An Aquarium in Stone

In the ridges of southwest Wyoming are some of the best-preserved fossils in the world. They tell the story of ancient life in a warm, wet environment in and around a freshwater lake. Stingrays swam in the lake. Turtles basked in the sun. Leaves rustled in the breeze while early horses darted between the trunks. We reveal more of the past with each fossil found. 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.

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 building surrounded by sagebrush, partially covered in snow with a snow-covered butte behind.
Operating Hours and Seasons

The visitor center's hours change depending on the season.

A snow-covered porch with a snow-covered butte behind. The sky is bright blue with some clouds.
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 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.

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.

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.

Footprints lead through the snow between sagebrush. To the left are rocky cliffs.
Hiking Trails

Experience the geology, wildlife, scenery, and wide-open spaces of Fossil Butte by hiking the trails.

A ranger standing in front of a butte holding two fossil fish.
Ranger Programs

In summer, we offer a variety of ranger programs including fossil preparation demonstrations and drop-in programs.

Last updated: November 17, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 592
Kemmerer, WY 83101

Phone:

307 877-4455

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