Email
PrintAgate Fossil Beds National Monument
Steve & Bobbi Olson
See one of the Plains Richest Fossil Sites in Mitchell
Mitchell is the usual point of departure for Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, 30 miles north on Highway 29. But, you can also head south from Harrison.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the richest fossil sites on the Plains and home to an important collection of Native American artifacts. Visitors can walk among quarries and the fossils of ancient animals that once roamed here, and can see the artifacts of 31 Native American tribes with historic ties to the region.
Rancher James H. Cook, who used to own this land, made many friends among area tribes, who gave him gifts that are now part of the museum’s collection. Among the items is a shirt belonging to the great Lakota chief Red Cloud. Life magazine named it one of the top 10 treasures of the National Parks Service.
Agate also maintains an active Native American artist-in-residence program.
Located 22 miles south of Harrison or 34 miles north of Mitchell on Highway 29, it’s worth the trip. (308) 668-2211 or Agate Fossil Beds Website
For more information on Mitchell area attractions, please contact the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce at (308) 623-1523 or visit www.mitchellcity.net.
