Ashfall Fossil Beds

Ashfall Fossil Beds is a paleontological site in Royal, Nebraska, where volcanic ash has preserved the skeletons of prehistoric animals in layers dating back about 12 million years. The excavations here reveal an remarkable collection of rhinoceros, horse, and other animal bones embedded in this volcanic material.

In 1971, Professor Michael Voorhies discovered a rhinoceros skull that led to systematic excavations and the establishment of the state historical park in 1991. This discovery revealed that volcanic ash had preserved millions of animals at once, something that happens at very few places in the world.

The visitor center shows how scientists continue to work here daily, uncovering bones of animals that died millions of years ago. You can watch paleontologists at work and learn how they piece together the story of these creatures from stone and bone.

The visit works best if you set aside time for both the museum exhibition and watching the active excavation work outdoors. It helps to come during the warmer months, since the excavations may be limited during colder seasons.

The Hubbard Rhino Barn is a special building that protects an active dig site where visitors can see real fossils being pulled from the ground. This direct glimpse into the work shows how paleontologists proceed when they encounter surprise findings and uncover ancient animals layer by layer.