Lincoln: Fossils, River Landscapes and Historic Discoveries

Lincoln County in southwestern Wyoming combines impressive fossil discoveries, river landscapes, regional history and a distinctive scenic highway. When planning a trip, you can choose between wildlife observation, hikes, museums, historic sites and relaxing days by the water. This combination makes Lincoln a destination where your choice of holiday apartment or holiday home can depend heavily on which experiences you want to place at the centre of your trip.

Fossils and Landscapes at Fossil Butte National Monument

Fossil Butte National Monument is located on the eastern edge of the Wasatch Range in Lincoln County in southwestern Wyoming. The protected area covers 8,198 acres, or 3,318 hectares, of plateau-like ridges containing some of the best-preserved fossils in the world. The visitor centre displays fossil fish, insects, plants, reptiles, birds and mammals from the Eocene Fossil Lake.

The area can also be explored in your own way outside the visitor centre. Hiking trails and unpaved roads allow you to experience the geology, wildlife and landscape of the protected area. Those travelling with varied interests can combine a visit with a hike or a drive through the landscape, without having to limit the day to just one type of attraction.

Wetlands, Rivers and Special Nature Experiences

The Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge manages approximately 6,500 acres of wet meadows and higher-elevation areas in the Bear River Valley. The area provides habitat for more than 70 species, including breeding waterfowl and sandhill cranes. The Bear River, as well as all irrigation ditches and flooded wetlands in the refuge, is open to fishing. This makes it possible to enjoy a nature outing that combines wildlife observation with a peaceful activity by the water.

Another option for a relaxing stay is the Salt River. It is considered a popular place for fishing, skipping stones and cooling off on warm afternoons. When looking for accommodation in Lincoln, you can therefore consider whether you would rather focus on fossils and geology, wetlands and birds, or rivers and water-based activities.

History and Culture in Kemmerer

Kemmerer offers a particularly vivid introduction to regional history. James Cash Penney opened his first store there in 1902; it was called the Golden Rule. The Hamsfork Museum presents the history of Kemmerer and Diamondville through fossils, mining artefacts, distilling equipment and tributes to local figures such as James Cash Penney. A travelling exhibition by the museum also presents the history of Kemmerer and Diamondville through fossils, mining tools and artefacts related to illegal moonshine production.

The restored first home of J.C. Penney, with its six rooms, is part of the J.C. Penney Historic District and is now a museum operated by the J.C. Penney Foundation. For travellers who enjoy combining nature experiences with regional history, this creates a more varied visit than a purely landscape-focused trip. The Fossil Island Golf Club has a nine-hole course beside the Hams Fork River, featuring a double island green.

Scenic Byway and Regional Discoveries

The Star Valley Scenic Byway is an 80-mile section of U.S. Highway 89 in Lincoln County. The route initially travels through Salt Canyon, climbing to the 7,610-foot summit of Salt River Pass before descending into Star Valley. Those who enjoy travelling along scenic roads can take this route into account when planning their trip and choose accommodation based on whether a road trip or a stay with a few carefully selected excursions is the better fit.

The Old Auburn Rock Church is another notable historic site in the region. It is one of the oldest buildings in Star Valley and is currently used mainly for old-fashioned plays organised by the Star Valley Historical Society, which take place every summer. A working farm in a picturesque setting focuses on natural and organic ingredients, describes its farming practices as regenerative agriculture and offers various types of ice cream in a farm shop.

Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Travel Interests

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Lincoln, it is worth first organising the experiences you want. A stay with a cultural focus may be suitable for fossils, museums and regional history. Those who would rather watch birds, fish or take in landscapes will tend to plan around protected areas and rivers. For a drive along the Star Valley Scenic Byway, on the other hand, the route itself is the main focus. For the specific accommodation, consider which excursions you would like to take and which itinerary suits your group.

For further guidance, you can also explore Kemmerer, Thayne and Afton. If you would like to expand your accommodation search to other destinations, Weston County, Laramie, Sweetwater County, Converse County and Niobrara County are also available to choose from.

For the overarching travel overview: Wyoming.