We're excited you want to visit Ashfall Fossil Beds. Below are details to help you plan your trip, including hours, admission, location, state park permits, and accessibility. For more of what you can explore in the park, check out our "Things to Do" page.
Ashfall Fossil Beds is an active research and dig site. Collecting fossils or other specimens on the park grounds is strictly prohibited.
Park & Gift Shop Hours
| Date Range | Hours |
|---|---|
| May 1 - May 24 | Tuesday - Saturday | 9:30am-4:30pm Closed Sunday and Monday |
| May 25 - August 31 | Tuesday - Sunday | 9:30am-4:30pm Closed Monday |
| September 1 - October 12 | Wednesday – Saturday | 9:30am-4:30pm Sunday | 1:30-4:30pm Closed Monday and Tuesday |
Museum Admission
| Adults & Children (ages 3+) | $10.00 per person |
| Children under 3 | FREE |
| UNSM Member | FREE – valid membership card must be presented upon arrival |
Group Visits
Large groups are welcome to visit Ashfall Fossil Beds. While advance notice of a group visit for self-exploration of the park is appreciated, it's not required. Groups wishing to have a guided tour must book in advance. Details are available on our Group Visit page.
Service Animals & Pets
Ashfall Fossil Beds welcomes service animals in all areas of the park. Service animals must be clearly identifiable as such. Pets, emotional support animals, therapy or comfort animals, and service dogs in training are not considered service animals and are not permitted within the park's Visitor Center; however, they are welcome in other parts of the park as long as they remain on a 6-foot leash.
Parking & Accessibility
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park is located 2 miles west and 6 miles north of Royal, Nebraska in the northwestern part of the state.
Visitor Parking
Parking is free for visitors on a paved parking lot located outside the Visitor Center.
Accessibility
The park's Visitor Center, Hubbard Rhino Barn, picnic pavilion, and Heritage Center are all accessible for wheelchairs with paved walkways. Some of our nature trails are not paved and not accessible for wheelchair users.
Restrooms
ADA accessible public restrooms are available in the park. They are located in a designated building off the main parking lot area.
