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Agate Fossil Beds National MonumentFossil Hills at sunset
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Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Natural Features & Ecosystems
Nature and Science

Niobrara River

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is a small park in the northwest corner of Nebraska, with only 2,700 acres of federally managed land included in the 3050 acres within the park boundary. The park takes its name from thin lenses of agate (White River Silicate Group) in the area, which range in color from amber to light gray. Miocene-age rocks are exposed in the park in the bluffs above the Niobrara River wetlands and contain an excellent fossil record. Much of the geologic history is recorded in the natural features found at the park today.
Dinohyus skull in diorama  

Did You Know?
One of the more menacing beasts found in the quarries at Agate Fossil Beds was the Dinohyus. This big-toothed animal was a scavenger credited with tearing apart the rhino skeletons that ended up in the waterhole bonebed. Although not related to the pig family, his nickname was “Terrible Pig.”
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Last Updated: August 07, 2006 at 12:54 EST