Fossil Butte National Monument has unearthed a lot of species. Amongst them, there were 10 mammal species, 27 fish species, 15 species of reptile, two amphibian species, several arthropod species, 30 species of bird, and several plant species. Some of these fossils date back more than 50 million years, from during the Eocene Epoch. Back then, there were three giant lakes—at a point, one colossal lake—covered Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. In paleontology’s terms, it was the Green River Lake System.
Fossil Butte National Monument is situated in the once-Fossil Lake—a body of water spanning 50 miles long, and 20 miles wide. Today, the prehistoric landscape is composed of sandstone and mudstone formations, coupled with rolling, desolate hills, and low-rider shrubs. There’s a powerful silence about the place, as if a waterfall had been billowing nearby, only to disappear, leaving nothing but an echo of raw energy.
This story was created in partnership with the Fossil Basin Promotion Board, Wyoming.
Eerie vibes aside, the park is open year-round. The summer months are warm and inviting, whilst winter is contemplated, and disconnected, making for a very personal experience. Visiting the fossil-fish capital of the world was an eye-opening day out, and the nickname is well-deserved.
Annual Kemmerer Lions Club Ice Fishing Derby
World-class fishing exists about Kemmerer, and it’s honored through the Annual Kemmerer Lions Club Ice Fishing Derby. This is a fishing contest like no other, situated amidst some of the most beautiful scenery Wyoming has to offer—and amongst its best fishing (without doubt).
People travel from all over the region to be here for this hardy contest. Everyone wants a chance at the prize money, which varies between $2,000 and $15,000. That’s not all though, as the ice fishing here—and general fishing—guarantees a good time, with possibility to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and bur-bot, spending time in beautiful, winter-Wyoming scenery.
Kemmerer’s top fishing locations are the Green River, Ham’s Fork River, Viva Naughton, and Fontenelle Reservoir. The Lions Club Ice Fishing Derby generally takes place the weekend of Presidents’ Day.
Dog Sledding Race
Winter in Kemmerer is a great season for many reasons, one being the Pedigree Stage Stop Race, launched from Jackson, WY. Kemmerer is one of the eight total stops that comprise the race around Wyoming. It’s the only dog sledding race in the lower forty-eight, beginning in late January, and running for about 14 days, into February.
I asked what the best things are about dog sledding to a veteran racer, who now works in the Diamondville Town Hall. Markus had this to say:“It’s really exhilarating, something unique. You get out in nature, and with dog power, it’s fast. This morning, I clocked my dog at 35mph. On a sled, I’ve hit 28mph.”
It seems this event is more than just a race. It’s fueled by incredible passion and love for man’s best friend, for the natural world. People train year-round, feeding their dogs colossal diets, building them up to be in peak physical condition. The dogs aren’t complaining—in fact, they love it.
More To Discover and To Do In Kemmerer
Among the world-class fishing, the Pedigree Stage Stop Race, the museums (Fossil County Frontier Museum is an excellent one), snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and JC Penny’s mother store, where it all began (certainly worth a stop), you’ll also be able to try some of the finest snowmobiling routes on offer. Because of Kemmerer’s rolling hills and vast plains, this is a top thing-to-do here.
Snowmobile out into the wilds surrounding Kemmerer and immerse yourself in raw energy and exhilaration. There’s many an opportunity to see stunning scenery and wildlife on your snow excursion. You can enjoy nature whilst feeling at the top of the world, snowmobiling your way through a serene, frozen heaven. These routes are just fantastic, and are well-worth a go—a pride of Wyoming, indeed.
The Oyster Ridge Music Festival
For the last thirty years, every July, something special has been happening in Kemmerer: The Oyster Ridge Music Festival. This is one of the best folk music festivals in the US, and just maybe, one of the best festivals in the US.
Lead singer of Bearheart, a modern folk band whose sounds defy folk norms, had this to say: “I’ve played a few festivals, and I’ve been over-seas (performing). This is the best, probably most relaxing (festival) I’ve been at.”
Relaxing is exactly the word you’d use to describe the event. It’s also overwhelmingly friendly. The two-day festival is completely free, and packed with an array of great musical performances coming from across the country.
The Oyster Ridge Music Festival is also great because of the opportunity to experience artists who could be about to make it big. Names like Trampled by Turtles, Pete Francis of Dispatch, and Elephant Revival, who now tour all over the US, Canada, and even Europe, have performed at The Oyster Ridge Music Festival—returning still.
The festival has a rather unique jam session—The Band Scramble (great name, right?). Musicians, band or not, are invited to the stage after having entered their name into a draw —occurring multiple times—for a chance to jam and write a song. The best performance is voted for, and later that day, performed to the 3,000(ish) people at the festival. It’s a reflection of how open and passionately creative the organizers and audience of this event are – everyone gets involved.
There’s really no way to complain about the Oyster Ridge Music Festival. It’s a free music event performed by inspiring, upcoming musicians. That, coupled with the warm and inviting community vibe, the locally-sourced beers and fossil stores, and the chilled atmosphere given off by the visitors, makes me sure when I say, you won’t find a quality festival experience like this in many other places. Be sure to visit Kemmerer, there are more than enough reasons to.
