JUNE 2016 • NEBRASKAland 47
I
n northwestern Nebraska, the earth on each side of a fault that
follows the White River has been raised slightly by force. The
perceived beauty of the Pine Ridge can largely be attributed to
this feature. When spring water escapes to the earth's surface through
elevated rock, its persistence will eventually cut a trail to lower
elevations. In this case, the spring water, now known as Bordeaux
Creek, has beautifully carved through this popular place in the Nebraska
National Forest known as The Cliffs Picnic Area.
W
ith so many otherworldly rocks jutting from the landscape, it
seems appropriate that Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
is near the unincorporated village named Marsland. Especially
at night, the landscape is so quiet that the most prominent sound is
prairie rodents scurrying about their business among the rocks or the
occasional howl of a coyote. Evidences of man's presence are few, save
for the visitors center that by day teaches about its discovered fossils
of remarkable mammals of 19-21 million years ago – and a satellite
streaking by the moon.
Above: Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in Sioux County.
Opposite: The Cliffs Picnic Area in the Pine Ridge Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest.
