NEBRASKA

Cowboy Trail
Begin your journey along the country’s largest rails to trails conversion project at O’Neill, Nebraska. Following this path allows you to step back in time and explore the route taken by travelers heading west in the 19th century. Old mile markers and telegraph poles still stand along the route, and a few historic buildings such as the Neligh Mills remain. Learn more about the trail at: http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks/guides/trails/cowboy/cowboy.asp.

Ashfall Fossil Bed State Park
According to National Geographic, “the Pompeii of prehistoric animals” isn’t in Europe, it’s in Nebraska! 12 million years ago, Ashfall Fossil Bed State Park was a watering hole that was buried under ash following a volcanic eruption. Many animals met their end here and paleontologists are still unearthing their fossilized remains. Stop by the visitor’s center to see a working fossil preparation laboratory and to find out more about the findings in the region. In the Rhino Barn, visitors can view skeletal remains displayed exactly as they were unearthed by scientists. The park also offers a system of nature trails. Take a look at the park’s website to learn more and find their hours of operation: http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks/guides/parksearch/showpark.asp?Area_No=279.

University of Nebraska State Museum
The University of Nebraska State Museum in Lincoln offers archaeological and paleontological exhibits and programs for children and adults. For more information, call 402-472-2642, or visit its Web site at: www.museum.unl.edu/museum_info/index.html .

The Leary Site (online)
The Leary site was an archaeological site first discovered by William Clark. Although the site is not open to the public, its artifacts can be viewed online. For more information, visit its Web site at: www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/lewisandclark/lea.htm.

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