Uncover millions of years of natural history when you visit the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. This vast tract of land in the middle of Sioux Country holds a rich repository of fossils of prehistoric creatures that used to roam the hills and valleys. There are also artifacts from Native Americans who lived in the area.
Start your journey of discovery in the Visitor Center. Watch the 12-minute orientation movie and view the James H. Cooke Collection. This is a treasure trove of American Indian items such as clothes, pipes and painted hides that were given to local rancher James H. Cooke by Red Cloud, Chief of the Oglala Lakota.
Exhibits also include photographs that illustrate the strong relationship between Cooke, Red Cloud and their families. View the collection of real and replica fossils and mounted skeletons of 20-million-year-old mammals.
Before venturing on a hike, interact with the touch-screen monitor to learn about the geological and fossil exhibits on the park’s two hiking trails. Take either or both routes which lead to Niobrara River Valley where fossils of ancient mammals, amphibians and birds were found. The 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) Daemonelix Trail is at the west end of the park while the 2.7-mile (4.3-kilometer) Fossil Hills Trail starts at the visitor center. This wheelchair-accessible paved route passes by hills where Cooke discovered fossilized bones in the 1880s.
The monument is located in northwest Nebraska, 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Mitchell. There is no public transportation to the natural attraction so drive and use the free parking spaces. If you plan to spend several hours here be sure to bring plenty of provisions such as food and water and ensure there is enough gas in your vehicle. There are no concessions in the park and the nearest gas stations and shops are in Harrison, which is about half an hour’s drive north.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument’s two trails are open daily from sunrise until sunset while the Visitor Center is also open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's days. Admission is free.