Wyoming’s vast landscapes are not just home to striking mountains and open plains; they’re also a treasure trove of prehistoric life waiting to be discovered. From dinosaur footprints to ancient sea creatures, the fossil-rich grounds of Wyoming beckon enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Join us as we count down the 19 most fascinating fossil towns in the Equality State, each offering a unique window into Earth’s distant past.
19. Alcova: Secrets of the Morrison Formation
Alcova may be small, but it’s perched on the edge of the renowned Morrison Formation, a Jurassic-era geological treasure. This area has yielded an array of dinosaur fossils, including those of the mighty Allosaurus. Visitors can explore nearby outcrops and imagine the ancient ecosystems that once thrived here. Don’t miss a trip to Alcova Reservoir, where the panoramic views are as timeless as the fossils beneath your feet. For those considering settling here, a 3-4 bedroom home typically costs between $250,000 and $400,000, offering a unique blend of modern comfort and ancient wonder.
18. Rock Springs: Fossils Beneath the Desert
Nestled in southwestern Wyoming, Rock Springs sits atop rich fossil beds hidden beneath its rugged desert landscape. The city is a gateway to ancient plant and animal fossils from the Eocene epoch. The nearby White Mountain Petroglyphs add another layer of historical intrigue, featuring carvings that date back centuries. A hike through the Killpecker Sand Dunes offers a chance to ponder both the geological and human histories etched into this region. Families seeking a home here can expect 3-4 bedroom properties to range from $250,000 to $350,000, making it an accessible choice for history enthusiasts.
17. Medicine Bow: Land of Fossil Riches
Medicine Bow, a town steeped in Old West lore, is also a hotspot for paleontological discovery. The surrounding areas have produced significant finds, including dinosaur bones and prehistoric plant life that shed light on the Earth’s earlier climates. Make a stop at the famed Virginian Hotel, an architectural gem from 1911, and consider how the land around you has been a crossroads of history, both ancient and more recent. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms here are typically priced between $180,000 and $250,000, offering an affordable way to live amidst this historic backdrop.
16. Pinedale: Windows into the Past
Pinedale offers more than just stunning mountain vistas; it’s also a key site for understanding Ice Age fauna. The nearby Green River Basin has revealed fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other megafauna. The Museum of the Mountain Man provides context to these finds, connecting the dots between human history and prehistoric times. Pinedale’s rich fossil sites make it a must-visit for those intrigued by ancient wildlife. If you’re drawn to the area, be prepared for 3-4 bedroom homes priced between $350,000 and $550,000, reflecting its unique appeal.
15. Saratoga: Fossils in the Platte Valley
Set in the picturesque Platte Valley, Saratoga is known for its soothing hot springs and, less obviously, for intriguing fossil discoveries. The surrounding hills have surrendered fossils of ancient marine creatures, indicating that this land was once submerged under a vast sea. After a day of exploration, relax in the Hobo Hot Pool, and reflect on the eons of history that have shaped this tranquil town. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Saratoga generally range from $250,000 to $375,000, blending small-town charm with historical significance.
14. Newcastle: Gateway to Paleontology
As the eastern gateway to Wyoming’s paleontological riches, Newcastle provides easy access to significant fossil beds. The nearby Fossil Basin is a trove of Cretaceous-era remains, including turtles and crocodilians that once flourished here. The town itself offers charming local museums and a welcoming community eager to share the stories buried in their backyard. For families or individuals looking to settle, 3-4 bedroom homes typically cost between $200,000 and $300,000, making Newcastle an affordable entry point to a fossil-rich lifestyle.
13. Lusk: Ancient Seas Unearthed
Lusk sits atop what was once the Western Interior Seaway, a vast ocean that split North America during the Cretaceous period. Fossils of marine reptiles, ammonites, and ancient fish have been unearthed in the area, painting a vivid picture of this prehistoric sea life. The Stagecoach Museum in Lusk not only showcases pioneer history but also houses intriguing fossils that bridge the town’s past with the Earth’s distant epochs. A 3-4 bedroom home here typically costs between $150,000 and $250,000, offering a slice of history at an affordable price.
12. Evanston: Fossils on the Border
Located near the Utah border, Evanston is surrounded by sites rich in plant and animal fossils from the Eocene epoch. The nearby Fossil Butte National Monument offers a glimpse into ancient lake ecosystems, with exquisitely preserved fossils of fish, insects, and plants. Evanston’s unique position makes it a significant stop for those tracing the geological and paleontological tapestry of Wyoming. If you’re considering making Evanston home, 3-4 bedroom houses are generally priced between $250,000 and $375,000, reflecting its proximity to natural and historical wonders.
11. Dubois: Ice Age Giants Revealed
Dubois is more than just a scenic mountain town; it’s a portal to the Ice Age. The Sowbelly Ridge site near Dubois has yielded remarkable finds of mammoth and bison fossils, along with tools used by early humans. The National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center adds another layer of natural history, connecting the past with the present inhabitants of the region’s rugged terrain. A 3-4 bedroom home in Dubois typically costs between $481,651 and $631,174, offering unparalleled access to ancient history in a stunning setting.
10. Greybull: Dinosaurs and Beyond
Greybull may be small, but it has made big contributions to dinosaur research. The nearby Bighorn Basin is one of the richest fossil regions in the world, with discoveries ranging from Triceratops to Tyrannosaurus rex. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center’s satellite dig sites offer visitors a rare chance to witness paleontology in action. In town, the Greybull Museum provides context and displays that celebrate these prehistoric wonders. For those drawn to this paleontological hub, 3-4 bedroom homes are typically priced between $257,953 and $318,745, offering a perfect balance of charm and prehistoric intrigue.
9. Cody: Fossil Hunting Adventures
Founded by the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, this town is a stone’s throw from some of Wyoming’s most exciting fossil hunting grounds. From trilobites to dinosaur bones, the surrounding areas offer a hands-on experience for fossil enthusiasts. The Cody Dug Up Gun Museum adds another unique attraction, featuring relics that span centuries of American history, underscoring the layers of time that define this region. For those considering making Cody home, 3-4 bedroom properties are typically priced between $493,432 and $595,524, reflecting its appeal and prime location.
8. Worland: Discoveries in the Big Horn Basin
Worland serves as a central point in the Big Horn Basin, a geologist’s and paleontologist’s dream. Significant fossil finds here have advanced our understanding of early mammals and dinosaurs alike. The Washakie Museum and Cultural Center in Worland showcases these discoveries, offering interactive exhibits that bring ancient worlds to life for visitors of all ages. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms in Worland are generally priced between $200,000 and $300,000, making it an affordable base for exploring the region’s rich history.
7. Douglas: Home of the Thunder Lizard
Douglas proudly embraces its connection to the “Thunder Lizard,” better known as the Brontosaurus. The town is near some of the sites where these colossal dinosaur fossils were first unearthed. The Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas hosts displays that celebrate this prehistoric heritage. While in town, look out for the whimsical jackalope statues—a nod to local folklore that adds charm to the rich historical tapestry. If you’re drawn to this town’s charm, 3-4 bedroom homes are typically priced between $315,344 and $338,287.
6. Green River: Treasures in Stone
Surrounded by towering buttes and the meandering river it’s named after, Green River is a gateway to fossil quarries teeming with ancient fish and plant life. The nearby Expedition Island Park is not only a National Historic Landmark but also a serene spot to consider the natural forces that have shaped the region. Fossil enthusiasts will find the layers of sedimentary rock around Green River particularly rewarding to explore. Homes with 3-4 bedrooms here generally range from $250,000 to $375,000, providing a tranquil yet vibrant community for fossil enthusiasts.
5. Casper: Fossils Amidst the Rockies
Casper, located at the foot of Casper Mountain, is more than just a hub for outdoor adventure—it’s a central point for fossil exploration. The Tate Geological Museum at Casper College houses an impressive collection, including “Dee,” one of the largest Columbian mammoth skeletons ever found. The museum’s educational programs and exhibits make Casper a significant stop for anyone interested in the ancient life that once roamed Wyoming. For prospective residents, 3-4 bedroom homes are typically priced between $235,000 and $316,000, combining accessibility with proximity to natural and historical wonders.
4. Shell: Gateway to Fossil Exploration
Despite its tiny size, Shell boasts a big connection to the ancient past. Just outside town lies the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, one of the largest tracksites from the Jurassic period in the world. Visitors can walk alongside preserved dinosaur footprints, imagining the creatures that left them 167 million years ago. Shell’s unique window into prehistoric life makes it a true gem for fossil fans. For those seeking to settle here, 3-4 bedroom homes generally range from $200,000 to $350,000, offering a quiet retreat steeped in history.
3. Laramie: Unearthing Ancient Life
Home to the University of Wyoming, Laramie is a center for paleontological research and education. The University’s Geological Museum showcases impressive fossils, including a rare Apatosaurus skeleton. Nearby fossil beds have contributed significantly to our understanding of prehistoric ecosystems, making Laramie not just an academic hub but also a cornerstone in the study of ancient life. Housing options for 3-4 bedrooms in Laramie typically range from $399,000 to $487,400, reflecting its vibrant academic and cultural atmosphere.
2. Thermopolis: Land of Hot Springs and Dinosaurs
Thermopolis combines natural wonders with prehistoric intrigue. Known for the world’s largest mineral hot springs, it’s also home to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, which features dozens of mounted dinosaur skeletons and provides tours of active dig sites. The center’s collection includes fossils found locally, offering an immersive experience that connects visitors directly with the prehistoric past beneath Thermopolis’s scenic landscape. A 3-4 bedroom home in this unique town is generally priced between $221,362 and $248,397, making it a charming and affordable choice for fossil enthusiasts.
1. Kemmerer: The Fossil Fish Capital
Topping our list is Kemmerer, renowned as the “Fossil Fish Capital of the World.” The nearby Fossil Butte National Monument preserves an ancient lake bed teeming with impeccably preserved fish, insects, and plant fossils from the Eocene epoch. Visitors can hike the trails, participate in fossil digs, and witness specimens that offer unparalleled insights into life from 50 million years ago. Kemmerer’s rich paleontological legacy makes it a crown jewel in Wyoming’s fossil landscape. For those considering settling here, 3-4 bedroom homes are typically priced between $200,000 and $300,000, blending affordability with a connection to the ancient past.
