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Ashfall Fossil Beds: Visiting with Kids

August 9, 2018

A close up of a fossil bed at Ashfall Fossil Beds

Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park is a fascinating Natural Landmark located right here in Nebraska!

See complete skeletons of barrel-bodied rhinos, three-toed horses, llama-like camels, and sabre-tooth deer that were entombed in volcanic ash 12 million years ago. These skeletons are preserved for an amazing viewing and discovery experience!

View a glimpse of Ashfall Fossil Beds here:

 

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Plan Your Visit

A wooden entrance sign for Ashfall Fossil Beds.

Ashfall Fossil Beds is open for visitors from May – early October (approximately). See website for dates and hours. It is located in Northeast Nebraska, near Royal, approximately 3 hours from Omaha. (See below for ideas for places to visit nearby!)

Admission: Entrance Fee per person plus a valid Nebraska Park Entry Permit is required.

 

 

Ashfall Fossil Beds Visitor Center

A group of fossils on display at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

Begin your visit in the Visitor Center, learning about the history of the Ashfall Fossil Beds.

 

A fossil skeleton at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

Enjoy interpretive displays to help offer an overview of what you are going to see in the Rhino Barn.

 

A close up of a microscope to look at a fossil up close at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

Kids enjoyed looking through the microscopes!

 

 

Hubbard Rhino Barn

A sign for the Hubbard Rhino Barn at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

The highlight of your visit to Ashfall Fossil Beds is the ‘Rhino Barn’! Excavation within this new Rhino Barn started in 2009.

 

A large fossil display at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

It is divided into sections, with each area slowly excavated. We were told it would take another 14-16 years to complete the excavation in the Rhino Barn!

(If you have a child interested in paleontology, they might be able to return to help with the excavation!)

 

A large fossil display at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

It was fascinating to watch the college students who are studying paleontology work on the excavation. They answered questions, and explained their process.

 

People working in a large fossil display at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

She pointed out that since she is just beginning (it was her first day of excavation!), that she was at a higher level (less fossils) than her colleague who was at a deeper level (more fossils) since he was nearing the end of his 10-weeks and had more experience.

While we were there, he said he found another print of a bone-crushing dog!

 

A sign next to a fossil at Ashfall Fossil Beds. A fossil at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

The displays helped visitors understand what they were looking at.

 

A fossil at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

View a variety of skeletons including this Young Adult Male Rhino here.

 

A group of fossils at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

This area has been fully excavated. Each of the elevated areas is a fossil or footprint!

 

A close up of a fossil at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

A close up of a fossil bed at Ashfall Fossil Beds

A group of fossils at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

A group of fossils at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

 

A close up of a man holding a container at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

Here we could touch the volcanic ash!

 

 

Finding Fossils

A sign over a fossil children\'s fossil dig pit at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

Kids will enjoy digging for fossils in 2 areas!

A close up of a fossil bone being uncovered with a paint brush at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

A fossil dig pit at Ashfall Fossil Beds.

 

 

Nearby Ashfall Fossil Beds

While there, be sure to visit these locations that are near Ashfall Fossil Beds!

 

A large body of water at Lewis and Clark Lake.

Make it a weekend trip, and visit the beautiful Lewis and Clark lake (about 1.5 hours from Ashfall Fossil Beds), with Yankton, South Dakota, nearby.

 

A dam at Lewis and Clark Lake.

Visit the Gavins Point Dam for picturesque views. Tours are available.

 

The side of a storefront with a sign for Verdigre Bakery near Ashfall Fossil Beds.

It was recommended to us to be sure to stop at the Verdigre Bakery for a Kolache – it was delicious!

 

The entrance sign for Niobrara State Park.

The beautiful Niobrara State Park offers picturesque views and a variety or recreational activities.

 

 

Helpful Omaha Resources:

  • Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Omaha
  • Ultimate Guide of Things to Do in Omaha with Kids

 

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