Fossils rockhounding sites in Arkansas

Trilobites, brachiopods, petrified wood, and other paleontological collecting on public land.

55 fossils destinations in Arkansas.

Rockhounding sites in Arkansas — fossils: 55 spots in our directory. Sort live from your phone with near me, or browse all U.S. fossils rockhounding sites and the Arkansas state page.

Guides & hubs: Arkansas rockhounding guide · Gem mining near me — Crater of Diamonds & quartz fee digs

Fossils collecting in Arkansas

Trilobites, brachiopods, petrified wood, and other paleontological collecting on public land.

We currently document 55 fossils collecting sites in Arkansas. Each listing includes original descriptions, visitor notes, and last-updated dates when available.

What to know before you collect

Fossils destinations in Arkansas vary widely in access, season, and legality. Some are official recreation areas; others are informal gravel bars. Read the access and safety sections on each listing — never assume collecting is allowed without checking current signage.

For trip planning beyond this filter, browse the full Arkansas state page, our guides, or use near me to sort by distance from your location.

How we research listings · Report a correction · Safety disclaimer

What to pack for fossil hunting

Splitting shale and hiking exposures — gear we compare for paleontology field trips.

Chisels & Wedges — Split matrix cleanly and protect your specimens

Chisels & Wedges

Split matrix cleanly and protect your specimens

5 products compared

Safety Glasses — Non-negotiable eye protection when hammering rock

Safety Glasses

Non-negotiable eye protection when hammering rock

4 products compared

Specimen Bags & Wrap — Get your finds home without chips and scratches

Specimen Bags & Wrap

Get your finds home without chips and scratches

4 products compared

Field Gloves — Cut and abrasion protection for sharp rock and tools

Field Gloves

Cut and abrasion protection for sharp rock and tools

4 products compared

All gear categories →

Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

A-10 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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A-10

Fossil collection site in the Arkadelphia, Hempstead County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

A-11 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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A-11

Fossil collection site in the Arkadelphia, Hempstead County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

A-12 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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A-12

Fossil collection site in the Arkadelphia, Hempstead County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

A-6 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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A-6

Fossil collection site in the Arkadelphia, Hempstead County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

A-7 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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A-7

Fossil collection site in the Arkadelphia, Hempstead County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

A-8 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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A-8

Fossil collection site in the Arkadelphia, Hempstead County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Arc-02, South Of Leslie — fossil rockhounding site near The Imo, AR

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Arc-02, South Of Leslie

Fossil collection site in the Imo, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesThe Imo

Arc-07, Trace Creek — fossil rockhounding site near The Fayetteville, AR

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Arc-07, Trace Creek

Fossil collection site in the Fayetteville, Arkansas. Environment: offshore. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesThe Fayetteville

Arnett — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Arnett

Fossil collection site in the Bloyd, Washington County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Articulate Brachiopods, St. Clair Limestone, Searcy County, Arkansas — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Articulate Brachiopods, St. Clair Limestone, Searcy County, Arkansas

Fossil collection site in the St. Clair Limestone, Searcy County, Arkansas. Environment: deep subtidal ramp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Copperas Creek — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Copperas Creek

Fossil collection site, Cross County, Arkansas. Environment: coastal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Hearn — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Hearn

Fossil collection site in the Marlbrook Marl, Clark County, Arkansas. Environment: coastal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

High Bluff — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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High Bluff

Fossil collection site in the Nacatoch, Clark County, Arkansas. Environment: coastal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Honey Hole Quarry — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Honey Hole Quarry

Fossil collection site, Saint Francis County, Arkansas. Environment: estuary/bay. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Jasper Pinnid — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Jasper Pinnid

Fossil collection site in the Pitkin, Newton County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Johnson's Well, Top Of Capitol Hill, Corner Of Battery And 9th Streets — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Johnson's Well, Top Of Capitol Hill, Corner Of Battery And 9th Streets

Fossil collection site in the Clayton, Pulaski County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Kessler Limestone Member, Bloyd Shale At "low Gap"; Usgs 8177 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Kessler Limestone Member, Bloyd Shale At "low Gap"; Usgs 8177

Fossil collection site in the Bloyd, Washington County, Arkansas. Environment: shallow subtidal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Kessler Limestone Member, Bloyd Shale At Mill Creek; Usgs 2857 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Kessler Limestone Member, Bloyd Shale At Mill Creek; Usgs 2857

Fossil collection site in the Bloyd, Washington County, Arkansas. Environment: shallow subtidal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Kessler Limestone Member, Bloyd Shale At Morrow; Usgs 3660 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Kessler Limestone Member, Bloyd Shale At Morrow; Usgs 3660

Fossil collection site in the Bloyd, Washington County, Arkansas. Environment: shallow subtidal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Loc. 1. Usgs 14369. Road Cut On Se Side Us 65, 0.8 Km Sw Of Peyton Creek Bridge — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Loc. 1. Usgs 14369. Road Cut On Se Side Us 65, 0.8 Km Sw Of Peyton Creek Bridge

Fossil collection site in the Imo, Van Buren County, Arkansas. Environment: offshore. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Loc. 2. Road Cut On The Southern Side Of Ar-highway 66, ~1 Km Northeast Of — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Loc. 2. Road Cut On The Southern Side Of Ar-highway 66, ~1 Km Northeast Of

Fossil collection site in the Pitkin, Searcy County, Arkansas. Environment: reef, buildup or bioherm. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Loc. 2. Usgs 16058. Dirt Road On E. Side Of Little Red River, 0.48 Km Se Us 65 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Loc. 2. Usgs 16058. Dirt Road On E. Side Of Little Red River, 0.48 Km Se Us 65

Fossil collection site in the Imo, Searcy County, Arkansas. Environment: offshore. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Loc. 3. Usgs 15301. Bear Creek At Sulphur Springs Hollow, Ar Sh-27 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Loc. 3. Usgs 15301. Bear Creek At Sulphur Springs Hollow, Ar Sh-27

Fossil collection site in the Imo, Searcy County, Arkansas. Environment: offshore. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Loc. 4. Usgs 15298. 61m Up Gully East Of Falling Water Creek, 17.9 Km S. Eula — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Loc. 4. Usgs 15298. 61m Up Gully East Of Falling Water Creek, 17.9 Km S. Eula

Fossil collection site in the Imo, Searcy County, Arkansas. Environment: offshore. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Loc. 5. Usgs 17692. Low Water Concrete Bridge Across Big Piney Creek — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Loc. 5. Usgs 17692. Low Water Concrete Bridge Across Big Piney Creek

Fossil collection site in the Imo, Newton County, Arkansas. Environment: offshore. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Loc. 6. Usgs 19959. Slump 457m Down S. Bank Of Middle Fork Of Little Fork River — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Loc. 6. Usgs 19959. Slump 457m Down S. Bank Of Middle Fork Of Little Fork River

Fossil collection site in the Imo, Van Buren County, Arkansas. Environment: offshore. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Loc. 7. M-17. Creed Bed & Banks Of Middle Fork Of Little Red River — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Loc. 7. M-17. Creed Bed & Banks Of Middle Fork Of Little Red River

Fossil collection site in the Imo, Van Buren County, Arkansas. Environment: offshore. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Loc. 8. M-18. Road Cut On Arkansas Hwy 27, ~16.1 Km Sw Of Marshall — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Loc. 8. M-18. Road Cut On Arkansas Hwy 27, ~16.1 Km Sw Of Marshall

Fossil collection site in the Imo, Searcy County, Arkansas. Environment: offshore. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Loc. 8. Usgs 28561. Waterfall In Tributary Creek Into Falling Water Creek — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Loc. 8. Usgs 28561. Waterfall In Tributary Creek Into Falling Water Creek

Fossil collection site in the Imo, Searcy County, Arkansas. Environment: offshore. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Lockesburg (uam) — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Lockesburg (uam)

Fossil collection site, Sevier County, Arkansas. Environment: marginal marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

M 29 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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M 29

Fossil collection site in the Moodys Branch, Cleveland County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

M 316 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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M 316

Fossil collection site in the Moodys Branch, Cleveland County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

M 686 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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M 686

Fossil collection site in the Cook Mountain, Ouachita County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Pri 894 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Pri 894

Fossil collection site in the Yazoo, St. Francis County, Arkansas. Environment: coastal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Pri 896 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Pri 896

Fossil collection site in the White Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Pri 897 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Pri 897

Fossil collection site in the Moodys Branch, Cleveland County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Red Bluff — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Red Bluff

Fossil collection site in the White Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas. Environment: estuary/bay. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Usgs 1292, Van Buren — fossil rockhounding site near The Atoka, AR

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Usgs 1292, Van Buren

Fossil collection site in the Atoka, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesThe Atoka

Usgs 13970, Jasper — fossil rockhounding site near The Fayetteville, AR

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Usgs 13970, Jasper

Fossil collection site in the Fayetteville, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesThe Fayetteville

Usgs 15084, Session Creek — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Usgs 15084, Session Creek

Fossil collection site, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Usgs 15087, Boles — fossil rockhounding site near The Johns Valley, AR

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Usgs 15087, Boles

Fossil collection site in the Johns Valley, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesThe Johns Valley

Usgs 16276, Highway 71 — fossil rockhounding site near The Atoka, AR

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Usgs 16276, Highway 71

Fossil collection site in the Atoka, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesThe Atoka

Usgs 2000, Gore — fossil rockhounding site near The Witts Springs, AR

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Usgs 2000, Gore

Fossil collection site in the Witts Springs, Arkansas. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesThe Witts Springs

Usnm 1339a. Sam Eidson's Stillhouse, 9 Miles North East Of Fayetteville — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Usnm 1339a. Sam Eidson's Stillhouse, 9 Miles North East Of Fayetteville

Fossil collection site in the Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Usnm 1339e. Faulted Area, South Of Fault, Short Distance Down Slope From Remains Of Sam Horn's Still House, 5½ Miles North East Of Fayetteville — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Usnm 1339e. Faulted Area, South Of Fault, Short Distance Down Slope From Remains Of Sam Horn's Still House, 5½ Miles North East Of Fayetteville

Fossil collection site in the Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Usnm 2839. Small Knob Near Center Of Sec. 23 T. 21 N., R. 29 W. — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Usnm 2839. Small Knob Near Center Of Sec. 23 T. 21 N., R. 29 W.

Fossil collection site in the Batesville Sandstone, Benton County, Arkansas. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Usnm 2840. Along Ravine Between Secs. 27 & 22 T. 21 N., R. 29 W. — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Usnm 2840. Along Ravine Between Secs. 27 & 22 T. 21 N., R. 29 W.

Fossil collection site in the Batesville Sandstone, Benton County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Usnm 3652. South Side Of Hill, Near Elkins, Close To Fayetteville — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Usnm 3652. South Side Of Hill, Near Elkins, Close To Fayetteville

Fossil collection site in the Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Usnm 5551. Cut On St. Louis-san Francisco Railroad Just West Of Fayetteville City Park, Just North Of Fayetteville — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Usnm 5551. Cut On St. Louis-san Francisco Railroad Just West Of Fayetteville City Park, Just North Of Fayetteville

Fossil collection site in the Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Usnm 5553a. ½ Mile East Of Fork In The Road, On Line Between Secs. 4 & 5, 3 Miles Easy Of Springdale, South Side Of Webber Mountain — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Usnm 5553a. ½ Mile East Of Fork In The Road, On Line Between Secs. 4 & 5, 3 Miles Easy Of Springdale, South Side Of Webber Mountain

Fossil collection site in the Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Usnm 5556. Yellville Quadrangle, Just North Of Highway 65 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Usnm 5556. Yellville Quadrangle, Just North Of Highway 65

Fossil collection site in the Batesville Sandstone, Searcy County, Arkansas. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Usnm 7084. Road By House At Road Forks, Harrison Quadrangle — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Usnm 7084. Road By House At Road Forks, Harrison Quadrangle

Fossil collection site in the Fayetteville, Boone County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Usnm 7087. 100 Yds Upstream From Bridge, Bed Of Illinois River, 2 Miles Northeast Of Prairie Grove — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Usnm 7087. 100 Yds Upstream From Bridge, Bed Of Illinois River, 2 Miles Northeast Of Prairie Grove

Fossil collection site in the Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

West Of Shawnee Cave, Bruno. 6.5 Miles Due South Of Yellville — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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West Of Shawnee Cave, Bruno. 6.5 Miles Due South Of Yellville

Fossil collection site in the Reeds Spring, Marion County, Arkansas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas

Winslow Quadrangle, Steam, Road, Railroad Junction, Usgs 2849 — fossil rockhounding site near Arkansas, AR

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Winslow Quadrangle, Steam, Road, Railroad Junction, Usgs 2849

Fossil collection site in the Bloyd Shale, Washington County, Arkansas. Environment: shallow subtidal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesArkansas