New Jersey Fossils and Dinosaurs: Places to Explore
Explore New Jersey’s Fossil Past
You don’t have to travel far from home to explore evidence of past life. New Jersey offers places to learn about fossils and dinosaurs, whether you enjoy museum exhibits, outdoor discovery, or a closer look at the state’s history.
Use the guides below to explore your interests and plan an outing. Before traveling, confirm current access, facilities, and collecting rules with the organization responsible for each destination.
New to the subject? Start with our Fossils 101 Guide for an introduction to fossils and responsible exploration.
New Jersey’s Discovery That Made Dinosaur History
In 1858, paleontologists uncovered a nearly complete Hadrosaurus foulkii skeleton in Haddonfield, New Jersey. It was the most complete dinosaur skeleton known at the time.
In 1868, it became the world’s first mounted dinosaur skeleton displayed to the public at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. This remarkable discovery helped people see dinosaurs in a whole new way and cemented New Jersey’s special place in paleontology!
Learn more through the Academy of Natural Sciences.
Fossil Hunting in New Jersey
Our Big Brook visit shows how an afternoon of searching can become an opportunity to learn. We found belemnite fossils, examined concretions, and enjoyed spending time beside the creek.
Read our Big Brook trip report for photos, a video, and lessons from our visit. The report also includes an important notice about the Hillsdale Road entrance closure. Confirm current access and collecting rules before planning an outing.
Choose Your Next Fossil Experience
What would you enjoy most: seeing dinosaur skeletons in a museum, joining a guided fossil activity, or exploring outdoors? Start with the experience you want, then consider walking distance, terrain, facilities, and available assistance.
Our Places to Find Fossils guide brings together destinations to explore further. Check each location’s official visitor information before making plans, and remember that permission to visit does not necessarily include permission to collect.
Keep Exploring
New Jersey’s fossil story gives us plenty of reasons to stay curious. Learning about the Haddonfield discovery or examining a small fossil can turn an ordinary day into a memorable experience.
Continue with Fossils 101 to learn what to look for, or visit our Fossils hub for more guides and stories.
Adventure Never Gets Old™