Agate Fossil Beds National Monument — River Road
Harrison, NE
Location

Category: National Parks

National Parks

Hours street map for all businesses nearby.

blank

301 River Road
Harrison, NE   69346Driving Directions
Phone: (308)436-9760(308)436-9760 Maps & Directions

National Monument

Operating Hours & Seasons

Fees & Passes

    Entrance Fees:

    • $0.00 - Admission is free.
      There is no fee for the visitor center or trails at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.

    About

    Fossils and Much, Much More

    During the 1890s, scientists rediscovered what the Lakota Sioux already knew—bones preserved in one of the world's most significant Miocene Epoch mammal sites.

    Yet, this place called "Agate" is a landscape that reflects many influences—from early animals roaming the valleys and hills, to tribal nations calling the High Plains home, to explorers passing through or settling in the American West.

    Directions

    If traveling east or west on U.S. Highway 20 go 22 miles south of Harrison, NE on State Hwy 29 then 3 miles east on River Road (paved) If traveling east or west on U.S. Highway 26 go 34 miles north of Mitchell, NE on State Hwy 29 then 3 miles east on River Road (paved). Also accessible from State Hwy 71, 25 miles on unpaved River Road.

    Visitor Center
    Visitor Center houses exhibits featuring Miocene Mammal fossils includes a 12 minute movie called the "Fossil Hills" and an interactive hiker. The James H. Cook Collection is housed in the visitor center as well. This is a unique collection of American Indian artifacts that were gifts to James Cook and his family. The park's two trails are open from dawn till dusk every day.

    Weather

    Summers can be very warm, high 90's to 100 with the possibility of thunderstorms late afternoons. Winter temperatures can dip as low as -20 with some snow and wind. Heaviest snows can be expected in late Spring.

    Permits and Reservations Information