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A fossil horse stands in the center of a room filled with posters and display cases Photo: NPS/S. Lacy

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

National Monument · Idaho

During the Pliocene, this place looked quite different.

Plan your visit Directions
  • LocationHagerman, ID
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
  • Weather now52°F Overcast
  • Alerts No active alerts

Lush wetlands, forests, and grasslands provided excellent habitat for a variety of animals. From fascinating, now-extinct creatures like the saber-toothed cat, mastodon, and ground sloth, to more familiar animals like horses, beavers, and birds, the scientific study of Pliocene fossils is the key to Hagerman.

Topics
  • Climate Change
  • Fossils and Paleontology
  • Geology
  • Native American Heritage
  • Scenic Views
  • Trails
  • Westward Expansion
Steep, rocky bluffs line a river, awash in warm sunset colors
The Glenns Ferry Formation contains one of the world's richest Pliocene fossil deposits. — NPS Photo

Things to Do

7 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.

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All 14 activities in the park

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Facilities & Services

Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Other Visitor Services

  • Fossil Exhibits at the Thousand Springs Visitor Center

    Thousand Springs Visitor Center

    Facility

    The new Thousand Springs Visitor Center, operated jointly with Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, is located about one mile north of Hagerman on Highway 30…

    17970 U.S. Hwy 30, Hagerman, ID (208) 933-4105 Directions

    Details
    The new Thousand Springs Visitor Center, operated jointly with Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, is located about one mile north of Hagerman on Highway 30. Visitors will find maps and information for both Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument and the six units of Thousand Springs State Park. This is the only place at the monument to see Pliocene fossils on display. The visitor center also offers restrooms, drinking water, passport stamps, junior ranger programs, ranger talks, and a small giftshop.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Daily, Sunrise to Sunset · Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Hours details
  • Hagerman Fossil Beds National MonumentDaily, Sunrise to Sunset

    The road leading to the Monument is a public road and is open 24 hours a day. Access to the Monument Overlooks closes at dusk. The Visitor Center has separate hours. Please be aware that the overlooks and trails are not maintained during winter.

    MondaySunrise to Sunset
    TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
    WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
    ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
    FridaySunrise to Sunset
    SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
    SundaySunrise to Sunset

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Address

17970 U.S. Hwy 30
Hagerman, ID 83332

Get directions Map & directions info

Contact the park

Weather & conditions

52°F
Overcast · feels like 47°
  • Today 53° 40°
    Overcast
    54% rain
  • Tomorrow 58° 40°
    Overcast
    5% rain
  • Wednesday 64° 37°
    Sunny
    1% rain

Updated 7 min ago

What to expect by season

Hagerman, Idaho, gets 10 inches of rain per year. On average, there are 213 sunny days per year in Hagerman, Idaho. The July high is around 94 degrees. The January low is 22. Our comfort index, which is based on humidity during the hot months, is a 78 out of 100, where higher is more comfortable. The US average on the comfort index is 44.

Photos

  • A sidewalk leads to a boxy, wood-paneled building labelled as "visitor center"
    The Thousand Springs Visitor Center, opening in 2022, marks a new partnership between the National Park Service and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. — NPS/S. Lacy
  • A wooden platform with railing, along with two exhibit signs, overlooks the river and fossil beds.
  • An educational exhibit along a trail overlooks panoramic views of the Hagerman Valley.

Getting There

17970 U.S. Hwy 30
Hagerman, ID 83332

The Thousand Springs Visitor Center is located about one mile north of downtown Hagerman on US Highway 30.

Get directions NPS directions Official NPS site

Mailing address: 775 East 2830 South, Hagerman, ID 83332

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