American Fossil Quarry is a premier fossil collecting location in Lincoln County, Wyoming. The site exposes Eocene fossils where visitors can hunt for fish, plants, insects, and stingrays.
The site contains private pay-to-dig quarries; public dig programs available. Reservations typically required. Fee charged per person. Fish fossils abundant and almost guaranteed finds. Approximately 50 million years old from Fossil Lake deposits. Tools usually provided by operators.
American Fossil and Warfield Quarry are commercial operations in the Green River Formation near Kemmerer, Wyoming. Multiple operators in the region provide public dig experiences in this world-famous fossil fish locality.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about fossil collecting at American 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
American Fossil Quarry is located at Farm Field Rd, Quarry on the South, Kemmerer, WY 83101. The fossil collecting site is in Kemmerer, Lincoln County, Wyoming.
Directions to American Fossil
To reach American Fossil: Find the private quarry near Kemmerer – contact operator for specific location and directions. When you arrive, the fossil collecting area is located at the private Green River Formation quarry sites.
What Fossils You’ll Find
American Fossil contains Eocene fossils preserved in fine-grained limestone (paper shale). Fish fossils are the primary fossil assemblage at the site. Plant fossils are also found throughout the collecting area. Insect fossils occur less frequently but have been been discovered at American Fossil.
Geologic History
American 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 an ancient Fossil Lake environment with excellent preservation in fine stratified lake sediments. The climate was warm subtropical during the Eocene with seasonal precipitation and abundant lakeside vegetation.
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 American Fossil today.
How American Fossil Became a Fossil Collecting Site
American Fossil originally operated as an industrial site where commercial activities exposed fossil-bearing rock layers. Quarrying, mining, or excavation operations removed overlying sediments and revealed ancient deposits that had been buried for millions of years.
After industrial operations ceased, American Fossil transitioned to a location where fossil enthusiasts could legally collect specimens. The legacy of this industrial activity created the accessible rock exposures that make fossil collecting possible today. Many of the world’s most productive fossil sites share this history of industrial operations inadvertently revealing paleontological treasures.
Collecting Rules & Regulations
Is Fossil Collecting Allowed?
American Fossil allows fossil collecting for visitors who follow proper procedures.
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 American 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
Commercial operator websites; Green River Formation documentation
