Agnostik
National Monument · ID

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

During the Pliocene, this place looked quite different. Lush wetlands, forests, and grasslands provided excellent habitat for a variety of animals. From fascinating, now-extinct creatures like the saber-toothed cat, mastodon, and ground sloth, to more familiar animals like horses, beavers, and birds, the scientific study of Pliocene fossils is the key to Hagerman.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

A fossil horse stands in the center of a room filled with posters and display cases
The Thousand Springs Visitor Center is the only place at the monument to see fossils.
Steep, rocky bluffs line a river, awash in warm sunset colors
The Glenns Ferry Formation contains one of the world's richest Pliocene fossil deposits.
A sidewalk leads to a boxy, wood-paneled building labelled as "visitor center"
The Thousand Springs Visitor Center, opening in 2022, marks a new partnership between the National Park Service and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
A wooden platform with railing, along with two exhibit signs, overlooks the river and fossil beds.
Enjoy scenic vistas and learn about Hagerman's Pliocene past at the Snake River Overlook.
An educational exhibit along a trail overlooks panoramic views of the Hagerman Valley.
Enjoy scenic vistas and learn about Hagerman's human and paleontological history at the Oregon Trail Overlook.

Activities

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs