Nebraska Agate Fossil Beds National Monument map and highlights

Basic information for visitors to the  Agate Fossil Beds National Monument In northwestern Nebraska, north of  Scottsbluff.     

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in northwestern Nebraska, north of Scottsbluff.     

Animal fossils in beds of sedimentary rock, formed about 19  million years ago by the compression of mud, clay, and eroded materials  deposited by water and wind, are concentrated under the grass-covered  hills at this monument along the Niobrara River. Native American  artifacts document the visits of Lakota Chief Red Cloud and others to  pioneer rancher James Cook's property from 1890 to 1940. The monument  was authorized on June 5, 1965.     

WHAT TO SEE & DO     

Attending ranger talks, fishing, hiking, picnicking, touring  historic quarry sites, viewing exhibits, watching film. Facilities:  Visitor center, outdoor interpretive exhibits, museum, movie, hiking  trails. Bookstore. Programs & Events: Ranger-guided tours. Guided  walks, talks, and cultural demonstrations (Memorial Day-Labor Day). Tips  & Hints: Go late May-Sept, for wildflowers. Busiest June and July,  least crowded in Dec. and Feb.     

FOOD & LODGING     

Hotels: None in park. In Crawford: Fort Robinson Lodge (3200  U.S. 20, tel. 308/665-2900; 22 rooms, 34 cabins; $35-$90; closed  Dec-Mar.), Hilltop Motel (304 McPherson St., tel. 308/665-1144 or 800/  504-1444; 13 rooms; $54). In Harrison: Sowbelly Bed & Breakfast  Hideaway (407 Sowbelly Rd., tel. 308/668-2537; 2 rooms; $40). X  Restaurants: None in park. In Crawford: Frontier Restaurant (342 2nd  St., tel. 308/665-1872; $6-$8). In Harrison: Sioux Sundries (201 Main  St., tel. 308/668-2577; $3-$8; closed Sun.)     

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS     

Entrance fee: $3 adults, free ages 16 and under, $5 per  vehicle. Nebraska state fishing license required. No hunting. Leashed  pets only. No motorized or mechanized equipment except wheelchairs on  trails or off roads. Monument open daily dawn-dusk. Visitor center open  Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily 8-6; Labor Day-Memorial Day, daily 8-5.     

HOW TO GET THERE     

Between Harrison and Mitchell via Rte. 29. Closest airport: Scottsbluff (50 mi).     

CONTACTS     

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (301 River Rd., Harrison,  NE 69346-2734, tel. 308/668-2211, fax 308/668-2318,). Scottsbluff-Gering  United Chamber of Commerce (1517 Broadway, Suite 104, Scottsbluff, NE  69361, tel. 308/632-2133 or 800/788-9475, fax 308/632-7128,).   

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. Basic information for  visitors to the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument In northwestern  Nebraska, north of Scottsbluff