The Perfect Nebraskan Getaway To Take If You Have Been Dreaming Of The Good Old Days

As we get older, it's natural to catch ourselves dreaming about the good ol' days. When you're feeling particularly prehistoric - be it because of a new iPhone update, a mysterious TikTok trend, or indecipherable slang - the best remedy is to remember you're not alone. That's why I recommend visiting Ashfall Fossil Beds in Royal. In all seriousness, this fascinating educational park gives visitors unparalleled insight into the history of dinosaurs in Nebraska. It's totally worth a visit.

You'll find Ashfall in small-town Royal, a community of just 63 residents located around three hours from Omaha. Contained in the rolling landscape here is a rare snapshot of what life on today's Great Plains looked like many millions of years ago, perfectly preserved.

Ashfall's fossil beds are a fantastic example of "lagerstätten," a type of preservation that occurs through ash deposition. Ten to 12 million years ago, an eruption in Yellowstone buried the region in over a foot of ash, protecting the remains of various prehistoric species. Since 1991, this unique historical park has allowed the public an unrivaled glimpse into life in the late Miocene.

Ashfall became a National Natural Landmark in 2006 and opened the Hubbard Rhino Barn just three years later. There, you and others can watch paleontologists excavate fossils, potentially making ground-breaking discoveries about the past right before your eyes!

For just $8 per visitor, history buffs will have a field day learning about Ashfall's numerous finds. The park is closed seasonally, but if you can't wait to start your learning journey, check out their virtual tour online.

Though - understandably - collecting your own fossils is strictly prohibited at Ashfall, aspiring paleontologists can practice their own excavation skills at interactive activity stations.

And the preserved fossils are jaw-dropping. It's hard to believe each specimen is millions of years old.

Seeing the fossils up close will give you a new perspective on the surrounding landscape, too. Imagining just how many undiscovered specimens remain hidden beneath the rolling slopes is mind-boggling.

If you've been dreaming about the good ol' days, check out Ashfall Fossil Beds to learn more about dinosaurs in Nebraska. This incredible Cornhusker destination makes for a memorable in-state excursion, one that will keep you and your family talking for days. Hopefully, it will also ease your apprehensions about the passage of time.

In all seriousness, this road-trip-worthy historical park belongs on your bucket list. A long drive feels like nothing when the distance between you and the ancient past is suddenly made so short.