Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park

About this park

Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park preserves a volcanic ash deposit from nearly 12 million years ago that entombed numerous prehistoric animals at an ancient watering hole. National Geographic called it the "Pompeii of prehistoric animals." It is a joint project of Nebraska Game and Parks and the University of Nebraska State Museum, and the land was acquired in 1987. The 360-acre park has a one-mile interpretive trail, a museum with a fossil preparation laboratory, and the Rhino Barn, where an active paleontological dig continues. A visitor center runs educational programs, and picnickers have 12 tables and a covered shelter. The park is open seasonally and closed from mid-October through April 30. There is no camping on site, but nearby Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area offers it.