When I first heard about Falls of the Ohio State Park, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Fossil beds? Cool, but would they really be that interesting? Turns out, yes. Standing on an ancient ocean floor (Southern Indiana used to be underwater and south of the equator!) surrounded by fossils from 390 million years ago—it’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever visited.
The History of the Falls of the Ohio
In the 1700s, navigation through this section of the Ohio River, which has a 26-foot drop over 2.5 miles, wasn’t just tough—it was downright dangerous. In the early 1800s, a canal was built to help boats bypass the Ohio River’s dangerous rapids, but it wasn’t perfect—some vessels were too large, while others only attempted it with the help of expert “falls pilots.”
Then, in the 1920s, they built a hydroelectric dam downstream, which changed the river’s flow and left the fossil beds we see today exposed and ready for exploring.
Exploring the Fossil Beds
What’s cool is you can walk directly on the fossil beds when the river levels are low, which is most common in late summer and early fall. Just make sure to wear sturdy shoes, because the limestone can be slippery. Oh, and bring a spray bottle if it’s dry—the moisture really makes the fossils stand out.
I wasn’t sure what I was looking at, so I was happy to be on a naturalist-led hike. The guide pointed out several types of fossils. The little rings and sticks are crinoids, and the horn-shaped ones are horn corals.
The upper fossil beds showcase a wider variety of fossils, while the lower beds are mostly filled with coral remains. The first day, due to the extreme summer temperatures, I visited only the upper fossil beds with the naturalist. But I returned on my own early the following day to check out the lower fossil beds.
BEYOND THE FOSSIL BEDS
Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center
The Interpretive Center is like the park’s headquarters for all things fossils, history, and nature. There’s a giant model of what this area looked like during the Devonian period, exhibits about George Rogers Clark, and even a Shawnee wegiwa. I spent way more time here than I expected because there’s just so much to see.
Lewis & Clark Handshake Statue
I also checked out the Lewis & Clark Handshake Statue. This is where the two explorers met in 1803 before their famous journey west. The handshake statue and the George Rogers Clark Home Site (below) are stops on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail.
George Rogers Clark Home Site
The nearby George Rogers Clark Homesite is also worth visiting if you’re into history. In 1803, George Rogers Clark—Revolutionary War general, town founder, and older brother of William Clark—built his retirement home here.
While the reproduction of his house burned in 2021, leaving only the chimney behind, visitors can still explore a log cabin on the site. The cabin there represents the home of Clark’s indentured servants and offers a glimpse into what life was like during that time.
Final Thoughts
If fossils, history, and scenic views sound like your thing, Falls of the Ohio State Park is a must-see. The fossil beds are at their best when the river’s low, so plan your visit from August to October for the full experience. Whether you’re joining a guided hike or just exploring on your own, this park offers something you won’t find anywhere else. For more info on Southern Indiana’s Clark & Floyd Counties, visit GoSoIn.com
Plan Your Visit
Address: 201 W Riverside Dr, Clarksville, IN 47129
Park Grounds: Open daily 7 AM-11 PM
Interpretive Center: Mon-Sat, 9 AM-5 PM, Sunday, 1-5 PM
Parking: $2 fee
Admission to Interpretive Center: 12+ ($9) 5-11 ($7) under 5 (free)
Special Events: Check the website for naturalist-led hikes and more.
Website
Visitors can pick up and examine anything they find in the fossil beds, but remember—this is a protected wildlife conservation area. State and federal laws require all fossils to remain in the park. If you’d like to take home a memento, head to the collection piles at the back of the parking lot, where you can pick up a few treasures to keep. Or visit the gift shop!
Best Time to Visit: The fossil beds are most accessible from August to October when the river reaches its lowest levels—and if you visit after a rainstorm, the wet rocks make the fossils stand out even more. If it’s dry, you can bring a spray bottle to mist the stones for a similar effect—our naturalist used one during the tour, and it worked like magic! The limestone can be slippery, so wear shoes with good treads.
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