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Agate Fossil Beds National MonumentFossil Hills at sunset
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Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Things To Know Before You Come

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is located in a very remote area. No camping is permitted within park boundaries. A modern, covered picnic area with drinking fountains is located near the visitor center; and bottled water, juice, and soda pop are available from a vending machine inside.

If traveling from the south; Scottsbluff, Gering and Mitchell all have RV camping, restaurants and gas stations. The closest of these, Mitchell, is 34 miles south of Agate Fossil Beds. 

If traveling from the north; primitive camping is available at Gilbert-Baker Park 5 miles north of Harrison or RV camping is available in Harrison at the Sage Motel and at the city park where there are 2 free hookups. Also 20 miles east of Harrison on Hwy 20 is Fort Robinson State Park which has multiple camping areas. There is a restaurant, a bar, a gas station open during the weekdays, a motel and a hotel bed and breakfast in Harrison which is 24 miles from Agate Fossil Beds. 

East of Harrison on Hwy. 20 is Crawford, NE with gas stations, restaurants and motels. To the West of Harrison on Hwy 20 is Lusk, WY also with gas stations, restaurants and motels.

 

 

Eastern Cottontail Rabbits are plentiful around the visitor center and on the rocky hills.  

Did You Know?
The Niobrara River flowing through the park is the reason that Agate Fossil Beds is home to many different animals. Both prairie animals and river animals live here. Early settlers lived in the valley as well due to water accessibility, and many original homesteads are the sites of current ranches.
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Last Updated: September 22, 2009 at 19:29 EST