Information
Landmark: Ramnagar FortCity: Varanasi
Country: India
Continent: Asia
Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi, India, Asia
The Historic Fossil Country Museum is located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, USA. It preserves and displays fossils discovered in the Green River Formation.
Visual Characteristics
The museum building is a single-story structure constructed from local sandstone. Its exterior is a muted tan color, blending with the surrounding arid landscape. The main exhibition hall features high ceilings with exposed wooden beams. Display cases are primarily glass and metal, housing fossil specimens.
Location & Access Logistics
The museum is situated at 400 Lincoln Street in Kemmerer, Wyoming. It is approximately 0.5km west of the city center. Parking is available in a dedicated gravel lot adjacent to the building, with space for approximately 20 vehicles. No public transport directly serves the museum; visitors typically arrive by private vehicle.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The museum building itself was originally constructed in 1927 as the Lincoln County Courthouse. It was repurposed as a museum in 1972 to house the significant fossil finds from the nearby Green River Formation, a geological deposit dating back approximately 50 million years to the Eocene epoch. The formation is renowned for its exceptionally preserved fish fossils.
Key Highlights & Activities
Observation of fossil displays, including numerous well-preserved fish, insects, and plant fossils. Examination of detailed dioramas illustrating the ancient environment of the Green River Formation. Viewing of interactive exhibits explaining fossil excavation techniques. Participation in scheduled educational programs (check museum schedule for availability).
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are present in the parking lot. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available. No food vendors are located at the museum; nearest options are within the Kemmerer city center.
Best Time to Visit
The museum is open year-round. Mid-morning (10:00 AM - 11:30 AM) and mid-afternoon (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM) typically offer fewer crowds. The best months for visiting Kemmerer are generally May through September, offering milder weather for travel to the site.
Facts & Legends
The Green River Formation is one of the world's most significant sites for fossil fish. A specific local legend speaks of a prospector who stumbled upon a perfectly preserved fossilized snake coiled around a rock, which he later donated to the nascent museum collection.
Nearby Landmarks
- Fossil Butte National Monument (15km Northwest)
- Kemmerer City Hall (0.4km East)
- Kemmerer Public Library (0.6km Northeast)
- South Lincoln Medical Center (0.7km Southeast)