Fossil Lake Safari is an amazing experience that allows you to search for your own fossils and keep what you find. This activity is located near Fossil Butte National Monument and Kemmerer, Wyoming, but that’s only a few hours from the Wasatch Front. Your kids of all ages, from toddler through teenager, will love this activity!
We did a similar activity in Delta, where we dug for trilobites. It is similar distance from our home in Lehi. Our kids loved finding the trilobites, and they really loved finding the fish fossils since they are so big!
Fossils
Fossils are found in sedimentary rocks. These rocks are formed in layers as sediment solidifies at the bottom of a lake or stream. Of course, fish and other marine creatures may be fossilized in these layers, and that’s exactly what happened in the Green River Formation, which covers this part of Wyoming. Fossil Butte National Monument has a lot of information about how these fossils formed, and some amazing fossils on display. It isn’t very far from Fossil Lake Safari, so these two locations make a great day trip.
How it Works
When you arrive at Fossil Lake Safari, go to the small building and check in. You’ll receive a little training, a chisel and hammer, and gloves if you forgot your own. Then you’ll enter the quarry.
There are rocks of all sizes in the quarry. You simply place your chisel on the edge of a rock, tap it until a crack appears, and then pull the layers apart. You’ll find small fish, scales, and even poop. There are other things to find, too. There is something very satisfying about prying to layers of rock apart like the pages of a book and seeing what is inside. We got so excited to see what hidden treasures were in the rocks. It was a really special experience.
Each time you find a fossil you like, you take it to a shelf with your name on it. Our family ended up with nearly 50 fossils in a couple of hours. Some were small and simple. Others were large and beautiful. We took them over to a rock saw and cut them to the shape we wanted. If you’re not used to using saws, they are willing to help you if you need it. You can keep everything you find!
The workers were really helpful. They helped us lift and move rocks, and they answered questions and gave us advice about where to split or crack the rocks. They helped us identify things that we otherwise would have missed. Fossil Lake Safari workers were right on scene the entire time.
Our family loved this experience. If you are interested in fossils, or a unique adventure, then make a trip out to Wyoming and have fun finding your own fish fossils at Fossil Lake Safari.
Tips & Tricks
A few things you should remember before making the trek to Fossil Lake Safari:
- Make sure to take gloves and a hat. Sunscreen is a good idea, too. You will be out in the open breaking fossils open.
- Take a box or bin to tote your fossils home. The fossils are delicate and it’s best to have something to keep them from sliding around in your vehicle.
- The road to Fossil Lake is rough and rocky. It is passable by a car, but it will take you longer than you think to drive.
- Bring water and snacks, or even a lunch. You are out in the middle of nowhere, so make sure to have everything you need.
It is tricky to find and the Maps apps on our phones take us to the wrong place. Fossil Lake Safari has written very detailed instructions, so make sure to follow them on your way there. Use their website for current hours, pricing, and directions: Fossil Lake Safari.
