• Knightia eocaena mass mortality

    Fossil Butte

    National Monument Wyoming

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 a sub-tropical landscape.

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Features

  • exploring the backcountry

    Outdoor Activities

    Experience the geology, wildlife, scenery and wide open spaces by hiking our interpretive trails, two-track roads, or driving the scenic drive.

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  • Visitor center with Fossil Butte in the background

    How Much Time Do I Need?

    Whether you have a full day or an hour, there are many opportunities for you to explore the park on your own or with a ranger.

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  • fossil bird head

    Fossil Photo Gallery

    Fossils are windows into the past. Check out the incredible fossils from the Green River Formation.

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  • a view from the gravel portion of the scenic drive

    Scenic Photo Gallery

    The sagebrush steppe is a land of unique beauty. Here are some favorite scenes.

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  • a view from the top of Cundick Ridge

    Pre-Visit Planning

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

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  • learning about climate from fossil leaves

    Curriculum Materials

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

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  • helping out in the scientific fossil quarry

    Visit a Scientific Fossil Quarry

    What better way to explore a fossil park than with a paleontologist in a fossil quarry. Join us on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer, 11am-4pm.

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  • learning about fossils in the research quarry

    Just for Kids

    There's lots of fun stuff for kids. You can make a fossil rubbing, visit a fossil quarry, hike with a ranger, and become a Junior Ranger.

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  • Priscacara liops

    Fossil Exhibits

    See over 300 fossils at the visitor center including a variety of fishes, insects, plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals from ancient Fossil Lake.

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Did You Know?

Fossil Butte from a distance

Fossil Butte National Monument preserves only 1% of the Fossil Lake deposits, the smallest of three ancient lakes that make up the famous Green River Formation.