Thomas Condon Visitor Center

4.8

(548)

•

5.0

(32)

4.8

(548)

•

5.0

(32)

Visitor center

Museums

Natural History Museums

About

The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, located 2 miles north of Hwy 26 at Sheep Rock Unit, offers a fascinating look into the area's rich paleontological history. The center features well-presented displays showcasing a variety of fossils, geologic-history exhibits, and vivid murals depicting ancient plant and animal life. Visitors can observe researchers cleaning up discoveries through a large window in the lab and watch an informative 18-minute film summarizing the region's paleo-history.

Why you should go

Explore a premier site for a large variety of fossils from plant and animal life millions of years ago

Learn about the unique geology of the area through well-presented exhibits and displays

Engage with friendly rangers who offer insights into paleontology and make the visit enjoyable for all ages

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Highlighted reviews

Slide 1 of 3

Very cool museum. It's worth stopping in if you're driving through the area. It is free to look around, but they do accept donations.

This place is awesome. Definitely worth the stop. Beautiful scenery too.

Cool places. Reminds us that these fossils took millions of years happen. We are here only for such a brief time enjoy it. Good clean restrooms also.

Very cool museum. It's worth stopping in if you're driving through the area. It is free to look around, but they do accept donations.

This place is awesome. Definitely worth the stop. Beautiful scenery too.

Cool places. Reminds us that these fossils took millions of years happen. We are here only for such a brief time enjoy it. Good clean restrooms also.

See all reviews

Address

32651 OR-19, Kimberly, OR 97848, USA

Website

https://www.nps.gov/joda/planyourvisit/hours.htm

32651 OR-19, Kimberly, OR 97848, USA

https://www.nps.gov/joda/planyourvisit/hours.htm

Know before you go

Consider visiting before or after seeing Painted Hills unit to enhance your understanding of Oregon's geological wonders
Plan to spend at least two days exploring as there are three dispersed sections within an hour's drive apart
Visit in late March or cooler months to avoid extreme summer heat in this remote location

Reviews

The Thomas Condon Visitor Center is a fascinating museum located in the Oregon outback, showcasing a variety of fossils and highlighting the unique geology of the area. Visitors praise the well-done exhibits that provide insight into the history of the region, including ancient animals like tigers, rhinos, and camels. The center's working lab offers a glimpse into how fossils are handled for display, while friendly rangers make the experience engaging for both kids and adults. Some reviewers recommend exploring outdoor trails and exhibits to fully appreciate this premier fossil site.

4.8

out of 5

Exceptional

548 reviews

From Google

5.0

out of 5

Exceptional

32 reviews

From Tripadvisor

5 stars

448

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

5/5Sarah R

Oct 7, 2024 from

Google

Very cool museum. It's worth stopping in if you're driving through the area. It is free to look around, but they do accept donations.

5/5Kim L

Jul 2, 2025 from

Google

This place is awesome. Definitely worth the stop. Beautiful scenery too.

5/5GS I

Sep 28, 2025 from

Google

Cool places. Reminds us that these fossils took millions of years happen. We are here only for such a brief time enjoy it. Good clean restrooms also.

5/5Rory S

Jul 6, 2024 from

Google

Awesome museum out in the middle of nowhere. We drove the 1.5 hours from prineville on a very hot July Friday afternoon. We got here about 30 minutes before closing. My 3 young boys loved this wonderful walk back in time. Very well done exhibits show you the history of this otherworldly area. Crazy to see there was Tigers and rhinos and camels in the oregon outback not too many millions of years ago. The unique geology of the area is highlighted here through lots of fossils and castings. Very highly recommended you come here before or after seeing the Painted Hills unit.

5/5Leah P

Jul 4, 2023 from

Google

Very nice information center with a small museum attached to it. It was great to see the fossils found in the area up close. The rangers were also very helpful in explaining the area and other cool places nearby. The location also features an incredible viewpoint right from the parking lot.

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