More than a century ago, a rancher in western Nebraska discovered some strange animal bones on his land. It took another 20 years for paleontologists to show up, and when they did, they found a treasure trove of mammalian fossils that would become the Agate Fossil Beds. Today, the excavation is over, but the history of the place is palpable. The best way to experience this place is by hiking one of its short trails.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument marks the area where a wealth of Miocene Epoch mammal fossils were excavated beginning at the turn of the 20th century.
Ryan Junior/AllTrails Today, a visitor center provides interpretive displays and ideas of what life would have been like for these ancient creatures.
But there’s more to the monument than the visitor center. There are two trails through Agate Fossil Beds National Monument: the one-mile Daemonelix Trail and the 2.8-mile Fossil Hills Trail.
M Hall/AllTrails
The latter will take you to the historic dig sites where many invaluable discoveries were made. The 2.8-mile trail is concrete or boardwalk the entire way, making it an easy stroll.
Myndie Clements/AllTrails
Along the way and when you get to the dig sites, you’ll see plenty of these informative displays. They tell the story of the area and the history-making bones found there.
Myndie Clements/AllTrails There are no fossils on display along the trail, however.
Part of the trail is a boardwalk rather than concrete to preserve the delicate wetlands underneath. Believe it or not, there are tons of wetland areas in Nebraska, and they are each home to a wealth of flora and fauna.
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
Keep an eye out for the local wildlife - amphibians and shorebirds love the wetlands. Do be careful, though, as it’s not uncommon for rattlesnakes to be spotted in the area.
Bryan Strang/AllTrails
The trail offers you a unique view of the Niobrara River, too. The river, so broad and strong in northeastern Nebraska, has dwindled to little more than a creek way out here in the western end of the state.
Zack Williams/AllTrails
While you’re walking the trail, don’t forget to take a few moments to just pause and enjoy the scenery. This mix of grassland and wetland produces the kind of natural beauty you only read about - and it’s right here in Nebraska!
Christian Woodward/AllTrails
If you want to hike the Fossil Hills Trail, be sure to bring lots of water and lots of sun protection – there are three covered benches along the trail, but no shade otherwise. There’s no charge to visit the monument, making this a great destination for a free family outing. Have you ever walked the Fossil Hills Trail? Leave a comment and tell us all about it!
Ryan Junior/AllTrails
Today, a visitor center provides interpretive displays and ideas of what life would have been like for these ancient creatures.
M Hall/AllTrails
Myndie Clements/AllTrails
There are no fossils on display along the trail, however.
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
Bryan Strang/AllTrails
Zack Williams/AllTrails
Christian Woodward/AllTrails
Curious about that other trail in the park? Read all about its unusual history here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, 301 River Rd, Harrison, NE 69346, USA
