Free Lincoln County Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Lincoln County
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Explore Lincoln County, Wyoming, for Fossil Butte fossils, Star Valley ranches, mountain recreation, historic towns and wide-open western landscapes.

Lincoln County occupies a broad, varied corner of western Wyoming, stretching from the Idaho border across high desert basins, working ranch country and mountain ranges. It is a large rural county rather than a single compact destination, and its character changes noticeably between the green, settled valley of Star Valley in the north and the open sagebrush landscapes around Kemmerer and Fossil Butte farther south. The Salt River and its tributaries run through the northern valleys, while the Wyoming Range and Salt River Range provide a dramatic backdrop for hiking, fishing, wildlife watching and winter sports.
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Afton, the principal community of Star Valley, is a useful base for exploring the valley's ranching landscape, small settlements and access roads into the surrounding mountains. Towns including Alpine, Thayne, Etna and Fairview retain a rural identity shaped by agriculture, livestock and close connections between valley communities. Alpine stands near the meeting of the Snake and Salt rivers and provides access to Palisades Reservoir, whose broad waters and wooded shores extend into neighbouring Sublette County. In the county's southern half, Kemmerer and nearby Diamondville reflect a different history, rooted in coal mining, rail transport and the commercial development of the Green River Basin.
The county's most distinctive scientific landmark is Fossil Butte National Monument, west of Kemmerer. Its finely layered rocks preserve exceptionally detailed fossils from Fossil Lake, a large ancient lake that existed in the Eocene epoch roughly 50 million years ago. Fish, plants, insects and other organisms have been found here, giving the area international importance in palaeontology. The monument's visitor centre and trails explain how volcanic ash, lake sediments and unusual conditions created such a rich record of prehistoric life.
History remains visible in the county's town plans, ranches, churches, mining sites and transport routes. Indigenous peoples travelled through and used this region long before Euro-American settlement, while later migration followed trails across the upper Green River country and the routes connecting Wyoming with Idaho and Utah. In Star Valley, late nineteenth-century Mormon settlement helped establish irrigation, farming and permanent communities. Around Kemmerer, coal supported mines, railway traffic and company settlements, while the original J. C. Penney store recalls the county's place in the early development of American retail.
Lincoln County is best suited to travellers who appreciate spacious landscapes, geological history and outdoor activities without the concentration of facilities found in Wyoming's better-known resort centres. Summer brings hiking, boating, angling and scenic drives; autumn adds changing aspens and cooler, quieter roads; winter supports snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and other cold-weather pursuits, particularly around Star Valley and the mountain corridors. Distances are substantial, services can be widely separated, and a car is usually the most practical way to connect the county's communities and landscapes.

Getting to and around Lincoln County

How to get there

Lincoln County has no major commercial airport. Visitors normally drive in on US 89 from Idaho or northern Wyoming, US 30 from the west and east, or US 189 from the south and east. Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah and Jackson Hole Airport outside the county are possible air gateways, although both require a substantial onward drive; Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport is another option for parts of the southern county. Afton Municipal Airport and Kemmerer Municipal Airport serve general aviation rather than regular scheduled passenger flights. Check current road conditions before travelling in winter, when mountain passes and exposed highways can be affected by snow and wind.

Transportation

A private car is generally the most practical way to explore Lincoln County because communities, trailheads, historic sites and scenic areas are widely dispersed. US 89 links Star Valley communities and continues towards Jackson and Idaho, while US 30 and US 189 serve the southern and eastern parts of the county. Local taxis and demand-responsive services are limited, and there is no comprehensive visitor-oriented public transport network connecting all major sights. Cycling and walking are rewarding within towns and on established trails, but long rural roads may have little traffic support, shade or mobile coverage. Mountain roads and unpaved access routes require extra caution.

Best attractions in Lincoln County

Lincoln County's attractions range from scientifically important fossil beds to mountain landscapes and small-town heritage. Fossil Butte National Monument near Kemmerer is the county's defining attraction, with a visitor centre, fossil displays, interpretive material and trails through the ancient lake deposits. Around Star Valley, visitors can follow the valley's agricultural roads, explore community histories and use the Salt River Range as a gateway to hiking, fishing, wildlife observation and winter recreation. Alpine provides access towards Palisades Reservoir, whose boating and angling opportunities extend into neighbouring Sublette County, so visitors should check the precise location and regulations for any activity. The Salt River and Greys River corridors offer scenic drives and outdoor access, while the Wyoming Range contains more remote backcountry terrain. Historic attractions include Kemmerer's original J. C. Penney store and surviving traces of coal-mining development. The county is more about geological context, open-country travel and self-directed recreation than a dense collection of ticketed sights.

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Best landmarks in Lincoln County

Fossil Butte is Lincoln County's most recognisable natural and scientific landmark, rising above the fossil-bearing strata of the Fossil Basin and giving its name to the national monument. The exposed buttes and layered hills surrounding the basin reveal the region's unusual geological history in a landscape of sagebrush, open sky and distant ranges. In Star Valley, the Salt River Range forms a powerful eastern backdrop to the settled valley, while the Salt River itself provides a defining geographical line through fields, ranches and towns. Alpine's position near the meeting of the Snake and Salt rivers creates another important landscape landmark, with nearby Palisades Reservoir extending the area's visual and recreational reach beyond the county. Kemmerer's historic commercial core and the original J. C. Penney store represent a different kind of landmark: evidence of the mining-town economy and the emergence of national retail in the American West. Coal-related structures and altered mine landscapes around Kemmerer and Diamondville also embody the industrial history that shaped southern Lincoln County.

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Best restaurants in Lincoln County

Dining in Lincoln County reflects its rural geography and the different communities of Star Valley and the Kemmerer area. Local restaurants, cafés and diners tend to provide practical, generous meals suited to ranching, commuting and outdoor activity, while pubs and family-run establishments often form part of the social life of the towns. Star Valley has a strong agricultural setting, with locally produced beef, hay and seasonal goods appearing through farms, markets and independent food businesses, although availability varies. Visitors may find baked goods, preserves and other small-scale produce at seasonal farmers' markets or community events. Kemmerer and Diamondville retain a mining-region dining character, with casual restaurants and cafés serving residents and travellers along the highways. Expect familiar American cooking alongside pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, Mexican-influenced dishes and contemporary interpretations in newer establishments. Reservations and advance planning are sensible for larger groups or busy periods because dining choices are limited outside the principal settlements.

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Best bars in Lincoln County

Nightlife in Lincoln County is low-key and community-focused rather than built around large clubs. In Afton, Alpine, Thayne and Kemmerer, evenings are generally centred on traditional bars, restaurants, bowling or community venues, with conversation, televised sport and occasional live music more common than late-night dancing. Seasonal events and local gatherings can add music and social activity, but programmes and opening arrangements change. Some establishments serve regional beers and American bar food, while the county's outdoor culture means that many visitors finish the day early after hiking, fishing, boating or travelling long distances. Star Valley offers the broadest choice of evening venues because it contains several connected communities, whereas the southern county is quieter and more dispersed. Visitors should arrange transport in advance if drinking, avoid rural driving after dark when tired, and remember that alcohol is not necessary to participate in local community life.

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Best shops in Lincoln County

Shopping in Lincoln County is concentrated in the main communities rather than in large commercial districts. Afton, Alpine, Thayne and Kemmerer provide everyday services, independent shops, galleries, outdoor suppliers and places to buy provisions for rural travel. Seasonal farmers' markets and community markets in Star Valley may offer vegetables, baked goods, preserves, crafts and small-scale ranch products, with exact schedules varying by season. Western clothing, practical outdoor equipment and locally made gifts are more characteristic purchases than luxury retail. Visitors interested in the county's history can look for books, locally themed souvenirs and fossil-related educational material connected with the Fossil Butte area; legally collected commercial specimens should not be confused with fossils protected within the national monument. Antique, craft and art offerings tend to be independent and intermittent, so browsing several communities is more rewarding than expecting a single shopping centre. Stock up on specialist food, medicine and technical outdoor equipment before travelling into the more remote basins and mountain roads.

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Lincoln County essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD), as throughout Wyoming. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted at accommodation, petrol stations, supermarkets and established restaurants in larger communities, but cash remains useful for small purchases, rural services, some seasonal vendors and unexpected diversions. ATMs are available in the principal towns but may be widely separated in remote parts of the county. Notify your bank before travelling internationally and retain a payment alternative for areas where connectivity is limited.
Safety
Lincoln County is sparsely populated, so practical safety concerns often relate more to distance, weather and outdoor conditions than to crowded urban areas. Keep fuel and water available on long drives, watch for livestock and wildlife on roads, and avoid assuming that mobile-phone coverage will work in mountain valleys or remote basins. Rivers and reservoirs can have cold water, changing levels and strong currents. Winter storms, icy roads and sudden summer thunderstorms can disrupt travel. In the backcountry, tell someone your route, carry suitable clothing and use designated access points where available.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance emergencies anywhere in Lincoln County. State clearly that you are in Lincoln County, give the nearest town, highway, trailhead or landmark, and describe your direction of travel if you are on a rural road. Search-and-rescue resources may take time to reach remote locations, so do not rely solely on a mobile phone or navigation application. For non-emergency medical care, ask local accommodation providers or emergency services for the nearest appropriate facility, as services are distributed across a large area. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available nationally for urgent mental-health support.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect private ranch land, gates, fences and posted signs, and use established roads and trails when exploring public areas. Do slow down for livestock, deer and other animals, and yield courteously on narrow mountain roads. Do dispose of waste responsibly and follow current fire restrictions. Do not assume that an unfenced landscape is open for public access, and do not remove fossils, rocks or historic objects from protected areas. In small communities, observe ordinary American etiquette by queueing, tipping appropriately in table-service restaurants and asking before photographing people, private property or working operations.
Local Tips
Base yourself in Star Valley for access to its connected communities and mountain recreation, or in the Kemmerer area for Fossil Butte National Monument and southern-county history. Start long scenic drives with a full tank and check whether seasonal roads, trailheads or facilities are open. Afton, Alpine, Thayne and Kemmerer each have a different local character, so allow time to stop rather than treating them only as fuel points. For Fossil Butte, combine the indoor interpretation with an outdoor walk, and bring sun protection because the exposed basin offers limited shade.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[haʊdi]
GoodbyeSee ya later[si jə leɪtər]
YesYup[jʌp]
NoNope[noʊp]
Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem[pliːz/noʊ ˈprɒbləm]
Thank youThanks a lot[θæŋks ə lɒt]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me/Sorry[ˈpɑːrdən miː/ˈsɔːri]
How are you?How's it going?[haʊz ɪt ˈɡoʊɪŋ]
Fine. And you?Good. How about you?[ɡʊd/haʊ əˈbaʊt juː]
Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?[du jə spiːk ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
I don't understandI ain't following[aɪ eɪnt ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[kən aɪ si ðə ˈmɛnjuː pliːz]
I don't eat meatI ain't much for meat[aɪ eɪnt mʌtʃ fɔːr miːt]
Cheers!Cheers![ʧɪrz]
I would like to pay, pleaseI’d like to settle up, please[aɪd laɪk tə ˈsɛtəl ʌp pliːz]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![hɛlp]
Go away!Get lost![ɡɛt lɔst]
Call the Police!Call the cops![kɔl ðə kɑps]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor here![ɡɛt ə ˈdɑktər hɪr]
I'm lostI'm turned around[aɪm tɜrnd əˈraʊnd]
I'm illI'm not feeling well[aɪm nɑt ˈfiːlɪŋ wɛl]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[aɪ ˈwɒnə baɪ]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[dʒʌst ˈbraʊzɪŋ]
How much is it?What's the price?[wɑːts ðə praɪs]
That's too expensiveThat’s a bit pricey[ðæts ə bɪt ˈpraɪsi]
Can you lower the price?Can ya cut me a deal?[kən jə kʌt mi ə diːl]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time ya got?[wɑt taɪm jə ɡɑt]
It's one o'clockIt's one[ɪts wʌn]
Half past (10)Half past ten[hæf pæst tɛn]
MorningMornin'[ˈmɔrnɪn]
AfternoonAfternoon[æftərˈnun]
EveningEvening[ˈiːvnɪŋ]
YesterdayYesterday[ˈjɛstərdeɪ]
TodayToday[təˈdeɪ]
TomorrowTomorrow[təˈmɒroʊ]
1One[wʌn]
2Two[tuː]
3Three[θriː]
4Four[fɔːr]
5Five[faɪv]
6Six[sɪks]
7Seven[sɛvən]
8Eight[eɪt]
9Nine[naɪn]
10Ten[tɛn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's a...?[wɛrz ə...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[wɑts ði ˈædrɛs]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?[kən jə pɔɪnt ɪt aʊt]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[wɛn'z ðə nɛkst bʌs]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[ə ˈtɪkɪt tə...]

History of Lincoln County

Indigenous Homelands and Travel Routes

The valleys, rivers and basins of present-day Lincoln County formed part of the traditional homelands and travelling territories of Indigenous peoples, including the Eastern Shoshone and Bannock. These communities used knowledge of seasonal water, forage and migration routes to move through an environment that could be both productive and severe. The Salt River, Snake River and upper Green River corridors later became important to Euro-American travellers, but they were not empty spaces awaiting settlement. Indigenous history remains an essential foundation for understanding the county's later trails, trade and land-use patterns.

Fossil Lake and the Eocene Record

Long before human settlement, much of southern Lincoln County lay beside Fossil Lake, a large freshwater lake that occupied the region during the Eocene epoch, approximately 50 million years ago. Fine lake sediments and volcanic ash preserved fish, plants, insects and other organisms with unusual clarity. The fossil-bearing strata around Fossil Butte are now internationally important to palaeontology and are protected within Fossil Butte National Monument. The site offers a geological record of a warmer prehistoric environment, when western Wyoming differed greatly from the high, dry landscape seen today.

Fur Trade and Overland Migration

During the nineteenth century, trappers, traders, military parties and emigrants crossed western Wyoming along routes linking the Rocky Mountain interior with Idaho and the Great Salt Lake region. The county's valleys and passes formed part of the wider network of trails associated with the fur trade and overland migration. The landscape was difficult, with limited water and severe weather, but river corridors offered practical routes through the mountains and basins. These movements connected the area to the wider political and commercial transformation of the American West.

Mormon Settlement in Star Valley

Mormon settlers began establishing communities in Star Valley during the late nineteenth century, developing farms, irrigation systems, churches and roads in a valley whose growing season was short and winters demanding. Settlements such as Afton, the valley's main community, expanded through cooperative agricultural work and strong ties between neighbouring towns. Ranching and hay production became enduring elements of the local economy. The valley's present-day settlement pattern, historic religious buildings and cultivated fields reflect this period of planned community development rather than the boom-and-bust mining history associated with southern Lincoln County.

Coal, Railways and Kemmerer

Kemmerer's growth was closely tied to coal mining and the railways that enabled fossil fuel and other goods to move through southwestern Wyoming. The town developed in a company-influenced industrial environment, with mines, workers' housing and commercial services shaping everyday life. Coal remained central to local employment and regional energy production for much of the twentieth century, although mechanisation and changes in the energy economy altered the industry. Mining heritage is still visible in the built environment and in the area's identity, even as the local economy has diversified.

The Original J. C. Penney Store

James Cash Penney opened his first store in Kemmerer in 1902, making the town an early setting for the retail business that later became the national J. C. Penney chain. The store's location reflected Kemmerer's mining-town economy and the demand for dependable, fairly priced goods in a growing western community. The original shop has been preserved as a museum and historic site, linking local commercial history with a much larger American story about chain retail, mail-order competition and changing consumer habits.

Energy and Modern Economic Change

In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, Lincoln County's economy continued to be influenced by energy, transport, ranching and public lands. Coal mining remained important around Kemmerer, while oil and natural-gas activity developed in the wider Green River Basin, including areas near La Barge. At the same time, Star Valley retained its agricultural base and gained importance as a residential and outdoor-recreation area. These overlapping economies have produced a county where ranches, industrial infrastructure, conservation land and growing visitor services exist alongside one another.

Lincoln County in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Lincoln County

Discover Lincoln County with Evendo, the 100% free travel guide app! Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

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Explore the charm of Lincoln County, Wyoming, with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide app. From famous landmarks to local eateries, plan your perfect trip effortlessly.

  • History of Lincoln County and travel essentials
  • Local advice for maximizing your visit
  • User-friendly navigation with 'Near me' feature
  • Curated tips for experiencing destinations like a local
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Lincoln County, Wyoming, a destination teeming with natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. With Evendo, your travel experience is transformed into an unforgettable adventure. Our app provides a thorough guide to all that Lincoln County has to offer, from the stunning landscapes of Star Valley to the historic sites of Kemmerer, the birthplace of the JC Penney stores. Dive into the local culture by visiting the Fossil Butte National Monument, a treasure trove of prehistoric life, or take a scenic drive along the Greys River Road for breathtaking views of the Wyoming wilderness.

Food enthusiasts will delight in the variety of culinary experiences available, from the rustic charm of local diners in Afton to the gourmet offerings in Alpine. Discover the best places to eat, like the renowned Nordic Inn nestled amidst the picturesque mountains, offering a taste of local flavors with a panoramic view.

Evendo is designed to be your personal travel companion, providing detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Each location is enriched with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy to plan and organize your itinerary. With the convenience of booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, your journey through Lincoln County becomes seamless and stress-free.

Download Evendo today and unlock the secrets of Lincoln County and over 7,000 other destinations worldwide. This comprehensive app is your key to exploring like a local, with its easy navigation, 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions, and curated local tips for an authentic travel experience.

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