Discover Wyoming's prehistoric past with a private fossil digging adventure in Kemmerer. This hands-on experience offers a rare chance to uncover real fossils beneath the surface, guided by experts. Join us for a memorable journey back in time!
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in decent physical condition to handle outdoor digging and light hiking.
Wildlife
History
Kemmerer is known as the 'Gateway to Fossils,' due to its proximity to famous paleontological sites and its rich prehistoric history.
Conservation
American Fossil emphasizes sustainable practices by minimizing site disturbance and promoting fossil preservation.
American Fossil
Discover Wyoming's prehistoric past with a private fossil digging adventure in Kemmerer. This hands-on experience offers a rare chance to uncover real fossils beneath the surface, guided by experts. Join us for a memorable journey back in time!
American Fossil operates the American Fossil Quarry in Salem, Utah, offering hands-on fossil hunting and paleontology experiences for families, students, and adult enthusiasts. Participants can book timed digs—Two Hour Dig, Four Hour Dig—or secure a Private Dig Package that includes excavation of two cubic yards of rock. The quarry is unique in that visitors keep every fossil they find, spanning rare fish, reptiles, mammals, and birds from the Green River Formation.
Educational Paleontology Experience programs are offered for ages 8–11, 12–15, and 16 and up, combining field excavation with preparation lab sessions. In the lab, participants learn fossil preparation and restoration techniques, create reproductions like an Elasmosaurus vertebra or a dinosaur skull replica, and take home curated specimens such as Mosasaur teeth and Green River fossil fish. American Fossil maintains a professional preparation lab and provides expert-led instruction and safety guidance during field activities.
Bookings are limited to preserve a focused, hands-on environment and ensure staff attention for each group. The business emphasizes factual interpretation of finds and offers takeaway specimens and display stands when included in the experience. Located in central Utah, the quarry enables access to well-preserved Eocene fossils and supports public engagement with paleontology through guided excavation and classroom-style learning. American Fossil’s combination of field access, tangible takeaways, and structured educational programs makes it a reliable choice for visitors seeking an authentic fossil hunting experience. Staff include trained preparators and guides who follow best practices. Reservations online are recommended to secure preferred dates. Contact details are provided.
Location
Salem, Utah
Home of the American Fossil Quarry
Keep Finds
You keep fossils
Every discovery is retained by visitors
Dig Options
2 hr • 4 hr • Private
Multiple durations including private digs
Age Programs
8–11, 12–15, 16+
Hands‑on experiences for kids and adults
Book a Two Hour, Four Hour, Private Dig or a Paleontology Experience today to secure dates and guarantee hands-on instruction and takeaway specimens.
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
Since you'll be digging outdoors, dress in layers and sturdy shoes to stay comfortable throughout the activity.
Bring sunglasses and sun protection
Protect yourself from sun exposure while working outdoors by wearing sunglasses, hats, and applying sunscreen.
Stay hydrated
Bring a water bottle to stay refreshed during your digging session, especially during warmer months.
Respect the environment
Follow all guidance to preserve the site and avoid damaging fossil deposits or natural surroundings.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Protect your feet and provide stability while digging in uneven terrain.
Hat and sunglasses
Shield yourself from the sun during outdoor activities in warmer months.
summer
Layers of clothing
Dress in layers to stay comfortable across varying weather conditions.
spring|fall|winter
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during your fossil excavation with easy-to-carry water.