Thomas Condon Paleontology Center
Dayville, OR
The visitor center of the John Day Fossil Beds, with fossils of ancient horses, camels and sabre-toothed cats and a working lab behind glass. It is on OR-19 in the Sheep Rock Unit; entry is free.
The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center is the visitor center and museum of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in the Sheep Rock Unit in central Oregon, on Highway 19 along the John Day River. It opened in 2005 and sits across from the historic James Cant Ranch. The exhibits show fossils and murals depicting plants and animals from a span of roughly 45 to 5 million years ago.
The John Day strata have yielded more than 100 mammal species, including horses, camels and saber-toothed cats. Through windows in the paleontology lab you can watch fossils being studied and prepared. There is also a bookstore, park information and a short film. The Thomas Condon Overlook Trail starts from the parking lot, about 400 meters (0.25 mile) each way with roughly 12 meters (40 feet) of elevation change.
Other nearby stops are Blue Basin and Cathedral Rock on Highway 19, where the river bends about 180 degrees. The Sheep Rock Unit was not directly affected by the July 2026 wildfires; the monument has been open again since August 6, 2026, while Mascall Overlook near Dayville remained closed (as of August 2026).
- Nearest town
- Dayville, OR
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 44.5540, -119.6451
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Fish House Inn and RV ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from Thomas Condon Paleontology Center · 7 pitchesMotorhomes
- Barnhouse CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Thomas Condon Paleontology Center
- Lone Pine CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Thomas Condon Paleontology Center
- Billy Fields CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Thomas Condon Paleontology Center · 2 pitchesFree
- Muleshoe Recreation SiteCampsite24 mi from Thomas Condon Paleontology Center
- Service CreekCampsite24 mi from Thomas Condon Paleontology CenterTents
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Thomas Condon Paleontology Center?
Thomas Condon Paleontology Center is in Dayville, OR, at GPS 44.5540, -119.6451. It is about 14 mi from Kimberly.
Can you camp near Thomas Condon Paleontology Center?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fish House Inn and RV Park, about 8 mi away; within 25 mi there are 11 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Thomas Condon Paleontology Center?
Thomas Condon Paleontology Center is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Smith Rock, the Painted Hills and John Day Fossil Beds and Red hills, basalt gorges and gold dredges – by camper from Bend through the fossil country of the John Day River.
What is there to see near Thomas Condon Paleontology Center?
Places worth a stop nearby: Blue Basin (3 mi), Painted Hills (31 mi), Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site (35 mi) and Smith Rock State Park (75 mi).
When is the best time to visit Thomas Condon Paleontology Center?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)