Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Devonian Fossil Gorge is situated near Iowa City, Iowa, within the Coralville Lake area. It was revealed after the floods of 1993 and 2008, which stripped away vegetation and soil to expose ancient geological formations from the Devonian period over 375 million years ago. Visitors can explore a landscape that was once a thriving marine habitat, filled with coral reefs and diverse marine life. Interpretive signs guide visitors through the site's history and geology, making it both an educational and recreational site. The gorge is a significant paleontological site with fossilized remains of marine life, including coral, brachiopods, and crinoids. It is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and offers self-guided tours, enhancing the visitor experience with interactive learning about Earth's distant past. Its proximity to Coralville Lake also provides additional outdoor opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
