Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve & Center The Fossil & Prairie Park became public land in 1990 but it was not until the spring of 2001 when the visitor center opened that visitation could be documented. Since the Center's opening visitors have come from 47 states and 20 countries, not to mention numerous Iowa communities. This is truly a destination park. The location of the Fossil & Prairie Park demonstrates that visitors are planning their trips. Located in the middle of agricultural land the park is 15 miles west of Charles City and 22 miles east of Mason City. This 400-acre park is a unique attraction, being one of only three known public fossil collecting sites in the nation (CNN, 2003). The Devonian fossils can be easily collected by visitors of any age, attracting school groups from elementary through college, as well as researchers and families. The park also has historic beehive kilns, over 60 acres of virgin prairie, and visitor center. In the Center, museum quality exhibits interpret the natural and historic features of the park. Trained staff and volunteers greet visitors and answer questions about the park and local tourism. The Fossil & Prairie Center Foundation hosts an annual festival “Prairie Heritage Days” This event celebrates our pioneer heritage with live demonstrations of various crafts, military life, and pioneer life. To add to the fun, a 5K Fun Run & 1 mile Walk is held taking participants through the fossil quarry and out onto the prairie trails for a true cross-country race. The park and its events are advertised nationally, state-wide and locally through numerous websites: www.silossmokestakes.com, www.iowatourism.com, www.traveliowa.com, www.runnersworld.com, www.fitnesssports.com, www.roadid.com, The park is part of the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area as a Strategic Investment Partner. Our site is actively interpreting two agricultural stories from our past: the settlement of the prairie and agricultural drainage. The Fossil & Prairie Center Foundation mission seeks to provide the opportunity for visitors of all ages to enjoy a unique geological, ecological, and cultural learning experience. And their vision is to make visitors aware of our unique site while inspiring them to make connections to their own heritage.