Fossils rockhounding sites in Nebraska

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

32 fossils destinations in Nebraska.

Rockhounding sites in Nebraska — fossils: 32 spots in our directory. Sort live from your phone with near me, or browse all U.S. fossils rockhounding sites and the Nebraska state page.

Fossils collecting in Nebraska

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

We currently document 32 fossils collecting sites in Nebraska. Each listing includes original descriptions, visitor notes, and last-updated dates when available.

What to know before you collect

Fossils destinations in Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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

View
Safety Glasses — Non-negotiable eye protection when hammering rock

Safety Glasses

Non-negotiable eye protection when hammering rock

4 products compared

View
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

View
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

View
All gear categories →

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

Above Lost Chance — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

Above Lost Chance

Fossil collection site, Brown County, Nebraska. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesNebraska
View details
Boxelder Canyon — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

Boxelder Canyon

Fossil collection site, Lincoln County, Nebraska. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesNebraska
View details
Feltz Ranch — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

Feltz Ranch

Fossil collection site, Keith County, Nebraska. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesNebraska
View details
Little Badlands — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

Little Badlands

Little Badlands is a documented mineral occurrence near NE. Reported specimens include Vertebrate fossils. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesNebraska
View details
Lizard Quarry — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

Lizard Quarry

Fossil collection site, Sioux County, Nebraska. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesNebraska
View details
Mayer Farm — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

Mayer Farm

Fossil collection site in the Eskridge, Richardson County, Nebraska. Environment: pond. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesNebraska
View details
North Prong Quarry — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

North Prong Quarry

Fossil collection site, Cherry County, Nebraska. Environment: "channel". Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesNebraska
View details
Quinn Canyon — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

Quinn Canyon

Fossil collection site, Dawson County, Nebraska. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesNebraska
View details
Raney Farm — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

Raney Farm

Fossil collection site in the Eskridge, Richardson County, Nebraska. Environment: pond. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesNebraska
View details
Rick Irwin Site — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

Rick Irwin Site

Fossil collection site, Keya Paha County, Nebraska. Environment: "channel". Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesNebraska
View details
Santee — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

Santee

Fossil collection site in the Pierre Shale, Knox County, Nebraska. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesNebraska
View details
Wagner Quarry — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

Wagner Quarry

Fossil collection site, Dawes County, Nebraska. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesNebraska
View details
Waneta Site — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

Waneta Site

Fossil collection site, Chase County, Nebraska. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesNebraska
View details
Weeping Water — fossil rockhounding site near The Oread, NE
FossilNE

Weeping Water

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

Fee variesThe Oread
View details
Williams Site — fossil rockhounding site near Nebraska, NE
FossilNE

Williams Site

Fossil collection site, Hitchcock County, Nebraska. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesNebraska
View details