National Monument
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is a National Monument in Nebraska. The NPS currently lists 3 active alerts, 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center, and no entrance fee.
Nebraska National Monument No entrance fee
Updated · NPS Data API
“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.”
Active alerts
3
Closures
0
Campgrounds
0
Visitor centers
1
3 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 3 information.
Information
The Agate Fossil Beds National Monument archive and collections are temporarily unavailable for research or study. If you have a pending research request or have questions, please send an email to [email protected] and the park will contact you.
Posted or updated Oct 19, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Information
Fuel up before visiting! Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is 30-50 miles from the nearest service stations.
Posted or updated May 7, 2021 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Information
Cell phone voice and data coverage is very limited in the park and surrounding area. Free visitor WiFi is available in the visitor center.
Posted or updated May 7, 2021 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.
Hike a one-mile trail back in time to the day of the paleocaster, a dry land beaver, and paleosoils, fossilized dirt from the time this landscape was formed. Look out over the vast, open table lands that define the high plaines east of the Rocky Mountains.
30-60 Minutes Winter, Spring, Fall Pets allowed
Hike to University (left) and Carnegie Hills. The 2.7-mile Fossil Hills Trail allows visitors to walk up to and see the famed early 1900s quarries.
45-120 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Activities the NPS lists for Agate Fossil Beds.
Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsAstronomyStargazingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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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.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | All Day |
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
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.
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Visitor Center | Daily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM | (308) 665-4113 | Yes |
No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.
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