Waco Mammoth National Monument

Waco Mammoth National Monument is a paleontological site in Texas where the remains of 24 Columbian mammoths lie exposed within a climate-controlled shelter along the Bosque River. Visitors can observe the fossils in the exact spots where they were buried and learn about the circumstances that led to their preservation.

Discovery began in 1978 when two teenagers found mammoth bones, sparking systematic excavations at the site. The fossils date to the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 67,000 years ago, showing that these animals lived and died in this region.

The National Park Service manages this monument in partnership with Baylor University and the City of Waco to preserve these prehistoric discoveries.

You can view the fossils through guided tours at 6220 Steinbeck Bend Drive during hours running Tuesday through Saturday. The site sits near the riverbank, so visitors should prepare for uneven ground and stairs when moving around the shelter.

The site holds the only known remains of a Pleistocene-era mammoth nursery herd from North America. This ensemble suggests that multiple young animals died together, offering rare glimpses into the family life of these extinct creatures.

Location: Waco

Inception: July 10, 2015

Elevation above the sea: 135 m

Operator: United States National Park Service

Phone: +12547507946

Website: https://nps.gov/waco

GPS coordinates: 31.60600,-97.17500

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07