Overview
Fossil is a town in Eastern Oregon.
2 sights · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Fossil
Thomas Benton Hoover House
On the National Register of Historic Places, this wooden two-storey building dates back to 1882. It was the original owner of this house, Thomas Benton Hoover, who gave the town its name because of the fossils he found o…
Fossil Field
A small information centre in addition to three fossils.
Plan your trip
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RDM Roberts Field, Redmond — 69 mi away. Directions
- PDT Eastern Oregon Regional Airport at Pendleton, Pendleton — 82 mi away. Directions
- PDX Portland International Airport, Portland — 123 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $79–$79 a night (typical $114), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$190, comfortable ~$240.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Thomas Benton Hoover House
- Afternoon Fossil Field
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Fossil has a population of 473 as of 2010 and is the seat of Wheeler County.
The site of only public fossil field in the U.S., the town was named by its first mayor, due to the fossil remains he found on his ranch.
See
See Thomas Benton Hoover House
On the National Register of Historic Places, this wooden two-storey building dates back to 1882. It was the original owner of this house, Thomas Benton Hoover, who gave the town its name because of the fossils he found on his property.
Sleep
Nearby
Kimberly
City / town · 1 listings · 32 mi away
Madras
City / town · 7 listings · 51 mi away
Warm Springs
City / town · 9 listings · 54 mi away
Dufur
City / town · 11 listings · 54 mi away
Prineville
City / town · 10 listings · 57 mi away
Smith Rock State Park
Park · 1 listings · 63 mi away
The Dalles
City / town · 15 listings · 63 mi away
Lake Billy Chinook
Park · 63 mi away
My experience
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