Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
5 nearby within 25 mi
Photo: NPS Photo
2 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- InformationNo Fuel ServicesFuel up before visiting! Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is 30-50 miles from the nearest service stations.
- InformationLimited Cell Phone CoverageCell phone voice and data coverage is very limited in the park and surrounding area. Free visitor WiFi is available in the visitor center.
At a glance
- Open
- Year-round
- Near the park
- 5 campgroundsWithin 25 mi
Camping near the park 5
- Aerial viewCampground
Camp site
2.0 mi · Whistle Creek, NE
- Aerial viewCampground
Soldier Creek Campground
21 mi · Crawford, NE
About Agate Fossil Beds
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…
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.
Photos: NPS Photo
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Cultural Demonstrations
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Food
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Hiking
Plan your visit
Getting there
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…
Weather
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…
Plan your visit
Hours
The park's two trails are open from dawn till dusk every day. Visitor Center features Miocene Mammal fossils, a 12 minute movie, and the James H. Cook Collection, a unique collection of American Indian artifacts that were gifts to James Cook and his family.
Getting there
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.
Weather
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.
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