Agate Fossils Bed National Monument, Nebraska

Carnegie Hill and University Hill at Agate Fossils Bed National Monument, Nebraska
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carnegie_Hills.JPG
Author: Nebular110


Agate Fossils Bed National Monument is a national monument in Sioux County, Nebraska. It protects the fossil remains on Carnegie Hill and University Hill. Located 22 miles south of Harrison and 34 miles north of Mitchell, Nebraska, the area covers 5 sq mi (12.4 sq km). It was proclaimed a national monument on 5 June, 1965.

Agate Fossils Bed National Monument is renowned for its well-preserved Miocene fossils which date to about 20 million years ago. Among the fossils discovered include those of a prehistoric horse, a pony-sized rhinoceros, a bear-dog, a giant pig-like creature, a gazelle-like creature and land beavers.

Aerial view of Agate Fossils Bed National Monument
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Agfo_University_and_Carnegie_Hill_0902.jpg
Author: National Park Services


The area was originally the site of the Agate Springs Ranch, which bred cattle. Although proclaimed a national monument since 1965, it was not established until 1997. Today the site is maintained by the National Park Service.

Visiting Agate Fossils Bed National Monument, Nebraska

If you're traveling on US Highway 20 in northern Nebraska, turn south on State Highway 29 in Harrison and you will arrive at the national monument on your left 22 miles down the road. From the opposite direction, take US Highway 26 to Mitchell, then head north on State Highway 29 for 34 miles to arrive at the site on your right.

The visitor center and museum are open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in summer and from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm outside summer. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year Day. This site does not charge an entrance fee.

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