Updated: 11/28/2013 
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
Royal, Nebraska
Description

Your first stop should be the interpretive displays and the fossil preparation laboratory. You are invited to ask the paleontologists about their work. Educational programs are presented on a regular basis. From the Visitor Center, it is but a short stroll to the Hubbard Rhino Barn, where new discoveries continue to be unearthed.

Ashfall is situated on 360 acres of rugged rangeland in the scenic Verdigre Creek valley. Nature trails were developed to help interpret the geology as well as the flora and fauna of the area. Picnicking is permitted on the park, and campers can use nearby Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area near Royal.

Collecting fossils or other specimens on the park grounds is strictly prohibited. (If every visitor took a "souvenir," one of Nebraska's natural historic treasures would be gone forever.) Preservation of Ashfall now and for future generations is made possible by the generosity of the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation, which purchased the land in 1986, and the Burlington Northern Foundation, which supplied a grant for construction of facilities.

Paleontologists and interpretive staff at the site are provided by the University of Nebraska State Museum.

Services
For Educators :

School and tour groups may make special arrangements to visit Ashfall between April 1 and October 20 with advance reservations. A visit to Ashfall is an unusual educational experience. Students view a real fossil site that has been referred to as "one of the wonders of the natural world." A tour leader provides an orientation and full description of the fossil bed exposed in the Hubbard Rhino Barn. For detailed information and to make reservations call (402) 893-2000.

Become a Friend of the Museum

Join the Friends of the University of Nebraska State Museum and receive membership benefits.

Special events: Invitations to scientist-led field trips, exclusive exhibit openings, the annual dinner, behind-the-scenes tours of the research collections and more.

Publications: Four issues of The Mammoth and three issues of Museum Notes.

Admissions: Receive a year's free pass to Ashfall Fossil Beds, Morrill Hall (Lincoln) and Trailside Museum (Crawford) and free or reduced admissions at any museum belonging to the American Association of Museums or the Association of Science-Technology Centers.

Discounts: 10% discount on all purchases from the museum's gift shops and 25% off your planetarium admission.

Group Tours
Hours of Operation
May 1 to Memorial Day weekend:
Tuesday - Saturday10 AM - 4 PM
Sunday - Mondayclosed
Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day:
Monday - Saturday9 AM - 5 PM
Sunday11 AM - 5 PM
Labor Day-2nd weekend in October:
Tuesday - Saturday10 AM - 4 PM
Sunday1 PM - 4 PM
Mondayclosed

School and tour groups may make special arrangements to visit Ashfall between April 1 and October 20 with advance reservations.

DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

March 31 - April 3, 2025

Arkansas Museums Association 2025 Conference

Historic Washington State Park

Washington, Arkansas

April 5 - 8, 2025

New York Museum Association 2025 Conference in Ithaca, NY

Ithaca Downtown Conference Center

Ithaca, New York

April 6 - 8, 2025

Nebraska Museum Association 2025 Conference

Hosted by the Knight Museum in Alliance, Nebraska

United States

April 6 - 9, 2025

Texas Association of Museums 2025 Conference Austin

AT&T Conference Center

Austin, Texas

April 27 - 29, 2025

Oregon Museum Association 2025 Conference

TBA

Independence, Oregon

RECENT UPDATES

Museums

03/27 A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery

Fort Pierce, Florida

Museum Associations

04/01 Florida Association of Museums

Tallahassee, Florida