Photo: NPS Photo
Weather now55°F Sunny
In the early 1900s, paleontologists unearthed the Age of Mammals when they found full skeletons of extinct Miocene mammals in the hills of Nebraska -- species previously only known through fragments. At the same time, an age of friendship began between rancher James Cook and Chief Red Cloud of the Lakota.
These two unprecedented events are preserved and protected here... at Agate Fossil Beds.
Fuel up before visiting! Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is 30-50 miles from the nearest service stations.
Cell phone voice and data coverage is very limited in the park and surrounding area. Free visitor WiFi is available in the visitor center.
2 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Hike a one-mile trail back in time to the day of the paleocaster, a dry land beaver, and paleosoils, fossilized dirt from the time this landscape was formed. Look out over the vast, open table lands…
Learn more about Daemonelix Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Hike to University (left) and Carnegie Hills. The 2.7-mile Fossil Hills Trail allows visitors to walk up to and see the famed early 1900s quarries. From these quarries, paleontologists recovered some…
Learn more about Fossil Hills Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 2 of 2
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Facility
The visitor center is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Summer hours are May 15 through September 30. The visitor center features a large…
Harrison, NE (308) 665-4113 Directions
Open 24 hours, daily · Trails
The park's two trails are open from dawn till dusk every day. Visitor Center features Miocene Mammal fossils, a 12 minute movie, and the James H. Cook Collection, a unique collection of American Indian artifacts that were gifts to James Cook and his family.
No entrance fees listed.
62° 44°
63° 42°
51° 42°
Updated 1 hr ago
Summers can be very warm, high 90's to 100 with the frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Plan to hike early and come down from the higher points if storms threaten. Winter temperatures can dip as low as -20 with snow and wind. Heaviest snows can be expected in late Spring.
From US 20: 22 miles south of Harrison, NE on State Hwy 29, then three miles east on River Road (paved) From US 26: 34 miles north of Mitchell, NE on State Hwy 29, then three miles east on River Road (paved). From State Hwy 71: 25 miles west on the unpaved portion of River Road.
Mailing address: 301 River Road, Harrison, NE 69346
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
