Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Visitor Center

"Paleontology, history, and nature are what you will get when visiting Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. The museum offers exhibits of prehistoric mammals buried in the bluffs and several other sites within the park. Also, in the museum is a collection of James Cook's native American artifacts given to him by Red Cloud and other Sioux leaders. Both the fossil and history exhibits are well explained, and the rangers are always happy to answer any questions you have about the site. Outside the beauty of the Nebraska plains is all around. Rolling grasslands, the Niobrara River, and wildflowers surround the area. While we were there, we took the trail to the University and Carnegie Hills. The trail was roughly 2.5 miles and took you to the original fossil discovery sites, and overlooks the river valley below. Great time! Great place! Learned alot! I'm glad we took the time to check it out!"

"Not sure why this is a national monument. The museum could be anywhere and the only exhibits are in the museum. It could be combined with Scottsbluff for instance. There is a walk, which is much longer than it needs to be and there is nothing at the end. I was hoping for at least some fossils still in the ground or something, similar to Dinosaur National Monument. Its a bit of a long way out for the limited exhibits they have there."

"Small but nice museum, educational film was great and ranger knowledgeable. Has a couple nice hiking trails."

"Very interesting story behind Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. Originally on ranch land owned by the Cook family, James Cook discovered a cache of fossils while exploring his soon to be father in law's land with his fiance in the 1880s. When he acquired the land through marriage, he invited a paleontologist friend of his to visit and check out the fossils. What they found turned out to be one of the best groupings of extinct fossils ever found. When you visit, make sure to bring plenty of water or a refillable bottle and some good walking shoes. The visitor center has plenty of fossil exhibits and an excellent collection of Native American items that Cook inherited as gifts from his friendship with the famous Sioux chief Red Cloud. The trail leading to the bluffs containing the fossils is a little over 2 miles total and is paved the entire way and is wheelchair accessible. On the trail, you will cross the Niobrara river, see at least a dozen different types of wild flowers and prickly pear cacti, get a beautiful panoramic view of the river valley and bluffs, and get close up views of the buttes where the fossil cache was found and is still littered with fossil fragments everywhere you look."

"The park film felt a little dated, but this was more than made up for by the great exhibits and informative rangers on staff at the visitor center."