🏕️National Park Data
The visitor center sits in the middle of mixed grass prairie.
Tipis and Fossil Hills represent the two subjects that Agate Fossil Beds interprets.
Thunderheads are common in July.
The Dinohyus was a scavenger, nicknamed "Terrible Pig"
This buckskin shirt decorated with quills was worn by Red Cloud.
National Monument

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Nebraska

💰
Entrance Fee
Free
🕐
Hours
All Day
📍
Location
Harrison, NE
📞
Visitor Center
3086654113

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.

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About Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is a national monument located in Nebraska. Summers 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 -20 with snow and wind. Heaviest snows can be expected in late Spring.

From 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 (paved). From State Hwy 71: 25 miles west on the unpaved portion of River Road.

💰 Entrance Fees & Passes

Entry to Agate Fossil Beds is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.

🥾 Things to Do

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Astronomy, Stargazing, and 12 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.

✅ Arts and Culture
✅ Cultural Demonstrations
✅ Astronomy
✅ Stargazing
✅ Food
✅ Picnicking
✅ Guided Tours
✅ Self-Guided Tours - Walking
✅ Hiking
✅ Junior Ranger Program
✅ Wildlife Watching
✅ Birdwatching
✅ Park Film
✅ Museum Exhibits
✅ Shopping
✅ Bookstore and Park Store

📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist

Custom items selected for activities at Agate Fossil Beds

0 of 10 packed

🎒 Trail Essentials

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🥾 Activity-Specific Gear

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🧥 Apparel & Layers

🛒 Shop
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💡 Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Agate Fossil Beds

  • →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Agate Fossil Beds before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
  • →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 2 active alerts for Agate Fossil Beds. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
  • →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Agate Fossil Beds. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Agate Fossil Beds

The entrance fee for Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is Free per vehicle. The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all 474+ NPS sites and pays for itself after just 2-3 park visits.

About the Author

🧗

James R. Mitchell

Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data

James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.

🏔️ 63 Parks Visited✍️ 12 Years Writing🧭 Wilderness GuideFull Bio →
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