Fossil Butte National Monument Is A Scenic Outdoor Spot In Wyoming That’s A Nature Lover’s Dream Come True

Are you a nature lover? If you live in Wyoming, the answer is almost certainly yes. The Cowboy State is surrounded by stunning nature, with plenty of state and national parks to explore. Fossil Butte National Monument is the state's newest national monument, and it's perfect not only for nature lovers but for those curious about our prehistoric past.

Fossil Butte National Monument is located about 15 miles west of Kemmerer.

The property encompasses 8,918 acres, protecting a portion of the biggest freshwater fish fossils in the world.

Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the hiking trails here as well as the history of the butte.

There are four miles of well-maintained trails here, and they're definitely worth exploring.

Not only is this place loaded with fossils and fascinating history, but it also shows off the unique, telltale rugged beauty of Wyoming.

The sagebrush steppe and rolling hills are truly stunning.

Needless to say, this place is a paradise for our wildlife.

Keep an eye out for mule deer, jackrabbits, cotton-tail rabbits, and elk in the fall.

Some of the world's best preserved fossils are found right here, and you can see many of them on display at the Visitor Center.

It's almost like a giant aquarium in stone.

There are more than 3,000 fossils on display here, including 356 fish, the oldest articulated bat, and a 13-foot crocodile.

The fossils of turtles, dog-sized horses, insects, and many other species of plants and animals indicate that this area was a low, subtropical, freshwater basin several million years ago.

If you need fresh air, big, blue skies, and wide-open spaces in your life, head to the Fossil Butte National Monument as soon as you can.

The Visitor Center is open year-round, and ranger-led activities are available all year.

Have you ever been to the Fossil Butte National Monument? Plan your visit here.