This web site supports the Falls of the Ohio Foundation and the Falls of the Ohio State Park. Located on the banks of the Ohio River in Clarksville, Indiana at I-65, exit 0, is the Falls of the Ohio State Park. The 390-million-year-old fossil beds are among the largest, naturally exposed, Devonian fossil beds in the world. The park features a spectacular Interpretive Center overlooking the fossil beds containing an exhibit gallery and video presentation. The Interpretive Center is open year round, except Thanksgiving and Christmas day. The "Falls" was originally a series of rapids allowing the Ohio River to drop 26 feet over a distance of two and a half miles. This was the only navigational hazard over the 981 mile-length river formed by rock outcrops. Today much of the original falls have been flooded behind the McAlpine dam.
Fishing, hiking and casual walking, fossil viewing, bird watching, and picnicking are among the most common activities. While fossil collecting is not allowed to protect our resources for future generations, the park staff encourages visitors to explore and discover the many different types of fossils that can be found on the ancient sea floor. The Discovery Center button (above left) provides details about the park's natural and cultural resources - archaeology, birding, flora, fossils, George Rogers Clark and Lewis and Clark are featured. August through mid November typically provides the best accessibility to the 220 acres of fossil beds, as the river is at its lowest level during this period. We are seasonally on Eastern Daylight Savings Time (through November 5) or Eastern Standard Time. Information about the park, directions, admissions fees, and fishing are posted under Visitor Information (at the top left) or questions can be answered by contacting the park. The Educator Information button connects to a a redesigned page allowing educators to plan a visit, find descriptions of our school programs and teacher resources, find information about professional development opportunities, information for home schooling, and fill out an on-line group reservation visit request. See our Visitor Information Page for directions and a link to alternative routes while the I-64 Ohio River bridge is closed. You CAN get here with little or no delay if you avoid rush hour. Newest Features! Article - The Role of Paleontologists in Teacher Education Today - under Discovery Center and Educator Information Match the Birds - for Preschool-aged kids - under Kids Page The Paleontological Society's Fossil brochures - under Discovery Center, Fossils NEW! Join the Falls Foundation in creating new interpretive materials for the Rotunda. Click on the logo below.
Falls of the Ohio Foundation's newest brochure Job postings at the Falls & Charlestown State Parks (None are currently posted.) Updated January 26, 2012
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