Wanderlust World Wanderlust World One of the earliest discovered fossils is the Hagerman Horse, a very early predecessor of the horse. The Hagerman Horse is larger than today's horses, and it may have been a relative of the zebra. The Hagerman Horse was called the Equus simplicidens, and it roamed the area now called the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, which is currently maintained by the National Park Service. The Hagerman area has a large collection of early horse fossils, as well as some plant fossils.
The Clarkia area is home to fossil beds, called Miocene lagerstatte; they are up to 15 million years old. Both plant and animal remains in the form of fossils have been found in the area. The Clarkia area is known for its specimens of leaves and insects, although animal specimens are sometimes still discovered in the area of the fossil bowl, which allows public digging in the summer months.
Tolo Lake is located near Grangeville, Idaho. It has been home to giant fossil discoveries, although dinosaur bones have not yet been discovered in the area. A construction crew discovered a massive bone in 1994, which quickly led to additional skeletons. They were proven to be mammoths and bison. The fossils discovered in the years since 1994 have been left in place for preservation purposes, while the mammoths and bison skull are on display.
The biggest limestone cave in Idaho is called Minnetonka Cave. The many-chambered cave is full of plant, animal and marine fossils. The U.S. Forest Service offers daily tours that take visitors through the caves; it explains the history of the cave fossils and formations. Digging in Minnetonka Cave is not allowed. However, it is an excellent chance to get close views of fossils from the Pliocene era.
The state of Idaho prohibits any fossil digging without a permit. In certain areas of Idaho, digging is allowed, however. Check with the State of Idaho Chamber of Commerce with any questions about the legality of dinosaur or other fossil hunting.