Ladonia Fossil Park — Attraction in Texas

Field Trip #2 to Ladonia, TX to get fossils from the Sulphur Riverbed.

Located closer to Paris Tx than to DFW, Ladonia Texas is a tiny town about an hour and a half Northeast of Dallas. The Sulphur river there is known for having fossils when the riverbed is dry. We visited Ladonia and walked in the riverbed looking for fossils. If you didn't know it, you'd miss the entrance to the park (we did). A small parking lot at the edge of a bridge is the only indication you've found the right place. Pull off into the parking lot and after walking through a grassy path you come to the edge of the Sulphur river. The climb down is steep but made easier by the installation of some really tall stairs. The steps are very deep, you have to almost sit down to reach the next step below. Upon reaching the riverbed, some 70 feet below the roadway, you will need to walk about half a mile away from the bridge to find fossils - but man alive, what fossils you find! We found enormous oyster shells, strangely shaped sandstone, what appears to be some fossilized mammal bone, random gem-like stones, chert/flint and plenty of shale. Under the bridge (which is really the only shade you find in the area) when you look up, you see the underside of the bridge is loaded with cliff swallow nests. The swallows swarm all around the bridge eating bugs and then returning to the nest to feed...

Review for the temporary fossil park-This specific location is far too muddy from the Lake construction on 34, was heavily disappointed would couldn’t get into the river past the ramp due to a foot of mud. The gravel beds that used to be here are now buried in mud and silt, red zones in the walls were heavily excavated and collapsing. Had to help a family get unstuck knee-deep in the bank right at the entrance. Very dangerous location for kids IMO. Great place to park your car if you dont mind walking westward along the farm fence cliff edge 20+ minutes to a much better spot… but I don’t recommend looking at this temporary park. Come in the dead of a summer drought when it hasn't had rain in weeks if you don’t want to risk getting stuck.

Be aware of venomous snakes, wild boar, lots of spiders and bees. Areas off limits around 34 due to construction. No facilities or restrooms for many miles. This river is a great place for cretaceous ammonites, mosasaurus, and shells in general… just not here at the temporary park. High waders and...

Better go soon before its history once again. The new Ralph Hall reservoir is under way and expected to be completed around 2023. This area of the North Sulphur River will once again be underwater and fossil hunting will be more difficult. Look for the ATV trail on the other side of the highway to get under the bridge. Those stairs are waist high, like giants steps. Take a bucket or mesh bag for your finds. Wear rubber boots; you will regret wearing anything else. Walk along the gravel and waters edge, so you don't sink, and pick up anything that looks interesting. There are fossils, shells, teeth, bones, petrified wood, and more. Snap pics of your finds and share on FB. Take a snack and water to stay longer. Take clean shoes to change back into. P.S. no potties; go...