Traveling Through Nebraska: Exploring Oglala Fossil Beds National Monument
Located in the northwestern corner of Nebraska, near the town of Crawford, Oglala Fossil Beds National Monument is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. This 134,654-acre monument, situated at the southern edge of the Great Plains and the northern foothills of the Niobrara River valley, offers unparalleled opportunities to explore and appreciate the region's rich geological, paleontological, and archaeological history. Established in 1912, Oglala Fossil Beds National Monument was designated to protect the region's unique fossil beds and the wildlife that inhabited this area, going back millions of years.
Oglala Fossil Beds National Monument takes its name from the Oglala Lakota Sioux Native American tribe that once inhabited the region. The monument itself is characterized by a diverse range of geological formations, including an area known as 'Hudson-Meng Bonebed', discovered by 1971 by local ranchers within the monument. This 720-meter long area contains the remains of over 10,000 North American Ice Age animals, with remains dating as far back as 21,000 years.
The region's unique geology has formed numerous fossils which can be discovered throughout the monument, offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the paleontological history of Nebraska. For the scientist, the enthusiast, and the casual observer, Oglala Fossil Beds National Monument is an extraordinary outdoor destination for exploring these delicate yet ancient fossil deposits.
One unique experience offered by the monument is guided paleontology sessions, where visitors are invited to join on site paleontologists on an excavation of actual fossil deposits. Furthermore, with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, wildlife observation, and simple introspective contemplation, there's plenty for the active nature lovers as well.
This scientific marvel showcases everything that is fascinating about sites of great geological history around the world. Excavations on site continue and today experts from natural history museums as notable as Chicago's 'Field Museum', the collections of the University of Nebraska and University of Texas, respectively hold unique examples from digs themselves.
The visitor center located within the monument provides stunning insights into the history of this enigmatic park, supported by exhibits that feature displays that aid to help interpret and reveal insight of the history and knowledge behind the fossils discovered within the area.
In terms of unique excursions for enthusiastic travelers, a particular worth-unique expedition can be conducted to places like the Robbers Roost mass grave, also a fossil bed of a well preserved history. Traveling through Nebraska, enthusiasts can uncover an interesting world of information that relates closely to historical context by giving preference to similar other areas like Smithsonian collection that provide similar fascinating archaeological and geographical data.
The combination of scientific study and outdoor entertainment has contributed toward widespread recognition and approval towards establishing national protected territories to preserve further fossil deposits found everywhere throughout the US.
Oglala Fossil Beds National Monument takes its name from the Oglala Lakota Sioux Native American tribe that once inhabited the region. The monument itself is characterized by a diverse range of geological formations, including an area known as 'Hudson-Meng Bonebed', discovered by 1971 by local ranchers within the monument. This 720-meter long area contains the remains of over 10,000 North American Ice Age animals, with remains dating as far back as 21,000 years.
The region's unique geology has formed numerous fossils which can be discovered throughout the monument, offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the paleontological history of Nebraska. For the scientist, the enthusiast, and the casual observer, Oglala Fossil Beds National Monument is an extraordinary outdoor destination for exploring these delicate yet ancient fossil deposits.
One unique experience offered by the monument is guided paleontology sessions, where visitors are invited to join on site paleontologists on an excavation of actual fossil deposits. Furthermore, with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, wildlife observation, and simple introspective contemplation, there's plenty for the active nature lovers as well.
This scientific marvel showcases everything that is fascinating about sites of great geological history around the world. Excavations on site continue and today experts from natural history museums as notable as Chicago's 'Field Museum', the collections of the University of Nebraska and University of Texas, respectively hold unique examples from digs themselves.
The visitor center located within the monument provides stunning insights into the history of this enigmatic park, supported by exhibits that feature displays that aid to help interpret and reveal insight of the history and knowledge behind the fossils discovered within the area.
In terms of unique excursions for enthusiastic travelers, a particular worth-unique expedition can be conducted to places like the Robbers Roost mass grave, also a fossil bed of a well preserved history. Traveling through Nebraska, enthusiasts can uncover an interesting world of information that relates closely to historical context by giving preference to similar other areas like Smithsonian collection that provide similar fascinating archaeological and geographical data.
The combination of scientific study and outdoor entertainment has contributed toward widespread recognition and approval towards establishing national protected territories to preserve further fossil deposits found everywhere throughout the US.
