52 million years ago a forest of willows, beeches, oaks, palms, maples and ferns grew around a 60 mile long and 40 mile wide shallow lake. Bats, birds, turtles, crocodiles, insects, small mammals, and 20 species of fish lived in or near the water. Through a unique set of circumstances many of these animals and plants were gently buried in the lake sediment when they died and the fossil remains are in almost perfect condition. The area covered by the lake has been uplifted and eroded so the fossil level is hundreds of feet above the visitor center.
Activities include ranger programs, two short trails, and a scenic drive.
The visitor center is accessible. A diorama of early fossil hunters, located outside, has high walls and is impossible to view from a seated position. The trails are steep, narrow, and not accessible.
The parking lot at the visitor center has long RV spaces. The parking lots for both trails are large enough for most RVs. The scenic road is gravel, steep, and one lane. Do not attempt to drive this road with a large RV. Park 41.83667, -110.77118
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