America's Aquarium in Stone

Some of the world's best-preserved fossils are found in the flat-topped ridges of southwestern Wyoming's cold sagebrush desert. Fossilized fishes, insects, plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals are exceptional for their abundance, variety, and detail of preservation. Most remarkable is the story they tell of ancient life in the warm, wet environment in and around a freshwater lake. Read More

Exhibit featuring fossils of stingrays, gars, paddlefish, and bowfins.
Fossil Exhibits

A variety of fossil fishes, insects, plants, reptiles, birds and mammals from Eocene Fossil Lake are displayed in the visitor center museum.

Sign that says Fossil Butte National Monument with fossil fish and arrowhead. Sun rising over butte.
Plan Your Visit

Summer is a good time to visit. Days are sunny and not too hot, nights are cool. Lodging, camping and restaurants are available nearby.

A trail leading down amid sagebrush, aspen to the left, green hills out into the distance.
Hiking Trails

Experience the geology, wildlife, scenery, and wide open spaces of Fossil Butte by hiking the trails, dirt roads or taking the scenic drive.

Sagebrush sloping up to a ridge overlooking a valley covered with snow and blue sky and clouds above
Current Conditions at Fossil Butte

As you plan your visit, be sure to check out the current conditions at Fossil Butte National Monument.

A ranger standing in front of Fossil Butte holding two fossil fish.
Ranger Programs

We offer a variety of ranger programs during in the summer months including fossil preparation demonstrations and drop in programs.

Fossil damselfly with white line a third of the way down dark brown wings.
Photos & Multimedia

Explore our photo galleries and videos highlighting fossils from the Green River Formation.

A ranger holds a tablet in front of a diorama of a nearshore lake scene with animals.
Distance Learning Programs

Join us on a virtual field trip. Explore 52-million-year-old Fossil Lake from anywhere in the world.

Genealogy chart with a piece of volcanic tuff and a clock on top of it.
Curriculum Materials for Teachers

Teachers, have fun with these hands-on curriculum materials about Fossil Butte fossils designed for your classroom.

Scientific papers spread on a desk. The top paper is titled Fossil Evidence and the Origins of Bats.
Scientific Publications

A list of research papers relating to Fossil Lake.

Last updated: September 25, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 592
Kemmerer, WY 83101

Phone:

307 877-4455

Contact Us