Ashfall Fossil Beds in Antelope County, northeastern Nebraska, preserves an ancient watering hole where rhinos, horses, camels and other animals were buried in volcanic ash about 12 million years ago. The National Park Service calls it a National Natural Landmark, and the state's Hubbard Rhino Barn shelters skeletons right where they lie. It is a vivid, family-friendly fossil stop on a Nebraska RV route.
Best season — Late spring through early fall (park is seasonal; typically closed mid-Oct–April)
At a glance
The facts worth checking before you roll out
Conservative, source-minded facts for planning your visit — always worth confirming against current conditions before you travel.
State
Nebraska (Antelope County)
Designation
National Natural Landmark
Fossil age
~11.93 million years (Miocene)
Most abundant animal
Rhino Teleoceras major
Managed by
Nebraska Game & Parks + University of Nebraska State Museum
On the ground
About 11.93 million years ago, a massive volcanic eruption hundreds of miles away in what is now southwestern Idaho sent a plume of ash across North America. Around a foot of ash settled near this Nebraska waterhole, and the animals gathered there — slowly overcome by breathing it — were buried where they fell.
According to the National Park Service, the site has yielded more than 20 species, including turtles, lizards, snakes, birds, dogs, several camel and horse species, and the barrel-bodied rhino Teleoceras major, which is by far the most abundant animal here with over 100 skeletons recovered. The Hubbard Rhino Barn lets visitors view many of these skeletons exactly as they were buried.
The park is seasonal and is typically closed from mid-October through the end of April. Confirm current open dates, hours, and visitor-center details on the official Nebraska Game and Parks and University of Nebraska State Museum pages before planning your trip.
Official sources
- National Park Service — Paleontology of Ashfall Fossil Beds National Natural Landmark National Park Service
- University of Nebraska State Museum — Ashfall Fossil Beds Government source
Nearby & related
Keep planning Nebraska
Sourced costs, campground directories, and the places worth a detour — the next layer of Nebraska trip planning.
Planning an RV trip near Ashfall Fossil Beds: An RV Traveler's Guide?
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