Discover Richmond’s Ancient Wonders

Whitewater Valley Fossil Hunt:  Long before woolly mammoths roamed the frozen plains, long before dinosaurs existed, Indiana was covered by a shallow sea teaming with life.  The ancient fossils found in the Whitewater Valley give us some idea of what life was like in Indiana long ago.  The Whitewater Valley Fossil Hunt is a free passport program designed to educate visitors about our fascinating past. 

Thistlethwaite Falls:  Searching for ancient fossils while romping around Thistlethwaite Falls is a refreshing way to cool off during a hot summer day.  Thistlethwaite Falls is one of many free sights and sounds in and around the greater Richmond area and can be a hotbed of fossil finds.

Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History:  Get up close and personal with the many prehistoric skeletons including the most complete fossilized beaver in the world.  Don’t forget to check out Randolph Mastodon (that’s his name) who was unearthed in Randolph County, Indiana just north of Richmond.  Live reptiles and an Egyptian mummy are also on display as well as many new interactive exhibits.

Mummies:  Richmond is home to two mummies-one is at the Joseph Moore Museum and the other at the Wayne County Historical Museum.  They are the ONLY two mummies on permanent display in Indiana.

Stop in at the Old National Road Welcome Center or the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History for your passport and then start digging!