Aptly named as a hotbed of natural-history relics, this Eastern Oregon hamlet offers multiple ways to explore the stories of the landscape.

Delve into paleontology at the Oregon Paleo Lands Center and dig for fossils at Wheeler High School. Hiking trails at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument reveal awe-inspiring views of the multicolored landscape. Cowboy up at nearby Wilson Ranches Retreat B&B, and do-si-do at the annual bluegrass festival in July.