Flora
Mississippi Petrified Forest
Mississippi Petrified Forest is a petrified forest located near Flora. It is privately owned and open for public visits. The forest is believed to have been formed 36 million years ago when fir and maple logs washed down an ancient river channel to the current site where they later became petrified. It is one of only two petrified forests in the eastern United States, the other being Gilboa Fossil Forest in New York. It was declared a National Natural Landmark in October 1965.
The site features a museum with examples of petrified wood found in every state and from other countries. The samples include a variety of plant materials, including leaves, fruits, cones and bark. Other fossils and fossil casts are on display, including dinosaur footprints, whale bones and turtle shells.
Amenities & Activities: Nature trail, museum, gem mining flume, campground, pavilion, gift shop
Admission:
ADULT $7.00
STUDENT (grades 1-12) $6.00
SENIORS $6.00
Groups (15 or more) $5.00 each
Hours: Open year round (except Thanksgiving & Christmas Day)
Summer hours April 1 to Labor Day 9am – 6pm
Winter hours Labor Day to April 1 9am – 5pm
Address: 124 Forest Park Rd, Flora, MS 39071
Phone: 601-879-8189
photos courtesy of Allan Innman