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Fossil Butte National Monumentvisitor center
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Fossil Butte National Monument
For Kids
 
a proud Jr. Ranger
NPS photo
 

Kids are welcome at Fossil Butte National Monument with several activities designed especially for you.

If you can't visit the national monument, check out the National Park Service's WebRanger program. 

 
looking for fossils
NPS photo

Fossil Quarry Program On Fridays and Saturdays during the summer, you can help look for fossils in our research quarry. You can't keep any fossils, but you'll have fun learning how fossils and scientific information are collected.

 
making a fossil rubbing
NPS photo
Fossil Rubbings  Even though you can't take fossils from the monument, you can create a fossil image to take home.
 
cleaning a fossil
NPS photo

Fossil Preparation  Participate in our Jr. Ranger program and you will learn how to clean a fossil.

 
Jr. Ranger badge
NPS photo
Jr. Ranger Program  If you have an hour, a great way to learn about the amazing fossils and other cool things about the national monument is to participate in this program.  Pick up a free booklet when you arrive at the visitor center.
hiking through an aspen grove
Hiking Trails
Hiking is a great way to explore the geology and experience the high desert environment.
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Revealing a fossil
Ranger Programs
Have you ever peeled a rock apart to discover a fossil inside? Plan a summer weekend visit.
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Priscacara liops
Visitor Center Activities
Over 80 fossils are displayed at the visitor center including a 13-foot crocodile.
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This fossil mosquito was found in the Fossil Lake deposits. Insect fossils are rare compared to fish and have not been researched.
Your Safety
The sun, lightning, elevation, and insects can affect the enjoyment of your visit.
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Knightia eocaena, NPS photo of Fossil Country Museum specimen  

Did You Know?
Knightia eocaena, a fossil fish, is the most abundant vertebrate fossil in the world and the state fossil of Wyoming.

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Last Updated: February 11, 2008 at 12:56 EST