The Silurian Sea

[MrKhay]

Ledge View sits on the Niagara dolostone, in an area once populated by coral reefs. The Niagara dolostone underlies all of eastern Wisconsin, from Door County down to Lannon, Sussex, Waukesha, into Illinois. It continues up into Canada and over to New York. Niagara Falls is dropping off the other side of it. Fossils in the rock give us an idea of what kinds of animals used to live here. The structure and density of the bedrock also reveal typical local water depths of that long-ago ocean.

Visitors can see some of the fossils inside Montgomery Cave and inside the nature center. Occasional general public programs are offered on local geology. Please note that fossil collection is not allowed in the park. If you would like to collect Silurian fossils, keep in mind that Niagara dolostone is probably the most common form of crushed road, driveway, and "white" landscaping gravel in eastern Wisconsin. Cream-colored or pale gray field stones and beach stones in this area are usually Niagaran in origin and can contain fossils. Limestones and dolostones from other parts of the state can yield fossils, too.

Schools and groups can reserve a geology field trip from April to November. Students will learn about rocks in general and sedimentary rocks in particular, using hands-on activities to find out how fossils are made (and found). The program begins indoors and concludes outdoors in the park quarry. Calumet County resident rate $4 per person; non-resident $4.50 per person. Please do not email for reservations. Reservations must be made by phone contact.

School Field Trips

Train your eye for fossil detection to discover Wisconsin's Silurian past. Reservations are accepted for grade 3 and up. This program is best with no snow on the ground, but don't forget to dress for the weather. Half-day (2-3 hours) or full-day (geology + caving) field trips available.

Frequently Asked Question

Can I keep the fossils I find? No, please don't. We need them for use with other visitors. You may think that it won't matter if you are just taking one fossil, but unfortunately everybody thinks the same thing, and then there won't be any more fossils for other students to find. Please leave the fossils here.