It’s no secret that Colorado has a prehistoric past, with many fossil and dinosaur-themed attractions spread around the state.

One of those attractions that’s totally worth checking out is Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, home to one of the largest and most prolific sources of a particular kind of prehistoric life – fossilized insects.

Located in the mountain valley, fossilized stumps of a redwood forest can be found at the monument, along with all of those bugs. The National Park Service (NPS) describes the monument as one of the “richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world.” The petrified redwood stumps found here are up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossils of insects and plants reveal the story of a “very different, prehistoric Colorado.”

According to Atlas Obscura, the visitors center includes fossilized insects on display, with background and scientific information.

People have been visiting the Florissant Fossil Beds for possibly as long as 10,000 years ago. Many groups have been in the area, including Native Americans, settlers, scientists, and tourists.

The fossils are contained in the Florissant Formation of Eocene age. Volcanic eruptions that occurred almost 35 million years ago buried the valley that once made up the area. The ash petrified the redwood trees (some of which are 14 feet wide), and a lake formed, becoming the resting place for thousands of plants and insects according to Atlas Obscura.

The Florissant Fossil Beds were made part of the National Park System in 1969. The park also has plenty of hiking trails for guests to enjoy while visiting.

As home to a unique collection of fossils, the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a great place to learn about and experience Colorado’s geologic history.

Learn more about this experience or plan a visit by visiting this website.