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Kemmerer is a small town of roughly 2,700 people in Lincoln County, southwestern Wyoming, sitting at an elevation of about 6,900 feet in the Hams Fork valley. It was founded in 1897 as a coal-mining settlement and grew quickly after James Cash Penney opened his first retail store here in 1902 — a fact that gives the town an outsized place in American retail history.
Today Kemmerer draws visitors primarily for two reasons: Fossil Butte National Monument, one of the richest Eocene-era freshwater fossil sites in the world, lies just a few miles to the west; and the town itself offers an authentic, unhurried window into small-town Wyoming life, with a triangular 'tent town' street layout that survives from its frontier origins.
The surrounding high-desert landscape — sagebrush flats, limestone ridges, and wide skies — appeals to hikers, fossil enthusiasts, anglers, and anyone seeking solitude far from major tourist corridors.
Before You Go
Visas
Kemmerer is located in the United States. For visa requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or State Department website for guidance relevant to your nationality.
Practical preparation
- Altitude: At nearly 6,900 feet, some visitors feel mild altitude effects. Stay hydrated, especially in summer.
- Weather variability: Summers are warm and dry but afternoon thunderstorms are common. Winters are cold and snowy, with roads occasionally affected by drifting. Check road conditions before travel in winter or early spring.
- Limited services: Kemmerer is a small town. Stock up on supplies, medications, and cash before arrival if traveling from a distance. Cell coverage can be spotty in outlying areas.
- Fossil Butte timing: The national monument visitor center has seasonal hours; verify current hours on the National Park Service website (nps.gov/fobu) before your visit.
Getting There
Kemmerer has no commercial air service. The nearest regional airports with scheduled flights are Rock Springs–Sweetwater County Airport (approximately 85 miles east) and Salt Lake City International Airport (roughly 150 miles south), which offers the widest range of connections.
The most practical way to reach Kemmerer is by car. U.S. Highway 189 connects the town to Interstate 80 near Evanston to the south and to the Pinedale area to the north. Roads are generally good in summer; winter driving requires preparation for ice and blowing snow.
No passenger rail or intercity bus service currently serves Kemmerer directly. Travelers relying on public transportation should verify any regional shuttle or coach options from Rock Springs or Evanston, as these change periodically.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially required to make the most of Kemmerer and the surrounding area. Fossil Butte National Monument is about 11 miles west of town via U.S. Highway 30, and several fossil quarry sites and scenic pulls are only reachable by car or on foot from roadside trailheads.
The town itself is compact and walkable; the central Triangle Park area, the JCPenney Mother Store, and the local museum are all close together. There is no local public transit system. Ride-share apps have very limited availability in this area — verify locally before counting on them.
Where to Stay
Kemmerer has a modest selection of locally owned motels and small inns. Larger chain lodging is available in nearby Evanston (about 55 miles south) or Rock Springs (about 85 miles east) if you prefer more options. There are no luxury or resort properties in town.
Camping is available at Viva Naughton Reservoir and on surrounding BLM lands; facilities are basic. Verify current campsite availability and any fees through the BLM Wyoming field office or recreation.gov. Book accommodations well in advance if visiting during summer, as options are limited.
Things to See & Do
Fossil Butte National Monument
This is the primary draw for most visitors. The site preserves one of the world's best-documented deposits of Eocene freshwater fossils — fish, turtles, crocodilians, birds, bats, and plants entombed in ancient lake sediments roughly 52 million years ago. The visitor center includes exhibits and fossil preparation demonstrations when staff are present. Several hiking trails cross the butte; the landscape itself is stark and beautiful. Admission is free (verify at nps.gov/fobu).
JCPenney Mother Store
James Cash Penney opened his first 'Golden Rule' store in Kemmerer in 1902. The original building on Pine Avenue still operates as a JCPenney retail store and carries a small historical exhibit. It is a genuine piece of American commercial history rather than a reconstructed museum.
Kemmerer/Diamondville area fossil quarries
Several private commercial quarry operations near town allow visitors to dig for their own fossils (typically fish) for a fee. These change ownership and operating status, so verify current options and pricing locally or through the Lincoln County visitor resources before you go.
Outdoor recreation
The Hams Fork River and nearby Viva Naughton Reservoir offer fishing opportunities; check current Wyoming Game and Fish regulations for licenses and seasons. The surrounding BLM lands are open for hiking and wildlife observation. Pronghorn antelope are commonly seen in the area.
Food & Drink
Dining options in Kemmerer are limited to a small number of local diners, family restaurants, and fast-food outlets. Expect straightforward American fare — burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and breakfast staples. Do not arrive expecting fine dining or a wide variety of cuisines.
A small grocery store and convenience stores allow self-catering for those staying longer. If you have specific dietary needs or preferences, it is wise to bring supplemental provisions. Alcohol is available at licensed establishments; Wyoming has a standard state licensing system.
For a broader restaurant selection, Rock Springs or Evanston offer more variety. Hours for local restaurants can be irregular — calling ahead or checking current reviews before visiting a specific place is advisable.
Practical Information
Money
Bring cash as a backup. While most businesses accept major credit cards, rural Wyoming towns occasionally have connectivity issues with card terminals. There are ATMs in town; verify surcharge-free options with your bank.
Emergency services
Kemmerer has local law enforcement (Kemmerer Police Department) and is served by South Lincoln Medical Center for healthcare needs. For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available at some lodgings and the public library. Mobile data coverage is serviceable in town but drops off significantly in the monument and on backcountry roads. Download offline maps before heading out.
Fuel
Fuel up in Kemmerer before heading to Fossil Butte or onto remote BLM roads. Gas stations exist in town; distances between services in this part of Wyoming can be long.
Safety
Kemmerer is a low-crime rural community. Standard travel precautions apply: secure valuables in your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings, and let someone know your plans when hiking in remote areas.
Outdoor hazards are the more realistic concern. Rattlesnakes are present in the high-desert terrain — watch where you step and do not reach into rock crevices. Summer afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly; seek shelter if you see lightning while on open ground. Winter driving on Highway 189 and surrounding roads can be hazardous; carry chains or have AWD/4WD if traveling in cold months, and monitor WYDOT (Wyoming Department of Transportation) road conditions.
