Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
Hidden along the historic Lincoln Highway near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, stands one of the most unusual buildings in America—the Fossil Cabin, a structure built from thousands of dinosaur bones.
In this episode of Wyoming Chronicle, host Steve Peck speaks with Megan Stanfill, Executive Director of the Alliance for Historic Wyoming, and Leslie Jefferson of Discover Carbon County about the cabin’s remarkable origins, its connection to the famous Bone Wars, and the ongoing effort to relocate the nearly 100-year-old, 50-ton structure to Medicine Bow for preservation and public access.
Built in the 1930s by a roadside gas station owner hoping to attract travelers, the Fossil Cabin is made from nearly 6,000 dinosaur fossils sourced from nearby Como Bluff — one of the most important paleontological sites in the United States. Though listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the fragile and massive structure faces serious challenges due to weather, decay, and the difficulty of moving it intact.
This conversation explores Wyoming’s transportation history, early roadside attractions, historic preservation debates, and why saving this one-of-a-kind landmark matters for future generations.
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⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 Introduction to the Fossil Cabin
0:31 How and why the Fossil Cabin was built
1:56 Meet Megan Stanfill & Leslie Jefferson
3:31 Why moving the Fossil Cabin is so difficult
4:45 How many dinosaur fossils are in the cabin
6:49 The Bone Wars and Como Bluff
8:41 Roadside attractions and early auto tourism
11:02 Why the Fossil Cabin matters to Wyoming
13:09 National Register of Historic Places explained
18:22 Medicine Bow and the Lincoln Highway
22:42 Tourism, preservation, and community impact
24:55 What’s next for the Fossil Cabin
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With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
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Hidden along the historic Lincoln Highway near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, stands one of the most unusual buildings in America—the Fossil Cabin, a structure built from thousands of dinosaur bones.
In this episode of Wyoming Chronicle, host Steve Peck speaks with Megan Stanfill, Executive Director of the Alliance for Historic Wyoming, and Leslie Jefferson of Discover Carbon County about the cabin’s remarkable origins, its connection to the famous Bone Wars, and the ongoing effort to relocate the nearly 100-year-old, 50-ton structure to Medicine Bow for preservation and public access.
Built in the 1930s by a roadside gas station owner hoping to attract travelers, the Fossil Cabin is made from nearly 6,000 dinosaur fossils sourced from nearby Como Bluff — one of the most important paleontological sites in the United States. Though listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the fragile and massive structure faces serious challenges due to weather, decay, and the difficulty of moving it intact.
This conversation explores Wyoming’s transportation history, early roadside attractions, historic preservation debates, and why saving this one-of-a-kind landmark matters for future generations.
---
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 Introduction to the Fossil Cabin
0:31 How and why the Fossil Cabin was built
1:56 Meet Megan Stanfill & Leslie Jefferson
3:31 Why moving the Fossil Cabin is so difficult
4:45 How many dinosaur fossils are in the cabin
6:49 The Bone Wars and Como Bluff
8:41 Roadside attractions and early auto tourism
11:02 Why the Fossil Cabin matters to Wyoming
13:09 National Register of Historic Places explained
18:22 Medicine Bow and the Lincoln Highway
22:42 Tourism, preservation, and community impact
24:55 What’s next for the Fossil Cabin
---
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
