American Fossil
American Fossil
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
American fossil is giving you the opportunity of a lifetime. We have the only quarry in the world where you have the opportunity to keep every fossil you find. We have recently acquired the South Dempsey Quarry, in the Green River Formation and want to make it the most exciting destination in the world for families and everyone who loves fossils or the outdoors. Our quarry is open May 30-September 30th.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Chas87714Port Neches, Texas501 contributionsAwesome outdoor experience!This is a get dirty, work hard kind of adventure. We worked for four hours, and found quite a few fossils. It's fairly easy if you follow the directions from the staff. They provide all the tools you need. Bring old clothes to work in, as the site tends to be pretty dusty from broken rock. We changed into clean clothes before we left.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 28, 2023
- Lori AEstes Park, Colorado15 contributionsSuch a fun afternoon, unique experience!!What a fun unique afternoon!! We so enjoyed hunting for fish, found dozens of whole or parts in 4 hours, so recommend this! Of course you get dirty and tired, but so worth this experience! Bring water & snacks, the help was nice, would so recommend!!Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 30, 2024
- Lisa U8 contributionsAmerican is an extremely well-run operationI visited three Eocene quarries during a long weekend in Kemmerer and was the most impressed by American Fossil. They have a very attentive and knowledgeable staff and we FAR more than got our money's worth with a private dig, having found an decidedly valuable fossil that we were allowed to keep. These folks live up to their word, whereas I experienced maddening disinterest and outright thievery from a young 'guide' at another prominent quarry. Stick with American, they are a quality and professional operation.Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 2, 2024
- Lisa WColorado City, Colorado14 contributionsFabulous Fossil FunIt was great to be able to split open the rock and see what was inside. Great field experience. Was well worth the price for the 4 hours we participated. I suggest to people they bring work gloves and knee pads.Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 4, 2024
- Philip H1 contributionHad a wonderful timeWe live in Arizona and my wife is an amateur rockhound which means we cannot go more than a mile on back country roads without stopping lol. I found this site and purchased a 4 hour dig package as a surprise for her and to say it was a hit would be an understatement, The purchase was easy, and they kept us updated on the upcoming dig with emails and additional information which was great. We stayed in Kemmerer which is close by and the driving instructions to the site were easy to read and got us there with no issues. Once off the paved highway there is a bit of a drive to the dig site, and it is on dirt roads. It is also through open range so free grazing cattle and sheep can be on the road, so be careful. Just go slow... they will give you the stink eye for making them move but they do move. Once at the dig site there is plenty of parking and check in was easy. The staff was wonderful and very informative. While I opted to stay in the car and read a book, I could see the dig site and watch my wife who was like a kid in a candy store. She found many fish fossils and the staff were always wondering about the site to offer advice and help. Based on a previous review we brought plenty of bubble wrap and a container to put here treasures in. If you are thinking of a trip like this start here......Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 7, 2024
- Jason F1 contributionGreat experienceWe love American Fossil! We're local so this has become an annual tradition for our family. The staff are amazing. They encourage questions and are incredibly helpful. There's something so fascinating and humbling about unearthing fossils from millions of years ago. It's an incredible experience!Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 12, 2024
- Curt A1 contributionDon't tell anybody: 'Dad's have just just as much joy as the kid'Took my 11 year old and myself for her birthday and Father's Day. My kids first slab opened up a fish. So did mine. I was sort of thinking the advertisement was a bit overacted and wondered if you actually would find anything. 15 minutes in, my kid said 'this is the most fun, ever!' For an 11 yo old, 2 hours is fine. She was wearing down. We still left with about 80 pounds of fish. She wants to go back immediately on a quest for a ray. Highly recommended, but I suggest morning. The wind started kicking up just as we were leaving. Zero question if we'll be back. Its just a matter of how soon. If you're a bit beat up, a little stool to sit on is not a bad idea, (he says after wishing he had one) . Great folks, knowledgeable and an overall fantastic experience.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 16, 2024
- Jeremiah F1 contributionMore than expectedI took my son for a boy's trip. We had our expectations set low, as not to be disappointed. However, the staff were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Once we started to split rocks, we were overwhelmed with the amount of fossils that we found! It was amazing. Hoping to find one for each of us, we found more than 30 in two hours. Definitely recommending this experience to any and everyone.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 24, 2024
- TetonsnowTulsa, Oklahoma143 contributionsfamily friendly fun way to spend time in WyomingFantastic experience. Super accommodating and knowledgeable staff that teach you everything you need to know. So much fun. We did an all day trip which was a lot but we were tired and happy at the end of the day. Bring water because it gets hot, also some bubble wrap and some boxes to bring home your finds! I would recommend if doing a half day trip to go in the morning where you get first pick of the rocks to split.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 25, 2024
- Rob OKenilworth, United Kingdom207 contributionsGreat experience finding many good fossilsA great experience, led by experts who looked after us well and taught us how to find the fossils. We did a half day, and found many interesting fish which we are now preparing at home in England. It was a hot day, but we were able to go into the museum hut for shade, and buy cheap drinks from the shop. Our oldest son is a palaeontology student, and got to use the circular saw for the first time. We stayed at the Best Western Fossil County Inn in Kemmerer, which was not too far away. Visited the excellent Fossil Butte National Monument museum. And had great pizza from the Scroungy Moose in Kemmerer.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 16, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
211 reviews
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Mark M
Sidney, NE12 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Awesome experience snd awesome helpful staff. My 11 yr old son did the research for this trip and picked American Fossil in case we find a stingray as they are the only quarry that will allow you to keep it. I warned him it was a long shot but booked an 8hr dig for him, his buddy and me.
Definitely follow their directions snd not the Google machine. Road are fine if you are used to country driving.
It was awesome where the boys were able to be boys and explore on their own, with guidance from the guides, just to be sure they were respecting the resource. But the boys were able to do their own thing and got the hang of splitting the rock on their own.
The private 8 hr dig is a nice option for a group, and you can find all you need in 4 hours. After 6 hours we were beat (but all the rock in the roped off area was but all done yet!). I figured I had 3 min of work in the saw but instead spent 2 hours cutting all of our finds if that tells you how many we found .
Our best finds came after the morning crew left And I began to re split the rock where people stopped or it had been too wet in the morning…and low and behold I found a stingray!!! It was one of 3 found that day but don’t count on one, however my son reminded me that he called it. Shortly after he found a large intact miopylosus as well…so the trip was really special but it got more expensive as the ray and the mio are getting professionally prepped by Robert at Western Fossil in town while we will prep the tons of small fish on our own. Don’t go for the stingrays as that is a needle in a haystack but go for the people and the experience - hats off to the guides for all their efforts.
Quick tidbits
4 hours is enough
Allow time for sawing and packing
You will get filthy- plan on it! Prepare for it!
The wind will blow and it will get hot in the afternoon.
Definitely follow their directions snd not the Google machine. Road are fine if you are used to country driving.
It was awesome where the boys were able to be boys and explore on their own, with guidance from the guides, just to be sure they were respecting the resource. But the boys were able to do their own thing and got the hang of splitting the rock on their own.
The private 8 hr dig is a nice option for a group, and you can find all you need in 4 hours. After 6 hours we were beat (but all the rock in the roped off area was but all done yet!). I figured I had 3 min of work in the saw but instead spent 2 hours cutting all of our finds if that tells you how many we found .
Our best finds came after the morning crew left And I began to re split the rock where people stopped or it had been too wet in the morning…and low and behold I found a stingray!!! It was one of 3 found that day but don’t count on one, however my son reminded me that he called it. Shortly after he found a large intact miopylosus as well…so the trip was really special but it got more expensive as the ray and the mio are getting professionally prepped by Robert at Western Fossil in town while we will prep the tons of small fish on our own. Don’t go for the stingrays as that is a needle in a haystack but go for the people and the experience - hats off to the guides for all their efforts.
Quick tidbits
4 hours is enough
Allow time for sawing and packing
You will get filthy- plan on it! Prepare for it!
The wind will blow and it will get hot in the afternoon.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are happy you enjoyed your visit. Thank you for the many kind words.
American Fossil Staff
Written June 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
songsparrowwildl2018
Kansas City, MO3 contributions
Sep 2021
We made the 14 hour trip to American fossil this past week to fulfill my childhood dream of finding vertebrate fossils and American fossil didn't disappoint. We did an 8 hour dig and went straight through; had it not been for the 75F weather with a nice breeze, it would have been miserable. Colder in the morning and hotter towards the end of the day. The staff were excellent and always ready to help or give information and answer any questions!. Tools, racks and saws were available for everyone. You can go at your own pace as well and you never feel "pushed". The area is small and you are restricted to what is provided- all of which keeps safety as the number one priority and helps focus on plenty of rock to explore. That, and finding fish! We found many intact fish and innumerable partials, as well as a small plant (a less common fossil), coprolites, scales, etc. which make for interesting conversation pieces! One very small concern was that it appeared we sifted through shale that was already worked over the day before by other patrons- not a big deal, as they opened a smaller section late in the day, whereupon we found many more fossils!!. We will be back with other family next year!
Written September 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tawnyasojourn
Sedalia, MO83 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
American Fossil is a real dig site and quarry in Kemmerer, WY. You will be digging Eocene age material from what was once large lakes. You drive into the quarry and slabs of shale are dumped into a sectioned off area for you to split open using a rock hammer and chisel. Fossils from the Green River formation include several types of smaller fish, spoon bill and gar, freshwater stingray, crocs, turtles, various birds, 3 toed horses, bats, other mammals etc. There are several fossil gift shops in the area. Research "Green River fossils" for pictures and more fossil info. We mostly found fish and coprolites on our dig. You get to keep what you find unless it is paleontologically significant or incredibly rare. Things you need to know if you aren't a local: 1. It is hard to get to this site, dirt roads, rutted roads, rain makes it worse, 4wd or truck would be useful. 2. It is hot and you will burn so bring sunscreen. 3. Bring lots of water and maybe snacks if you are staying all day. 4. Did I mention you will burn? Bring an overshirt or long pants to cover with and hat, maybe sunglasses. 5. Boots or sports shoes are fine but no sandals or flip flops due to walking amongst rock slabs and fragments. 6. Toilets are port a potties, be aware.
The people who work here are super duper knowledgeable and nice! Thanks Patrick, John, and J'Nae.
I highly recommend doing this dig at least once. It will give you a great experience, a rare and unique experience, but also more appreciation for prepared and complete fossil specimens.
The people who work here are super duper knowledgeable and nice! Thanks Patrick, John, and J'Nae.
I highly recommend doing this dig at least once. It will give you a great experience, a rare and unique experience, but also more appreciation for prepared and complete fossil specimens.
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kris B
30 contributions
Sep 2021
Fantastic day digging fossils. I booked a full day and came away with so many great pieces. Extremely well run operation. Due to some personal time conflicts, I had to reschedule a couple times - Patrick Hogle was great to work with me on changing dates, recommending hotel & camp areas as well as other rockhounding areas to look at while I was in the area. Highly recommend this as an activity for the whole family, The staff was always available to offer tips on splitting, identifying your finds, and background of the geology of the area. Bonus was a line of cutting saws so you could properly trim the rock as needed.
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruttar
2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
It was exciting to dig/uncover fossils with the family and you keep what you dig up! We bought a two hour package which gave us plenty of time to find lots of fossilized fish, poop (yes, I am excited over fish poop lol) and my husband got a rare(er) fish and I even got a fossil of wood! The workers there are very knowledgeable and gave us tips on how to transport them (fossils are fragile)..., such as standing them on end and if you cut them at home, do not use a wet saw, it will destroy the fossil.... Which I never would have thought of. Don't be afraid to go, you won't leave empty handed.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JennM
1 contribution
Jul 2021
This was an amazing activity. You get to keep what you find, unlike other fossil companies. I didn't know if my 8 yr old space-obsessed son would enjoy this but it turned out to be his favorite part of vacation! He was able to find 5-6 good size fish in about an hour's time. Owners and employees are very helpful and personal. I would definitely recommend this adventure.
Written July 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting. We hope it was an "Out of this world" experience for your son.
Written July 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard L
Fergus Falls, Minnesota, United States42 contributions
Jul 2020
It was brutal hot and there was no shade - we started at 8:00am, but 6 hrs was about all we could take (88 degrees by 2pm). It is hard work with a lot of frustration - a lot of partial fish that:
a) Were broken when the rock was removed from the quarry
b) Were broken when I split the layers
c) Were broken as they dried
d) Were broken as they were moved to the saw
etc.
Now we are hoping we can get everything home o.k. without breaking more.
We did find a couple whole fish though. And ... we found a ray!
The saws are a huge bonus!
a) Were broken when the rock was removed from the quarry
b) Were broken when I split the layers
c) Were broken as they dried
d) Were broken as they were moved to the saw
etc.
Now we are hoping we can get everything home o.k. without breaking more.
We did find a couple whole fish though. And ... we found a ray!
The saws are a huge bonus!
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Swimcrazy
Erie, CO36 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
The day we we went was beautiful and sunny. We stayed for about 6-7 hours. They have piles of shale waiting for you and you pick a pile and go crazy. My 6 year old even found fossil fish. Everyone will leave with a fossil. We brought sun hats, lots of sun screen and folding chairs and foam padding to kneel on. You will get incredibly dirty!!!! We did not realize quite how dirty lol, bring lots of water and maybe towels to sit on in your car so you don’t ruin your seats with fine white dust. Do bring a lot of water. The people at the quarry are very helpful and we had a great time.
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew
Los Angeles27 contributions
Jun 2021
What a great experience! My wife and I did the 4 hour reservation and it was perfect. We ended up with more fossils than we knew what to do with. Luckily, we planned ahead and brought an empty suitcase just in case. We found tons of fish fossils and had fun the whole time. A boy near us ended up finding a bunch of different things in his rock. The staff was very nice and friendly as well. One of the workers helped us cut down our fossils on the circular saw and cut them down perfectly. We would absolutely do this again.
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are glad you enjoyed your visit.
Written June 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debbie S
1 contribution
Jul 2023
"Highly recommend American Fossil. Our boys are 3, 6, and 7 and they thoroughly enjoyed finding so many fossils. Staff helped them find a portion of a very large fish with scales and bones. You are sure to find something. We found mostly fish and coprolite. Staff were friendly and always willing to help and make sure you were being successful. Would recommend going in the morning since the wind picked up in the afternoon; which is typical in the West (i.e., Wyoming, Nevada and Colorado, etc.) And the site is dusty. So expect to stop in Kemmerer to wash your car and have dusty clothes after a few hours of hunting. Temperatures were reasonable 80's for the end of July. They had 4 dry radial arm saws which helped in cutting down the samples into reasonable sizes. In summary, we left with around 50 samples (whole and partial specimens) and again, were very pleased by the experience. Thanks American Fossil and staff !! "
Don and "The Boyz"
Don and "The Boyz"
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What does this actually mean? Any individual fossil valued over $100,000 will have a 50% Premium that will go to the landowner. Does this mean if you find a fossil worth $110,000 you need to pay the land owner $55,000 to keep it?
Written July 30, 2024
My husband and I are planning to be there Sat., Sep't 28th. Will you still be open?
Written September 14, 2019
American Fossil is open until September 30th unless the weather becomes too bad. We’re planning to be there that weekend as well maybe we will see you there.
Written September 15, 2019
Teri M
Bakersfield, California
We will be driving thru with a 35 ft 5th wheel , is there parking ?
Written December 6, 2018
Hope you will have good brakes and a strong transmission, because the hill going down to the quarry and then back up to leave is quite steep. So bear that in mind if and when you go. Try late spring or early summer but bring warm clothes as it is super windy all the time there. Closed in winter, check the website for seasons and opening dates and hours.
Written December 7, 2018
pibdawg
Put in Bay, Ohio
Sounds like it's a must for me, we will be traveling thru that area last week in October. Will you still be operating?
Written October 4, 2017
The quarry is family owned and I think that if you email them ahead of time, you might be able to schedule an opening with them....normally they are closed at that time
Written October 5, 2017
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