Ulrich's Fossil Gallery Fossil Hunting Guide
Reservations recommended for dig programs. Tools typically provided. Fish fossils very common. Ulrich's is one of the oldest and most established Green River fossil operations.
Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery is a premier fossil collecting location in Lincoln County, Wyoming. The site exposes Eocene fossils where visitors can hunt for fish, plants, insects, stingrays, and turtles.
Reservations recommended for dig programs. Tools typically provided. Fish fossils very common. Ulrich’s is one of the oldest and most established Green River fossil operations.
Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery operates multiple quarries in the Green River Formation and offers both public dig opportunities and prepared specimens for purchase. This is a long-established operation (family-owned for decades) in the Green River Formation fossil industry.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about fossil collecting at Ulrich’s Fossil, including directions to the site, collecting rules and regulations, the types of fossils you can find, and what to expect during your visit. Kemmerer provides the nearest services and amenities for visiting collectors.
Location and Directions
Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery is located at 4400 Fossil Butte County Road, Fossil Station, Kemmerer, WY 83101-5008. The fossil collecting site is in Kemmerer, Lincoln County, Wyoming.
Directions to Ulrich’s Fossil
To reach Ulrich’s Fossil: There are multiple quarry locations in Wyoming (Kemmerer area) and Utah - check operator website for specific sites.
When you arrive, the fossil collecting area is located at various Green River Formation quarry sites.
What Fossils You’ll Find
Ulrich’s Fossil contains Eocene fossils preserved in fine-grained limestone (paper shale).
Fish fossils are the primary fossil assemblage at the site. Plants fossils are also found throughout the collecting area. Insect fossils occur less frequently but have been been discovered at Ulrich’s Fossil.
Geologic History
Ulrich’s Fossil exposes the Green River Formation, a significant Eocene geological unit in Lincoln County, Wyoming.
Millions of years ago, the area that is now Kemmerer, Wyoming was warm subtropical during the Eocene period.
As these ancient organisms died, sediments buried and preserved their remains. Over millions of years, geological processes transformed these sediments into the fossil-bearing rocks visible at Ulrich’s Fossil today.
How Ulrich’s Fossil Became a Fossil Collecting Site
The fossil beds at Ulrich’s Fossil were exposed through natural geological processes over thousands of years. Erosion by water, wind, and weathering gradually removed overlying sediments and revealed the fossil-bearing rock layers beneath.
Rivers, streams, or coastal action continuously expose fresh specimens at Ulrich’s Fossil, making it a renewable collecting location. These natural forces created accessible outcrops without human intervention, preserving the site’s geological integrity. The ongoing processes of erosion mean new fossils continue to appear as weather and water expose previously buried specimens.
Collecting Rules & Regulations
Is Fossil Collecting Allowed?
Ulrich’s Fossil allows fossil collecting for visitors who follow proper procedures. A permit or admission fee is required before collecting begins.
Key Points:
- Permit or admission fee required
- Collectors keep all specimens found
- Staff available for questions and identification
- Reservations may be recommended during peak seasons
The fee helps maintain the site and ensure quality experiences for all visitors.
Tools and Equipment
Recommended Tools:
Fossil collectors should verify which tools are allowed before beginning their search. Some sites provide tools for visitors, while others require collectors to bring their own equipment.
Common Collecting Tools:
- Rock hammers and chisels
- Brushes for cleaning specimens
- Hand screens for processing sediment
- Sturdy containers, bags, or buckets
- Newspaper or bubble wrap for protection
- Spray bottle with water (reveals fossil details)
Safety Guidelines
Essential Safety Guidelines:
Safety should be every collector’s top priority when visiting Ulrich’s Fossil.
Personal Protection:
- Wear closed-toe shoes or boots with good traction
- Eye protection is essential when using rock hammers or chisels
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing
- Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated
Site Awareness:
- Supervise children at all times
- Watch for unstable rock faces, deep water, steep slopes
- Be aware of poisonous plants and wildlife
- Let someone know your plans before visiting remote sites
- Never collect alone in isolated areas
Sources
Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery website; Green River Formation operator documentation
