Discover Kemmerer: Fossils, History, and Hams Fork

If you’re looking for a hotel in Kemmerer, start by considering the themes that will shape your stay. Fossils, the history of Kemmerer and Diamondville, and the Hams Fork River offer different points of interest. The museum, fossil digs, fishing opportunities, and year-round programs at the Recreation Center each offer a different focus.

Local History and Fossils

The Hamsfork Museum’s exhibits include fossils, mining artifacts, and a moonshine still. The museum also explores the history of Kemmerer and Diamondville. Topics include ranching, early businesses, fossils, energy industries, and railroads. Admission is free. Since exhibits may change, check the latest visitor information before your visit.

One specific historical connection to the town is J.C. Penney: the first J.C. Penney store opened in Kemmerer in 1902. FossilFest is also held annually in Kemmerer. If you’d like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for your chosen year.

Search for and Discover Fossils

You can learn about fossils outside an exhibition, too. Fossil Lake Safari offers fossil hunting in a private quarry, where you can dig up your own fossil fish. Tynsky’s Fossils, at 716 JC Penney Drive in Kemmerer, offers fossil digs in a private quarry. Tynsky’s Fossils’ four-generation family history of fossil hunting began in the 1960s. If you’re planning a specific dig, check current visitor options in advance.

Fossil Butte National Monument is about 21 kilometers west of Kemmerer. Its visitor center displays more than 2,000 fossils from the Green River Formation. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, fossil preparation demonstrations are part of the seasonal program; dates may vary. If you’re planning to attend a demonstration, check the current schedule.

The offerings have different focuses: private quarries center on fossil hunting and digging up your own finds. At Fossil Butte National Monument, the focus is on the visitor center exhibits and seasonal demonstrations. The Hamsfork Museum puts fossils in the context of local history.

Hams Fork and Recreation

The Hams Fork River flows through Kemmerer and is known for trout fishing. The Kid’s Fishing Pond is a community fishing spot in Kemmerer near the Hamsfork River. The Hamsfork Recreational Area offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and hunting.

Fossil Island Golf Club is a nine-hole course on the Hams Fork River in Kemmerer. Its island green, with two par 5s, was built in 1920. If golf is part of your trip, check current operating details in advance.

Year-Round Activities

The Recreation Center in Kemmerer offers year-round programs, activities, and opportunities to exercise. Schedules and offerings may change; if you’re planning a visit for these activities, check the latest program information.

Discover more destinations: Afton, Thayne.

For the parent travel overview: Lincoln.