Ashfall Fossil Beds opens for 31st season

Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park near Royal opened for its 31st season May 3 and will remain open through Oct. 9.

This season, visitors can enjoy a new Watchable Wildlife experience with trail markers highlighting opportunities to view different plants and animals throughout the park. The Heritage Center, with its large fossil sandbox, will also reopen for the first time since 2020.

“We’re excited to welcome visitors back to Ashfall Fossil Beds this season,” said Susan Weller, director of the NU State Museum. “It’s truly a unique site for our state. We’re thrilled that this year guests will be able to enjoy both the prehistoric wildlife through our fossils and current wildlife through the variety of nature trails.”

Ashfall Fossil Beds will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through May 28. From May 31 through Sept. 4, the park will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. On Sept. 6, the park will begin fall hours and will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

A state park permit is required for any vehicle entering Ashfall Fossil Beds. They can be acquired in advance through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission here.

Individuals or families with questions should click here or call 402-893-2000.