Located in Antelope County in northeastern Nebraska, Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park is operated by the University of Nebraska State Museum and preserves the site of a rare lagerstätten fossilization event that resulted from the Bruneau-Jarbidge eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano caldera. The Bruneau-Jarbidge volcanic eruption occurred approximately 12 million years ago during the late Miocene era, in what is now present-day southwest Idaho.

  • What was the Bruneau-Jarbidge event?
    • An eruption that occurred as part of the Yellowstone supervolcano caldera, the Bruneau-Jarbidge event produced significant ashfall that traveled nearly 1,000 miles west of the eruption site, reaching what is now present-day Nebraska.
  • How did the Bruneau-Jarbidge event affect wildlife?
    • Up to two feet of powdered glass ash fell on the savannah grasslands of northeastern Nebraska, including a watering hole area that attracted Teleoceras, an early relative of the modern-day rhinoceros.
    • Though most animals near the watering hole survived the eruption’s initial ashfall, continued grazing on crops near the site caused an accumulation of glass powder within their bodies, leading to mass die-offs within five weeks of the event.
    • Many skeletons were preserved in their original positions, with traces of final meals still present within the animals’ stomachs.
  • When was the Ashfall Fossil Beds site discovered?
    • In 1971, the discovery of a juvenile rhinoceros skeleton in an eroding cornfield in northern Nebraska by University of Nebraska State Museum scientist Michael Voorhies prompted further investigation.
    • The site was purchased by the state of Nebraska in 1987 and preserved as Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park in 1991.
    • In 2006, the site was designated as a National Natural Landmark.
  • What fossils have been found at Ashfall Fossil Beds?
    • 17 species of vertebrate animals are preserved at the site, including 12 mammal species.
    • High concentrations of Teleoceras fossils have earned the site the nickname “Rhino Barn”.
    • Other uncovered species include:
      • Prehistoric horse species such as Protohippus, Pliohippus, and Neohipparion
      • Longirostromeryx saber-toothed deer
      • Several genera of camelids and canids
      • Species of crowned cranes, Miocene hawks, and pond turtles
    • More than 200 fossil skeletons from the Clarendonian Land Mammal Age have been uncovered so far.
  • Why is Ashfall Fossil Beds considered a rare fossil site?
    • Due to the unique ashfall conditions, which included the development of erosion-resistant sandstone serving as a caprock above the ash layer, the site is classed as a rare lagerstätten fossil site.
    • This allowed for the preservation of bones of birds and turtles that would not have survived under ordinary fossilization conditions.
  • What visitor experiences are available at Ashfall Fossil Beds?
    • The site is owned and operated by the University of Nebraska State Museum and is open to the public for tours and observation.
    • The Visitor Center features interpretive displays chronicling the eruption event, the fossilized species, and the history of excavation.
    • The Hubbard Rhino Barn allows visitors to observe excavation areas and a working fossil preparation laboratory.
    • Specially constructed walkways offer close-up views of the site’s excavation areas, where visitors may interact with onsite paleontologists and interpretive staff.
  • Where is Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park located?
    • The excavation site is located on a 360-acre plot of rangeland within the Verdigre Creek Valley.
  • When is Ashfall Fossil Beds open to the public?
    • Excavation and visitor facilities are open to the public between May and October and require a valid Nebraska Park Entry Permit for entrance.
  • What additional recreational opportunities are available at the park?
    • Nature trails within the site’s surrounding land offer opportunities to explore the region’s geological and biological features.
    • Picnicking is permitted on the park site.
    • Camping is available at the nearby Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area.
    • All park facilities are wheelchair accessible.
  • What guided tour options are available?
    • Guided tours for school groups and organizations are offered between April and October.
    • All tours require advance reservations and last approximately one hour.
    • Tours include an orientation with a tour leader and a full description of the fossil beds.
    • Maximum tour group size is 45 participants, although special accommodations are available for larger groups.
  • How can I contact Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park?

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