Ashfall Fossil Beds
Royal, NE
Rhinos, horses and camels buried by volcanic ash about 12 million years ago, left exactly where they fell. Watch paleontologists at work inside the Rhino Barn; open in the warmer months.
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park lies near Royal, Nebraska. About 12 million years ago, volcanic ash from an eruption in what is now southwestern Idaho, nearly 900 miles (about 1,450 km) away, buried a watering hole along with the animals gathered there. At the site the ash layer is 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to 3 m) thick. Mike Voorhies discovered the spot in 1971 from a rhino skull. More than 200 complete or nearly complete skeletons have been uncovered, including over 100 of the rhino Teleoceras major.
In the Rhino Barn (since 1991) you see skeletons just as they were found. The visitor center has a fossil preparation lab where you can watch researchers at work, and a 1-mile (1.6 km) interpretive trail rounds out a visit. The park is open seasonally and closed from mid-October through April 30 (as of October 2026). Picnic tables are available.
- Nearest town
- Royal, NE
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 42.4244, -98.1583
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Ewing RV CampingCampsite15 mi from Ashfall Fossil Beds
- Motorhome stopoverMotorhome stopover23 mi from Ashfall Fossil Beds · 76 pitchesMotorhomes
All campsites in Nebraska · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ashfall Fossil Beds?
Ashfall Fossil Beds is in Royal, NE, at GPS 42.4244, -98.1583. It is about 25 mi from O'Neill.
Can you camp near Ashfall Fossil Beds?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ewing RV Camping, about 15 mi away; within 25 mi there are 2 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Ashfall Fossil Beds?
Ashfall Fossil Beds is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Niobrara River: waterfalls and fossil rhinos.
What is there to see near Ashfall Fossil Beds?
Places worth a stop nearby: Niobrara State Park (23 mi), Corn Palace (89 mi), Falls Park (107 mi) and Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer (107 mi).
When is the best time to visit Ashfall Fossil Beds?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)