From the Fossil Hills Trail the Visitor Center is a ship in a sea of prairie grasses.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
National Monument · NE
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.
Park report
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesArchives and Collections Unavailable
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesNo Fuel Services
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesLimited Cell Phone Coverage
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Visitor Centers
Good1 visitor center
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available16 activities
Park Name
InfoAgate Fossil Beds National Monument
Designation
InfoNational Monument
State(s)
InfoNE
Phone
Info3086654113
agfo_ranger_activities@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoThe 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.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Visitor Center: Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Visitor Center
InfoSee park for hours
Themes & Topics
InfoFarming and Agriculture, Ranches, Native American Heritage + 13 more
Weather Info
InfoSummers 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
Getting There
InfoFrom 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
Location
Info42.4217° N, -103.7539° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website