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Temporary Ladonia Fossil Park is closing
By Upper Trinity Regional Water District
Feb 21, 2025
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New, permanent park under construction this summer

Fannin County, Texas -- The temporary Ladonia Fossil Park will permanently close starting March 3, 2025, for planned construction on Lake Ralph Hall. Upper Trinity Regional Water District (Upper Trinity) is coordinating with the City of Ladonia and Ladonia Chamber of Commerce to open a new, fossil park on FM 904 this fall (2025) with additional amenities.

Upper Trinity relocated the Ladonia Fossil Park to a temporary location east of FM 2990 and on the north side of the North Sulphur River in the spring of 2021. The planned closure is necessary to protect the public as construction on the Leon Hurse Dam continues. Water is backing up in the North Sulphur River channel causing the temporary park to be inaccessible.  In addition, construction crews will soon begin clearing land near the temporary fossil park location.

“We understand how important the Ladonia Fossil Park is to the local community and fossil enthusiasts,” said Upper Trinity’s Executive Director Larry N. Patterson. “Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we work to build a new, permanent fossil park with access downstream of the Leon Hurse Dam.”

The Permanent Fossil Park

The new permanent park will be under construction this summer and is scheduled for completion this fall (2025). It will have a parking lot, easy access to the riverbed, and additional amenities. Upper Trinity will share more about the new park as its opening approaches.

Visitors are encouraged to check the Ladonia Fossil Park Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/739220792768941/) for the latest information on fossil hunting in the Ladonia area.

About Lake Ralph Hall

Scheduled for completion in late 2026, Lake Ralph Hall will provide a sustainable water supply for Upper Trinity, the City of Ladonia and Fannin County, as well as local recreational and economic benefits. For more details about Lake Ralph Hall, visit LakeRalphHall.com.

About Upper Trinity Regional Water District

Upper Trinity is a regional water district created by the Texas Legislature in 1989 for the benefit of cities and utilities in the Denton County area. Its mandate is to develop regional plans for water services, and to provide both water and wastewater services on a wholesale basis to cities and utilities within its service area, including all of Denton County and portions of Dallas and Collin Counties. For more information, please contact Jason Pierce, Manager of Government Affairs & Communications at 972-219-1228.