Ashfall Fossil Beds announces 2013 season schedule
Released on 05/15/2013, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
WHEN: Tuesday, May. 14, 2013, through Oct. 13, 2013
WHERE: Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park, near Royal
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park has announced its 2013 season schedule through Oct. 13. The 360-acre park near Royal displays three-dimensional skeletons of prehistoric animals, including rhinos, camels, three-toed horses, and birds, among others -- all preserved in the area where volcanic ash killed them 12 million years ago. This paleontology treasure is a joint project of the University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Spring and summer hours:
- Through May 23: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed Sundays and Mondays)
- May 24-Sept. 2: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sept. 3-Oct. 13: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sundays 1-4 p.m. (closed Mondays)
Ashfall is a remarkable place to see and learn about a prehistoric era. Each summer, Ashfall visitors have the opportunity to watch firsthand as paleontologists uncover new fossils in the 17,500 square-foot Hubbard Rhino Barn. More than 40 skeletons have been revealed in the barn, allowing visitors to see them intact in the fossil bed, and more skeletons are discovered every summer.
The new Dickinson Fossil Heritage Center features educational exhibits and activity areas for children, including a fossil dig area and fossil bone puzzles. There are also new exhibits on petrified wood, rivers of Nebraska, and the contributions of farmers and amateur paleontologists from the area. The park's visitor center features interpretive displays, fossil preparation laboratory and gift shop. In addition, visitors can enjoy the natural setting on nearby nature trails, which were developed to help interpret the geology and plant life of the area. Picnic tables are available at the park and campers may use nearby Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area.
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park, a National Natural Landmark, is two miles west and six miles north of Royal. Admission is $5 per person, and children age 2 and younger are admitted free. A valid Nebraska State Park Permit is required and may be purchased on-site; day permits are $5 and annual permits are $26. For more visitor information and directions, call 402-893-2000 or visit http://www.ashfall.unl.edu.
Writer: Dana Ludvik, Public Relations Coordinator, NU State Museum