Mile Marker #9

The Discovery Center, picnic area, and paved trail

NPS/C. Negele

Quick Facts

Location:

9 miles north of Panther Junction

Swamps covered this area when Big Bend emerged from the sea 70 million years ago. Fossils from the muds and clays of these swamps tell about the last days of the dinosaurs. After the dinosaurs became extinct, mammals rose to dominance. In Big Bend, the swamps gave way to forests. The Fossil Discovery Exhibit, 1/2 mile down the road, allows visitors to experience Big Bend's prehistoric plants and animals, and the world they lived in, through 130 million years of geologic time. Specimens from Big Bend's remarkable fossil record and vivid artwork illustrate the fascinating story of Big Bend's ancient life. A short trail also leads to a panoramic view of nearby geologic points of interest, and highlights the sediments that protect Big Bend's fossils. In addition to the main building and trail, the area around the exhibit includes covered picnic tables, a play area, and a vault toilet.