Sleep in a Schoolhouse. Wake Up with Dinosaurs.
Step back in time at the Historic Red Shell School, a one-of-a-kind vacation rental inside a beautifully restored 1915 schoolhouse in Shell, Wyoming — with exclusive after-hours access to the attached Wild West Dino Den dinosaur museum.
The Space
This memorable stay blends historic character, modern comfort, and a truly unique bonus: special guest access to the attached Wild West Dino Den museum, including exclusive private viewing hours. Whether you are a couple looking for a unique getaway, a small family on a Wyoming adventure, or travelers who love history, fossils, and unforgettable spaces, the Historic Red Shell School offers a stay you will not find anywhere else.
Sleeps Up to 4 Guests
- One queen bed on the main level, tucked beneath the loft in a cozy partitioned nook
- Two twin beds in the loft above — kids love sleeping near the dinosaurs
Amenities
- Kitchenette with microwave, mini-fridge, sink, coffee maker, dishes and utensils
- Private bathroom with walk-in shower
- Central heat and air conditioning
- Roku TV for streaming
- Free WiFi
- Washer and dryer
- Linens and towels provided
- Dining table and seating
- Comfortable living area with sectional sofa
- Private exterior entrance
- Parking out front
Historic Character
- Original 1915 schoolhouse — beautifully restored
- Original chalkboard still on the wall
- Exposed original red siding used as interior accent wall
- Bell tower preserved above
- Wide-plank natural wood floors throughout
Your Private Dinosaur Museum
What makes a stay at the Historic Red Shell School truly unlike anything else? The attached Wild West Dino Den museum. As a guest, you receive exclusive after-hours access through a private interior door — step from your living room directly into the museum for a few hours each evening when you are the only people there.
Stand face-to-face with Big Al, one of the most complete Allosaurus specimens ever found — discovered right here near Shell, Wyoming in 1991. See the remarkable Baby Toni, the only fully articulated baby sauropod known to science. The museum features world-class exhibits, Jurassic-era murals, and excavation photography from the surrounding Bighorn Basin.
Kids especially love the loft, where they get the unforgettable experience of sleeping near the dinosaurs.
Perfect Base Camp
The Historic Red Shell School sits right in Shell, Wyoming on US Highway 14 — the gateway to the Bighorn Mountains and Shell Canyon. It is the perfect stop on the scenic route between Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore, or a quiet retreat for exploring one of Wyoming’s most beautiful corners.
Good to Know
- Two-night minimum stay
- Sleeps up to 4 guests (1 queen bed + 2 twin beds in loft)
- Pets are not allowed
- Private exterior entrance — guests enter through their own door
- Museum after-hours access included with your stay