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Masonic Park is an Archeo-Paleo Site

Posted by on May 7, 2013
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Descending into Masonic Park from the west.

Descending into Masonic Park from the west.

 

By BC Fossil Lady

If you download the goverment information of where to fossil hunt, Spring Valley comes up several times. Most of the road cuts east, north and south of Spring Valley are very fossiliferous. But there is one area that truly stands out not only for fossils, but the archeological finds it has produced as well.

Masonic Park is, in my humble opinion, the best kept secret in Fillmore County. The picture at the top is of the park in summer. This small, out of the way, park just 3 miles NE of Spring Valley on Cty. 38 is a GEM! It is dominated by perhaps 100′ tall sheer limestone cliffs. In the morning light they almost glow!

masonic looking west masonic looking east

There is a beautiful creek/river that flows through the park. Perfect for wading, trout fishing, or just setting back and enjoying an afternoon communing with nature. Perfect for a picnic with the kids and never crowded.

masonic abandoned quarryRight now we are experiencing spring floods, but you’ll get the idea. From a Paleo standpoint, there is what appears to be an abandoned quarry on the site, lots of rock ledges along the river when not in flood stage, rocky outcrops leading down into the valley from the west, and even a small cave to explore if you don’t mind a little climbing.masonic small cave

If you go to Dean Kjerland’s site on archeo-paleo you will find much of what he has collected at the Park plus maps and other information that will be helpful.

The pavillon is very nice, BUT it is truly a large bat house! If you are not a fan of bats, just look for bat sign before going in–droppings. I’ve had fun observing the babies and parents doing their thing in the rafters, but I do understand that not all people enjoy bats. At night the sky is filled with them!

masonic pavilion

The only real drawback to the park is a lack of toilet facilities. Unless you don’t mind being a bear in the woods, just dig a hole with your hammer, keep TP in your pack, and bury when done.

 

masonic sign

 

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