Fossil Butte National Monument NPS Public Domain Photo

Places to Explore

If you are a rockhound and don't live in Wyoming, you may want to move here! As you travel through Wyoming's basins and across its mountain ranges, you can pass over all of the geologic eras of time which produced a variety of rocks, minerals, and fossil types. Rockhounds can explore most of Wyoming's geologic products up close because over 50% of the state is public land!

Whether you're one of the thousands who come to Wyoming each year to admire its unique geologic features or you've come to rockhound and prospect for gemstones and gold, Gator Girl Rocks provides useful information about popular museums of interest to rockhounders, places to visit, and rockhounding sites for children and families. To this general information we might add:

Museums

The article Places to See Geologic Displays in Wyoming was featured in the November 2012 issue of Jade State News. While there may have been changes in hours of public viewing, business location and/or other circumstances since the article was originally published in 1989, it remains a valuable guide for anyone seeking additional resources in the pursuit of their interests, hobby, or education.

Wyoming's Cultural Geology Guide, published by the Wyoming State Geological Survey (2015), provides an up-to-date, comprehensive list of Museums and sites that may be of interest to rockhounds. This publication can be downloaded directly from the WSGS here.

Collection Sites

To get you started on prospecting, the Wyoming State Geological Survey has prepared a Guide to Prospecting and Rock Hunting in Wyoming that describes some of the most common rocks and minerals to be found in Wyoming, along with general localities in the state where they might be found.

More

Also explore the WSMGS Topic Library for articles such as "Rockhounding Rules on BLM Public Lands" and "Rockhounding, Prospecting, and Fossil Hunting on the Shoshone National Forest" as well as detailed information that will interest any rockhound. As you tour the State of Wyoming, feel free to contact any of the WSMGS Affiliated Clubs when planning your visit.

From beginners to advanced collectors, everyone will find something in Wyoming!