Nebraska has three national monuments within its borders.
Although there are 10 national historic sites in Nebraska, only three are classified as national monuments by the National Parks Guide. The monuments are the Scotts Bluff National Monument, a geological marker that helped pioneers follow routes to the West; the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, which features the preserved bones of prehistoric mammals; and the Homestead National Monument of America that celebrates one of the most ambitious efforts to settle the Midwest, the Homestead Act.
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Scotts Bluff National Monument was established on December 12, 1919, on a Presidential Proclamation signed by Woodrow Wilson. Scotts Bluff rises 4,659 feet above sea level and 800 feet above the North Platte River, and it was a geological marker used by pioneers who were heading west on the Oregon, California, Mormon and Pony Express trails. The monument protects roughly 3,000 acres of distinctive geological formations, which rise above the prairie. Hiking, living history presentations and shuttle rides to the top of the bluff are just of few of the activities to be found in the monument.
The monument is located three miles west of Gering, Nebraska. Visitors from Interstate 80 should exit at Kimball, Nebraska, and drive 45 miles north on Highway 71. National Park signs will be visible three miles outside Gering, instructing travelers to follow the Old Oregon Trail/State Highway 92 West.
Scotts Bluff National Monument
190276 Old Oregon Trail
Gering, NE 69341
(308) 436-9700
nps.gov/scbl/index.htm
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
The Agate Fossil Beds National Monument features 3,050 acres of fossil beds, agate fields, natural ecosystems and geological formations. The monument is a paleontologist's dream with countless fossils of mammals from the Miocene Era (20 million years ago). The name of the monument reflects both the abundance of fossils and the amber to light gray agates found along the banks of the Niobrara River. The visitor center features displays and exhibits of Cook Collection of American Indian artifacts, fossils and depictions of the mammals that roamed the area. Hiking and picnicking are popular summer activities.
Travelers on U.S. Highway 26 can turn north at Mitchell, Nebraska, onto State Highway 29 and drive 34 miles to the monument. Drivers on U.S. Highway 20 will turn south at Harrison, Nebraska, and go 22 miles. Both routes are well marked with National Park Service signs.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
301 River Road
Harrison, NE 69346
(308) 436-9760
nps.gov/Agfo/index.htm
Homestead National Monument of America
The Homestead National Monument of America celebrates U.S. history by giving visitors the chance to relive the excitement of the American pioneers who moved west during the Homestead Act of 1862. The act gave nearly any man or woman 160 acres of free land and the opportunity to build their dreams on the prairies of Nebraska. The 244-acre monument is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers who like to hike through woodlands, prairies and along creeks. The monument also offers heritage and education centers, along with the historic Palmer-Epard Cabin, which was built in 1867.
The Homestead National Monument is four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska, on State Highway 4. Drivers on Interstate 80 will turn south on U.S. 77 and go 40 miles to reach Beatrice. Travelers on Interstate 29 will take U.S. 136 West and drive 70 miles to Beatrice.
Homestead National Monument
8523 West State Highway 4
Beatrice, NE 68310
(402) 223-3514
nps.gov/home/index.htm
Tags: National Monument, Homestead National, Homestead National Monument, Scotts Bluff, Agate Fossil
