Ashfall Fossil Beds Royal, NE http://www.ashfall.unl.edu
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Rating |
Excellent |
Age |
8 and up |
Lockers |
Not needed |
Restrooms |
Adequate |
Food |
None on-site |
Closest Coffee |
Possibly in Iowa. Plan accordingly... |
Recommendation |
It is quite a hike out to this site, but it is well worth it if you love fossils. This place is one-of-a-kind. | ||
Review: by Dad
Even though they mention all of the places that have featured this fossil bed (PBS, National Geographic, Ranger Rick), this was really a lucky find. I noticed a poster at a visitor's center along the highway. When I asked about it they gave me directions, and without them I would have never made it. There are only a few small signs announcing Ashfall and they are within 10 miles of the place.
This fossil bed was not discovered until 1971, when a fossil was exposed by heavy rain. Later scientists found a complete skeleton of a baby rhinoceros. Formal explorations have unearthed an amazing array of prehistoric mammal fossils. These include the giraffe camel, the bone-crushing dog, the four-tusked elephant, many different early horses, and barrel-bodied rhinoceros. There is even a saber-toothed deer.
The fossil beds were created 12 million years ago when there was a great volcanic eruption that spewed ash over the west. The fossil bed was a water hole, and the animals here were overcome by the dust and buried by the ash. This allows the paleontologists to see a snapshot of life in the west, when it was a great savannah.
The most amazing part of this area is the Rhino Barn. This is a 2000 square foot barn that encloses the fossil bed. The fossils are still in the ash and the scientists have cleared the bones so that you can see them as they appeared when they died. A few of the specimens have teeth marks or are scattered showing signs of scavengers. One of the most amazing fossils in the barn is the pelvis of a female rhino that still contains the bones of a fetus.
Tips: First, this is way out of the way, eat before you go and bring water and snacks. You are probably 30 miles from the closest gas station, so fill 'er up before you begin your journey. Second, Ashfall is only open during the summer. You will be safe if you stop by between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but if you are going earlier or later in the year, you may want to give them a call. Third: It was 102 degrees when we were there so if it is warm when you start, plan for the heat. Finally, they ask you not to smoke because of the threat of grass fires. This is still a working fossil site.
Additional Reviews:
Will: "I really liked talking to the scientists working on the fossils. The gift shop is outstanding, but there is not a wide selection of models or toys. The book selection was great. Most of the items are for ages 8 and up."
Sam: It was all amazing. The landscape allowed you to really get a feel for the history of the place."
-All photographs by Sam