Contact Info
Harrison, NE 69346
- Phone:
- 308-436-9760
Basics
- Type:
- National Park
Description
During the 1890s, scientists rediscovered what the Lakota Sioux already knew about - bones preserved in one of the most complete Miocene mammal sites in the world. Yet, Agate is a landscape that reflects many players - from early animals roaming the valleys and hills, to tribal nations calling the High Plains home, to explorers and ranchers passing through or settling in this part of the American West.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
Visitor Center and Museum
Summer Hours
Daily from May 15th until September 30th - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Winter Hours
Daily from September 30th until Mid-May - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Visitor Center Closings
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day
Trails
The monument's two trails--the Daemonelix and the Fossil Hills Trails--are open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Access to northwest Nebraska by automobile is possible from Interstates 80, 90, and 25, by way of various connecting state highways and county roads.
If traveling east or west on U.S. Highway 26, turn north on State Highway 29 in Mitchell, Nebraska. Thirty-four (34) miles north of Mitchell, turn east on River Road (it's paved) and follow the National Park Service signs for three miles to reach the monument's visitor center and museum.
If traveling east or west on U.S. Highway 20, turn south on State Highway 29 in Harrison, Nebraska. Twenty-two (22) miles south of Harrison, turn east on River Road (it's paved) and follow the National Park Service signs for three miles to reach the monument's visitor center and museum.
The park is also accessible from Marland, Nebraska, to the east via an unpaved 25-mile county road (River Road). NOTE: Due to dry conditions in the region, travel on the 25-mile unpaved portion of River Road is not recommended for motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or other automobiles not designed for off-road conditions. If traveling by these means, please consider arriving at the park by way of Highway 29 north out of Mitchell or Highway 20 south out of Harrison.
Aside from on River Road and in the designated parking areas within the monument's boundaries, visitors are prohibited from driving vehicles. Only vehicles operated by NPS staff, adjacent landowners, and other individuals performing official business are permitted to use the monument's non-developed roads.
