Last updated: 11/28/2013
4 E, 6 N of Orchard
Royal, NE 68773
86930 517th Ave
Royal, NE 68773
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.
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.
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.
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