kansas
All 132 fossils sites in Kansas. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Fossils Are Found in Kansas
Fossils live in sedimentary rock — limestone, shale, and sandstone. Fresh exposures are everything: roadcuts, creek banks after storms, quarry spoil, and eroding badlands beat weathered outcrop every time.
The richest reported sites in Kansas: 12 Mile Creek Site, 1 mile north of Baldwin, 6 mi S of Sheridan, Belvidere, Big Blue River.
Of the 132 sites, 2 are public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Fossils Sites in Kansas
- 12 Mile Creek Site — Other
- 1 mile north of Baldwin — Other
- 6 mi S of Sheridan — Other
- Belvidere — Other
- Big Blue River — Other
- Braun Ranch — Other
- BRH2N-5 — Other
- Butte Creek — Other
- C2-3-4(Kiowa) — Other
- Castle Rock — Other
- CH10uTm, Chase County — Other
- CH42uTm, Chase County — Other
- CHMAR-7 — Other
- Coffeyville quarry — Other
- CQDP-6 — Other
- CWLOD-3 — Other
- Dakota — Other
- Elmo (formerly Banner) — Other
- Garnett — Public Access
- GWBOF-2 — Other
- GWFMS-7 — Other
- Hackberry — Other
- Haverkampf farm — Other
- Hell's Bar — Other
- IU15706 — Other
- IU15706 — Other
- Jewell County — Other
- K-222, Highway 160 — Other
- K-84, Chase County — Other
- K-90, Tuttle Creek — Other
- Kiowa — Other
- KS-05, Niobrara Chalk 4 — Other
- KSV-05 Peru road ditch — Other
- KUVP Gra-2 — Other
- Lansing pinnid 1 — Other
- Logan County — Other
- LY12uTm, Lyon County — Other
- M4-6-7(Kiowa) — Other
- Marion V, bed 5 — Other
- McAllaster — Other
- MS07Tm, Morris County — Other
- MS15uTm, Morris County — Other
- Near a big spring, 9 miles northeast of 'Lincoln Centre' (KUVP 1331 locality) — Other
- Near Baldwin — Other
- Near Mankato — Other
- Near Sycamore, Wann Formation, Ochelata Group, Montgomery County, KS — Other
- near Tyro — Other
- Near WaKeeney — Other
- Niobrara Chalk 23 — Other
- Oatville Sandpit — Other
Showing 50 of 132 sites — every site appears on the map above.
How to Identify Fossils
Look for biological structure the rock around it lacks: shell curves and growth lines, the spongy honeycomb interior of bone, leaf veins, ribbed corals, or the segmented symmetry of a trilobite. Fossils usually contrast with their matrix in color or density. Bone that has mineralized feels heavier than fresh bone and often shows a polished brown-black surface.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find fossils in Kansas?
Kansas has 132 mapped sites where fossils have been reported. The best-known are 12 Mile Creek Site, 1 mile north of Baldwin, and 6 mi S of Sheridan. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many fossils sites are mapped in Kansas?
We have 132 documented fossils sites in Kansas, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect fossils in Kansas?
Casual collecting is generally allowed on BLM and National Forest land for personal, non-commercial use — the standard BLM limit is 25 lbs per day plus one specimen. National parks, monuments, and many state parks prohibit collecting, and private land always requires the owner's permission. Check the site report for each location and verify current land status before you dig.
How do I identify fossil?
Look for biological structure the rock around it lacks: shell curves and growth lines, the spongy honeycomb interior of bone, leaf veins, ribbed corals, or the segmented symmetry of a trilobite. Fossils usually contrast with their matrix in color or density. Bone that has mineralized feels heavier than fresh bone and often shows a polished brown-black surface.
What should I bring to collect fossils?
The basics: a rock hammer, safety glasses, gloves, a bucket or padded bag for specimens, and a GPS app with the coordinates from this page. Add a spray bottle — wetting a stone makes color and banding far easier to judge in the field.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
More to Find in Kansas
Data: Paleobiology Database, community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.