Most of the fossils found in the Whitewater Gorge Park are from skeletons of animals that lived about 435 million years ago on the bottom of a warm shallow sea that covered this area. Wave action in this ancient evironment broke many skeletons before they were buried in the soft muds and later turned to rock. Type of fossils found in the Whitewater Gorge Park. Trilobites - mostly small, bug or crab like scavengers. Snails - Like bivalves, most had shells that dissolved soon after burial.
Fossils are mostly shell fillings or impressions.
Bryozoa - Are related to and fed like brachiopods but were much smaller. Fossils are also found the large U.S. 27 roadcut one mile south of Richmond. Enjoy many family activities at Whitewater Memorial State Park. This 200-acre Whitewater Lake offers paddle boat, rowboat and canoe rental and electric trolling motor boating. Fishing, swimming, picnicking, campground, family cabins and horseback riding are also available.