30 Nebraskaland • June 2026
Ashfall Fossil Beds
Nearly 12 million years ago, volcanic ash engulfed this ancient watering hole,
entombing more than 20 different species of animals from turtles, cranes, deer,
and rhinos, covering them in the rolling hills. Because of its scientific importance,
the 360-acre historical park between Orchard and Royal was acquired in 1987
and is a joint project of the Game and Parks Commission and the University
of Nebraska State Museum. Guests can tour this historical location and see
paleontologists continue to dig the site in search of fossils.
Paleontologist Mike Voorhies carefully brushes
volcanic ash off a prehistoric rhinoceros fossil at
Ashfall Fossil Beds, 1987. KEN BOUC, NEBRASKALAND
The fossil beds are now enclosed in the Hubbard Rhino Barn,
as shown here in 2012, protected from the elements and
still an active dig site. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
