Our Family of Museums:

Visit

Hello, and welcome to Ashfall Fossil Beds. We're excited you want to visit. Please note, certain exhibits within the park certain closed or operating under adjusted procedures. Additional details on park amenities and rule changes are listed below. 

Ashfall Fossil Beds is an active research and dig site. Collecting fossils or other specimens on the park grounds is strictly prohibited. 

Ashfall Fossil Beds Public Hours:

May 1 – May 28 Tuesday – Saturday 9:30am – 4:30pm
May 29 – September 6 (Memorial Day – Labor Day) Wednesday – Sunday 9:30am – 4:30pm
September 8 – October 10 Wednesday – Saturday, Sunday 9:30am – 4:30pm, 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Admission (includes taxes)

Admission plus valid Nebraska Park Entry Permit required.

Adults, Children 3+ $7.50 per person
Children under 3 FREE
UNSM Member FREE – valid membership card must be presented upon arrival

Amenities and Exhibit Closures

During operating hours, the following portions of the park will be open to visitors: 

  • Hubbard Rhino barn is open to view the fossil bone bed. Student paleontologists are at work from late May to early August and able to interpret the site and answer questions.
  • Nature and geology trails remain open for walking and exploration.
  • Restrooms in the park are open. (Please wash hands after use.)
  • Bronze statues will remain open for viewing and photo opportunities.
  • Outdoor fossil sandbox will be open. 
  • The gift shop inside the Visitors Center will be open. Credit cards are the preferred payment option. 
  • The Working Prep Lab inside the Visitors Center will be open. Visitors can visit with student interns as the work on fossil preparations. 
  • Water fountains are on and accessible. 
  • The picnic pavilion is open. 

The following portions of the park will be closed or operating with restrictions:

  • Heritage Center and kids dig remain closed. 
  • Interactive exhibits within the Visitors' Center remain closed. 

Location

Ashfall Fossil Beds is located 2 miles west and 6 miles north of Royal, Nebraska. See on Google Maps.

Accessibility

Facilities are wheelchair accessible.