Lincoln: Fossils, Landscape and History

A striking natural feature in Lincoln County is Fossil Butte National Monument. Located in southwestern Wyoming on the eastern edge of the Wasatch Range, it encompasses 8,198 acres of table-shaped ridges. The protected area is known for some of the best-preserved fossils in the world. Here, the landscape and paleontological significance are closely connected.

Experience Fossils and Nature

The monument’s visitor center displays fossils of fish, insects, plants, reptiles, birds and mammals from the Eocene Fossil Lake. This range brings together plant finds and very different animal groups. If a particular exhibit topic is important to you, check the latest information before your visit, as exhibits may change during operation. Visitors can experience the geology, wildlife and landscape of the protected area on hiking trails and unpaved roads. Seasonal conditions may affect access; check in advance.

Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge manages around 6,500 acres of wet meadows and upland areas in the Bear River Valley. The area provides habitat for more than 70 species, including nesting waterfowl and sandhill cranes. The Bear River, as well as all irrigation ditches and flooded wetlands in the refuge, are open to fishing. Current Wyoming regulations and refuge rules apply. If fishing is part of your plans, check the applicable regulations in advance.

A Route Through Salt Canyon and Star Valley

The Star Valley Scenic Byway is an 80-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 89 in Lincoln County. The route first passes through Salt Canyon, climbing to the 7,610-foot summit of Salt River Pass, and then descends into Star Valley. This makes it easy to understand the route as a sequence of canyon, mountain pass and valley. While the hiking trails at Fossil Butte National Monument offer a chance to explore on foot, the byway provides a road-level perspective on these landforms.

Local History and Heritage

In Kemmerer, James Cash Penney opened his first store in 1902, named the Golden Rule. The history of Kemmerer and Diamondville is also presented in a traveling exhibit by the Hamsfork Museum, which features fossils, mining tools and artifacts related to illegal moonshine production. The museum’s range of topics also includes tributes to local figures such as Penney, bringing industrial and cultural heritage together.

In Star Valley, the Old Auburn Rock Church is one of the oldest buildings. It is currently used mainly for old-fashioned plays staged by the Star Valley Historical Society every summer. If you plan to attend a performance, check the dates.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kemmerer, Thayne, Afton, Laramie, Sweetwater County, Sheridan, Hot Springs County, Campbell.

For the main travel overview: Wyoming.