Kanopolis Spillway
A public Kansas classic where the Western Interior Seaway still shows through. Rain and runoff expose Cretaceous shark teeth in spillway gravels and eroding shale.
Walk spillway gravels and recent runoff fans after storms. Search both the coarse lag and any freshly weathered shale chips at the base of cuts.
Public access in Kanopolis State Park and adjacent public recreation areas; hiking and shoreline access available.
Casual collecting in public recreation zones is generally allowed. Do not disturb archaeological sites or collect from posted protected areas.
- Slippery limestone after rain
- Heat and little shade
- Sharp rock and cactus on side slopes
- This is a reset spot: the day after runoff can beat a whole week of fair weather
- Tiny teeth hide in gravel bars beside the obvious larger weathered chunks
- The Western Interior species are usually thicker, darker, and stubbier than Atlantic Miocene teeth
Shark teeth findable here
Trophy = headline find · Rare = real score · Uncommon = some trips · Common = most trips.
Also findable here
The beachcomber's bonus round — what else the geology gives up.
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