This remote national monument protects one of the world’s most significant mammal fossil sites, where ancient horses, camels, and bear-dogs roamed 20 million years ago. The modern visitor center displays actual fossils found here, and two self-guided trails lead to the fossil beds themselves — Fossil Hills Trail and Daemonelix Trail. The landscape feels like stepping back in time, rolling prairie punctuated by fossil-bearing buttes.
It’s a 35-mile detour off Highway 29 on good paved roads, worth it for the eerily beautiful badlands scenery alone. The trails are easy walks but can be scorching in summer with zero shade. Spring and fall are prime, when wildflowers carpet the prairie and temperatures are comfortable for exploring.
20-million-year-old fossil beds in the badlands
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | 301 River Rd, Harrison, NE 69346 Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Harrison, NE |
| Miles from pavement | 0 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | April-October |
| Land manager | NPS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Shade, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |