Falls of the Ohio State Park
201 W. Riverside Drive
About This Place
Located on the banks of the Ohio River at 201 West Riverside Drive, Clarksville, Indiana, is Falls of the Ohio State Park. The 390-million-year-old fossil beds are among the largest exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world. The park features a spectacular interpretive center overlooking the fossil beds featuring new interactive, immersive exhibits.
While fossil collecting is prohibited on the fossil beds and river bank, the park staff encourages visitors to explore and discover the many different types of fossils that can be found on the ancient sea bottom. Collecting piles (with rock and fossils from quarries) is the only place where rocks may be removed at the Falls of the Ohio. They are located by the parking lot behind the interpretive center.
August through October provides the best accessibility to the 220 acres of fossil beds, as the river is at its lowest level during this period.
If attending a presentation at the interpretative center, the back row has room for wheelchairs.
The interpretative center and viewing area is accessible. While the access to the Falls is a wonderful ramp, the fossil beds would be difficult to navigate and is completely dependent of the water level. The forested walking path is a bit rough.
