Cover photo of Shallan Knowles
In Republic, Wash., Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site offers the kind of hands-on experience that sticks with kids long after the drive home. Here, families can split open thin layers of shale and uncover fossils that are roughly 50 million years old, preserved from an ancient lake that once covered this corner of Northeast Washington a few hours north of Spokane.
After a quick stop at the interpretive center in historic downtown Republic to get oriented, visitors make the short walk up to the fossil site to start digging. With small rock-splitting tools rented on-site, kids can carefully crack open rock layers in search of detailed leaf impressions, cones and insects. Patient diggers might even uncover a rare fish or bird feather. Each person may keep up to three fossils per day, making it easy for kids to leave with their own piece of deep time.
The 2026 season opens April 22, with digging available Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting May 26, the site is open Tuesday through Sunday. Stonerose members get an early start during the members-only digging weekend April 17-19.
Make it a full family getaway by walking or biking Republic’s Golden Tiger Pathway or exploring stretches of the nearby Ferry County Rail Trail. The local skate park offers another energy outlet. When summer temperatures rise, Curlew Lake is a go-to for swimming and paddling. For a bigger adventure, head into the nearby Kettle Range mountains for a hike. Republic has all the amenities you’d expect in a small mountain town, including restaurants, shops, a grocery store, hotels and endless camping options close by. Plan your trip at Stonerosefossil.org.
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