Rate Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
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Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
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.
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