Long before woolly mammoths roamed the frozen plains,
long before dinosaurs existed, Indiana was covered by a shallow sea teaming with life.
The fossils found in the Whitewater Valley give us some idea of what life was like in Indiana 445 million years ago.

The Whitewater Valley Fossil Hunt is a free passport program designed to educate visitors about our fascinating past and promote experiential tourism in eastern Indiana. The project is a combined effort of the Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau, Earlham College Geology students, and interested volunteers.

To participate in the program:

Step 1. Pick up a Whitewater Valley Fossil Trail Passport at the Old National Road Welcome Center in Richmond, IN or the Joseph Moore Museum on the campus of Earlham College

Step 2. Explore the Whitewater Valley and collect at least 5 fossils

Step 3. Take your passport and fossils to the Old National Road Welcome Center to receive your embroidered Fossil Patch and prize!

Old National Road Welcome Center
5701 National Road East, Richmond, IN 47374
765-935-8687 - Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-5