Outlaw Trail
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park, NE

After a major deposit of volcanic ash, Ashfall Fossil Beds State Park contains the fossilized remains of 10-million-year-old mammals that died at a watering hole following a massive volcanic eruption. This site is the only one of its kind in the world. Rhinos, horses, camels, birds and turtles were caught in falling ash 10 million years ago. The nature of their quick burial preserved the skeletons, often intact and sometimes even unborn young and stomach contents.

Visitors can observe the excavation of complete skeletons in the 'Rhino Barn,' where paleontologists continually uncover new skeletons, which are then left intact for visitors to see. This unique experience gives the visitor the opportunity to observe paleontologists at work. The Visitor's Center has interpretive displays for the site and a fossil preparation lab. The Ashfall Fossil Beds State Park is a joint project of the University of Nebraska State Museum and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.