When many think of the Agate Fossil Beds, they picture ancient fossils from a world past, the reality is much cooler. The agate fossil beds are made up of mammal fossils from animals that walked the earth more than 20 million years ago.Meaning you won’t be seeing the skeletons of any giant lizard, although you’ll still be witnessing plenty of history. Not only can you go see these fossils, you can take a short hike to the bones original location! Another short hike away and you’ll see the watering hole these creatures most likely used.
Cook Ranch
When you go to visit the agate fossil beds, there aren’t just some old bones to see. At the Cook ranch, and the surrounding area, you can find all kinds of things to check out! The Cook family that owned the ranch was a family that got along well with the Native Americans that lived around the area. As a result, there are tons of cool Native American relics to check out.
Native American history
It is said that famous Native American chief Red Cloud would often visit the ranch. Because of the good relationship the two groups shared, you can do more than seeing fossils at the visitor center. There you will also be able to check out the clothing and tools that were being used. These tools belonged to some of the most famous Native American tribes in the history of the world.
The James H. Cook collection includes several beaded moccasins that were created by the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne tribes. There are other artifacts on display in this rather makeshift museum and most of the things that are on display are those that were given to the Cook family.
Related articles: Camper’s Guide: Bar Harbor, Maine also Camper’s Guide: Midway Geyser Basin, Wyoming
Featured Image from Alex Gorey/Unsplash
