Kemmerer: Fossils, History and Hams Fork River

Kemmerer combines fossil history with water-based and recreational opportunities. The Hams Fork River flows through the town and is known for trout fishing. At the same time, museums, fossil digs and historic sites invite visitors to learn about the region’s history from different perspectives. Those looking for a vacation rental in Kemmerer can therefore plan their stay around their preferred mix of culture, nature and active days.

River, Golf and Recreation in Kemmerer

The Fossil Island Golf Club is located along the Hams Fork River and is a nine-hole course with an island green and two par 5s. This island green was created in 1920 and gives Kemmerer’s golf offering a distinctive historic detail. For travel plans with different daily rhythms, the town also offers other options: the Recreation Center in Kemmerer provides year-round programs, activities and opportunities for physical exercise.

Those who want to focus their stay more on the river and outdoor activities will find opportunities for camping, fishing and hunting at the Hamsfork Recreational Area. The community-use Kid’s Fishing Pond is located in Kemmerer near the Hamsfork River. Families who would like to include a shared fishing break in their plans can consider this spot as well as trout fishing along the river.

Fossils and Local History

The Hamsfork Museum displays fossils, mining artifacts and a moonshine still. It focuses on the local history of Kemmerer and Diamondville and covers, among other topics, ranching, early businesses, fossils, energy industries and railroads. Admission to the Hamsfork Museum is free. This makes it possible to combine a visit with a range of interests, from natural history to the development of the local economy.

The history of commerce is also part of the town’s character. The first J.C. Penney store opened in Kemmerer, Wyoming, in 1902. Penney’s first home is now a restored six-room museum operated by the J.C. Penney Foundation. Kemmerer also hosts FossilFest every year. Those who want to discover the town through its historic figures, businesses and traditions will therefore find several distinct points of connection.

Discover Fossils for Yourself

Fossil Lake Safari offers fossil hunting and the opportunity to excavate your own fossil fish in a private quarry. Tynsky’s Fossils at 716 JC Penney Drive in Kemmerer also offers fossil digs in a private quarry. The company has a four-generation family history of fossil hunting that began in the 1960s. An extraordinary example from the local fossil world is the complete, 13-foot-long crocodile fossil discovered in the 18-inch layer of the quarry operated by In Stone Fossils.

Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery represents the expert side of fossil history. It is one of the first and largest providers of professionally prepared Eocene fossil fish from the Green River Formation of Syncline Lake. These various offerings differ significantly: they range from searching for fossils yourself in a private quarry to family history and professionally prepared fossils.

A Regional Addition to Your Travel Plans

In the wider region around Kemmerer, the visitor center at Fossil Butte National Monument displays more than 2,000 fossils from the Green River Formation. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Fossil Butte National Monument offers fossil preparation demonstrations. These activities complement the region’s local museums and fossil-digging opportunities with another way to explore its fossil heritage.

When looking for accommodation, you can therefore first decide which experiences should be the focus: local history at the museum, fossil digs, activities along the Hams Fork River or additional insights into the Green River Formation. For further travel planning, you can also view the pages on Afton, Thayne.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lincoln.