Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Category: National park

Address: 301 River Rd, Harrison, NE 69346, USA

Phone: +13086654113

Opening hours

Sunday: 9AM–5PM

Monday: 9AM–5PM

Tuesday: 9AM–5PM

Wednesday: 9AM–5PM

Thursday: 9AM–5PM

Friday: 9AM–5PM

Saturday: 9AM–5PM

Reviews

Joel Collishaw

Jun 29, 2022

Informative stop. It tells the history of extinct animals that used to be in the area and likely died from a drought near a watering hole. This isn’t a dinosaur site. The trail to university and Carnegie hill where the excavation took place is just under 3 miles there and back. Took us 1 hour 20 minutes. Wear sunscreen, hat or umbrella as there is no shade except for a few benches you can sit on IF the sun is in the right place.

Constance Stirling-Engman

May 10, 2022

During our trip out West, we stopped at the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. We’re really glad that we spent the day there. The setting and accessible trails are beautiful and the displays in the visitor’s center are very informative and artistically curated. We hiked both trails, which offer outstanding panoramic views. The story of friendship between the rancher and Red Cloud is so uplifting and an important part of our history. We love paleontology, so the scientific explanations of the mammalian fossil beds were meaningful. The entire site evokes a spirit of tranquility and wonder about the passage of time and natural history. The monument is excellent for all ages. The staff is helpful and the restrooms are very clean and accessible. This place is definitely worth a visit.

Lady Godiva

Aug 10, 2021

Never knew other prehistoric creatures existed after the dinosaurs before this visit! I also came across a young Prarie Rattle Snake in the grass area! (Stay off grass, y'all. There are signs saying to beware) This is truly my number 1 my museum out of all the ones I've been to lately. Kudos! It's on the smaller side BUT mighty indeed.

Richard Bruehahn

Jul 17, 2021

Great views of the surrounding area. Neat exhibits on the fossils and Chief Redcloud artifacts. Enjoyed my trip here.

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Questions & Answers

Whats this like

Masen Runkle | Jun 10, 2018
Alan Hanna | Jun 11, 2018

Besides the museum, it is a historic site in its own right. This has one of the most prolific bone beds anywhere from the Great Age of Mammals.

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Do they have a gift shop in Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Paul Fisher | Sep 12, 2021
April Vlug | Sep 13, 2021

Yes. They do have a gift shop.

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Is the National Monumemt dog friendly

Sheryl Schroer | Sep 12, 2021
Ben Vlug | Sep 13, 2021

The museum is not The paths you can. However keep the dogs on the path or they will get tons of burs in their paws and fur.

Closest motels & restaurants for tourists?

Johnna Roberts | Jun 9, 2021
Jake Zoucha | Jun 10, 2021

Scottsbluff or Chadron

how many fossils are there?

Elizabeth Confer | Jun 9, 2020
Christy Young | Jun 10, 2020

This is the source for many fossils you see in museums all over the country. There are also corkscrew burrows of an ancient rodent. The hikes are neat. Watch for rattle snakes. The native american exhibit is one of the best I have seen.

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Is there a place to come and hunt for agates?

Susan Brown | Jun 9, 2020
Connor Carlbom | Jun 10, 2020

No, it's a National Monument

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Are you allowed to rock climb or boulder on any of the formations?

Helen Winston | Jun 10, 2019
Andrew Carroll | Jun 11, 2019

No, it is super crumbly anyway. Not good for rock climbing.

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Do you have to pay to get to see the fossils

Get Bent. Oof | Jun 10, 2019
John Elliott | Jun 11, 2019

It's free and really neat

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How long would you recommend spending here?

Anneliese Plyler | Jun 10, 2018
Laura Witt Chandler | Jun 11, 2018

If you have small children, there's a quiz they can take to become Jr rangers. Plan on additional time as they have to study the history inside to be able to do this. Definitely bring lunch, drinks, etc. It's a bit like a campsite, so what you would need for a day camping. It's remote, nearest gas or market is 30 minutes drive. I would make a day of it. It's about an hour from Fort Robinson so you might consider spending time there as well. It's a beautiful place. But bring boots and look out for snakes.

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