Discover Prehistoric and Precious Treasures at U.S. Travel Destinations
For the adventurous traveler, the United States presents an array of unique opportunities to unearth long-forgotten treasures. From 66-million-year-old dinosaur fossils in New Jersey to diamond mining in an Arizona state park, the U.S. is an open playground for those in quest of history and riches. Whether you are a budding paleontologist, an amateur geologist, or simply someone with an insatiable curiosity, these U.S. locations offer the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of tangible, often valuable, keepsakes.
Imagine holding in your hands a relic from a bygone era when colossal creatures walked the earth or glistening diamonds that have formed over billions of years. These are not merely visits to museums or guided tours, but hands-on, gritty experiences that allow you to get your hands dirty and your heart racing. Here is a closer look at some of these exciting destinations.
Fossil Hunting in New Jersey’s Fossil Park
The Edelman Fossil Park at Rowan University in New Jersey is a 65-acre lot that allows visitors to dig for fossils from the Cretaceous period. The park holds a wealth of 66-million-year-old treasures, from marine fossils to the remains of dinosaurs. Visitors are encouraged to dig, explore and learn about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the region. 
According to Kenneth Lacovara, the Dean of Rowan University’s School of Earth and Environment and a renowned paleontologist, Fossil Park holds a high concentration of fossils. Lacovara noted that in some cases, visitors might find as many as seven fossils per square foot. “It’s a window into deep time,” Lacovara said. “In the late Cretaceous period, New Jersey was a very different place, a subtropical paradise teeming with life.”
What makes this site truly remarkable is that visitors are allowed to keep most of the fossils they find. This means you could potentially take home your very own piece of prehistoric history. From fossilized shark teeth to the remnants of giant sea turtles and mosasaurs, the park is a veritable treasure trove for the discerning fossil hunter.
Diamond Mining in the Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arizona
For those with a penchant for something a little more sparkling, the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arizona offers an equally exciting prospect. Here, visitors are given the opportunity to mine for real diamonds. The park is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public. The policy here is simple: finders keepers. Any diamonds, semi-precious stones, rocks, or minerals you uncover are yours to take home.
The Crater of Diamonds State Park spans over 37.5 acres of plowed field and is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater. It holds a veritable treasure trove of minerals which include, apart from diamonds, amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, and quartz. Since the park opened in 1972, over 33,100 diamonds have been discovered, with an average of two diamonds found per day.
Whether you’re sifting through the dirt in search of a priceless gem or just enjoying the stunning landscape, the park offers a unique adventure for everyone. Park interpreter Waymon Cox says, “There’s always a chance. That’s what keeps people coming back.”
Beyond the thrill of the hunt and the prospect of uncovering something truly remarkable, these destinations offer a unique opportunity to connect with the earth’s past. From the prehistoric marine life of New Jersey to the geological wonders of Arizona, these sites remind us of the passage of time and the enduring allure of discovery. For the adventurous at heart, the treasures of the past are just a dig away.
