Fossils, American Indian Heritage, and Ranching...

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.

These two unprecedented events are preserved and protected here... at Agate Fossil Beds.

Two rangers motion in a welcoming way towards open door.
Top 10 Tips For Visiting Agate

"Plan like a park ranger" for your visit to Western Nebraska with these top 10 tips from our rangers.

Large fossilized creatures tower overhead inside the visitor center
The Age of Mammals Comes to Nebraska

Fossils of Miocene age mammals help us understand the lives of these ancient animals. Paleontologists efforts to uncover them began in 1905.

Beaded and quilled shirt in a museum display case
Preserving Lakota Heritage

The Cook Collection of Lakota artifacts will provide important context to any road trip through the lands of the Plains Indians.

Black and white photo of a gathering of American Indians and Cook at the Agate Springs ranch house.
Ranching on the Sea of Grass

Paleontologists and American Indians including Chief Red Cloud of the Oglala Lakota, American Horse came here to the Niobrara.

Last updated: November 10, 2022

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301 River Road
Harrison, NE 69346

Phone:

308 665-4113

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