Shell Wyoming Tourism

The tiny town of Shell was settled in the spring of 1886, a small thriving community which quickly developed as more homesteaders moved into the fertile valley.

It was named after the oyster-like fossil shells found in the stream beds. Since the early 1930s, the Shell Valley has been famous for its historic dinosaur finds. Paleontologists have been sent to the area from Yale, Smithsonian and Iowa State University to name a few.

When visiting the Shell area, be sure to spend time exploring the historic buildings in the town of Shell. On Smith Avenue, off U.S. Hwy. 14, you will find the Shell Community Church built in 1903. Next to the church is the Shell Community Hall. The massive logs for the hall were cut and hauled from the Big Horn Mountains. The hall was built in 1933-34 under the CWA program. Both buildings are still in use.

South of the hall is the Historic Red Shell Schoolhouse built in 1914-15 and used until 1989. As you return to U.S. 14, you will see the Shell Store, a wonderful blend of eclectic architecture which was built in 1902 by Colin F. McKenzie. Colin was the grandfather of Ann Simpson, wife of former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson.