Fossil Butte National Monument

Learn about the Cenozoic paleontological findings in southwestern Wyoming.

The Fossil Butte National Monument is managed by the National Park Service and is located 15 miles west of Kemmerer, Wyoming. It preserves the ancient lake bed containing fossils such as fish, alligators, bats, turtles, dog-sized horses, insects, and many other plants and animals. Scientists believe that the region was once a low, subtropical, freshwater basin.

Coal miners worked for the railroad here, eventually leading to the settlement of Fossil, Wyoming. When fossils were discovered, the miners would sell them to collectors. A man named Lee Craig sold many of the fossils that he found from 1897 to 1937. Fossil collecting for commercial use is not allowed in the National Monument but on private land around the monument; owners continue to find amazing fossil specimens for museums or sold to private collectors.

The Fossil Butte National Monument has an amazing visitors center featuring over 80 fossils and fossil casts. They also have two video programs and fossil preparation demonstrations. Fossil Butte National Monument was established as a national monument in 1972 and covers 8,198 acres of land. The entrance to the center has a railing with a prehistoric timeline of the evolution of species of plants, insects, and animals. Once inside, visitors will find replicas of actual fossils accompanied by detailed descriptions of the original living organism. Be sure to explore their interpretive hiking trails and enjoy a scenic drive before you leave.