Waco Mammoth National Monument
Explore the Ice Age at an active dig site, home to the nation's only known nursery herd of Columbian mammoths.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the Ice Age at an active dig site, home to the nation's only known nursery herd of Columbian mammoths.
"Super cool spot in Waco! The mammoth fossils are still in the ground, which makes it way more interesting than just looking at bones in a museum."
🎯 Affordable Entry Fees
Entry is free, but tours are a small fee ($6 suggested). Great value for an educational experience!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be walking around the site and potentially on trails, so comfy shoes are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Enclosed Dig Shelter
Main Dig Site
See the actual in-situ fossils of Columbian mammoths and other Ice Age creatures preserved in the mud.
Nursery Herd Discovery
Dig Shelter
Learn about the unique discovery of a nursery herd, the only one of its kind found in the US.
Kid's Fossil Dig Pit
Outdoor Area
An engaging, hands-on activity for children to simulate fossil excavation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Active Dig Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Entry Fees
Entry is free, but tours are a small fee ($6 suggested). Great value for an educational experience! +1
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be walking around the site and potentially on trails, so comfy shoes are a must.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Texas heat can be intense. Bring water, especially if visiting during warmer months.
📸 Capture the Moment
The dig shelter offers unique photo opportunities of ancient fossils.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Entry Fees
Entry is free, but tours are a small fee ($6 suggested). Great value for an educational experience! +1
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be walking around the site and potentially on trails, so comfy shoes are a must.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Texas heat can be intense. Bring water, especially if visiting during warmer months.
📸 Capture the Moment
The dig shelter offers unique photo opportunities of ancient fossils.
🗺️ Check for Junior Ranger
A fantastic program for kids to learn and earn a badge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Waco Mammoth National Monument for its unique, active dig site and the educational value of its guided tours. The affordability and the engaging experience for both children and adults are frequently highlighted as major positives. Some visitors noted that parts of the site were under construction during their visit, suggesting a potential for future enhancements.
"$6 for the tour. Really nice park. The female park ranger who gave the tour was amazing and I loved her little jokes. I'd love to come back in a couple years and see what more they have discovered. I loved that this was an active dig site and they have a full-time paleontologist."
Ruby
"Super cool spot in Waco! The mammoth fossils are still in the ground, which makes it way more interesting than just looking at bones in a museum. The place isn’t huge, but the tour guides keep it fun and you actually learn a lot. Trails are easy, kid-friendly, and the whole site feels peaceful. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in Waco."
Jenny Nguyen
"My boyfriend and I stopped here on our way down to Galveston and had a really great time. It only cost a few dollars to get in and we got to take the guided tour and learn all about how these mammoths and other fossils were discovered in this area. We headed to the gift shop and purchased the usual souvenirs (shot glass, magnet) as well as some matching T-shirts and some super cool minerals! Then after that, we hiked on one of the trails and the Rangers weren’t even mad when we came back late because we got lost. 😆 it was a great time, we would recommend for both kids and adult adults alike!"
Gina Marie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monument is located at 6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco, TX 76708. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular stop for those visiting Waco.
Yes, there is parking available at the monument. If you have an NP Pass, parking is free.
Yes, RVs can visit the monument. One visitor mentioned exploring the site in a 42ft 5th wheel trailer.
It's located near Cameron Park and is a common addition to itineraries that include the Magnolia Silos and other Waco attractions.
The monument is situated off Steinbeck Bend Drive. GPS navigation systems will typically guide you directly to the entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to walk around the grounds is free. However, there is a small fee for the guided tour of the dig shelter, typically around $6 per person. +1
Hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official National Park Service website or call ahead. Tours typically run every 30 minutes.
While not always mandatory, booking guided tours in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods, to secure your spot and avoid waiting.
While the monument itself is free to enter, having a National Park Pass can grant free parking.
The fee typically covers a guided tour of the enclosed, air-conditioned dig shelter where you can see the in-situ mammoth fossils and learn about their discovery.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the fossilized remains of over 25 Columbian mammoths, as well as fossils of other Ice Age animals like camels and giant ground sloths, all preserved in their original locations within the dig shelter. +1
A visit, including the guided tour, usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Some visitors spend a bit longer exploring the trails.
Yes, guided tours are a highlight and highly recommended. They are led by knowledgeable rangers who share fascinating details about the fossils and the Ice Age.
Absolutely! Kids love the fossil dig pit, the educational tours, and the chance to learn about prehistoric animals. The Junior Ranger program is also a hit.
The grounds are free to explore, but the main attraction, the dig shelter with the fossils, is typically accessed via a guided tour. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in most areas, including the outdoor grounds and the dig shelter. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
The enclosed dig shelter with the exposed fossils offers unique and dramatic photo opportunities. The surrounding natural landscape also provides scenic backdrops.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to avoid flash photography inside enclosed areas where it might disturb the fossils or other visitors.
As a National Monument managed by the National Park Service, drone usage is typically restricted. Check NPS regulations for specific guidelines.
You can capture close-ups of fossilized mammoth bones, tusks, and other ancient animal remains, as well as wider shots of the dig site and the natural Texas landscape. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the Junior Ranger program, which is a wonderful way to keep kids actively learning and earn a special badge. +1 The site is compact and easy to navigate, making it manageable for families with young children. 💰 Budget Travelers
📚 Homeschooling Field Trips
The guided tours offer in-depth information that complements classroom studies, and the dig pit allows for practical application of concepts. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Site
What makes this site particularly significant is the discovery of a nursery herd, consisting of females and young mammoths, which is the first and only recorded evidence of such a herd in the United States. Beyond the mammoths, the monument has also yielded fossils of other Ice Age fauna, including giant ground sloths, camels, and even saber-toothed cats.
+1 The prevailing theory is that the herd perished due to a sudden flash flood, which rapidly buried them in mud, thus preserving them for millennia. This natural preservation process is what allows paleontologists to continue their research and make new discoveries, making the monument an active and evolving scientific site. Visitors can learn about the ongoing work of paleontologists and geologists who meticulously study these ancient remains. The National Park Service manages the monument, ensuring its preservation and providing educational opportunities for the public.
The Waco Mammoth Foundation also plays a crucial role in supporting the monument's research and outreach programs. The site serves as a vital link to understanding prehistoric life in North America and the dramatic environmental changes that occurred during the Ice Age. Experiencing the Monument: Tours & Activities
Visitors are taken into the enclosed dig shelter, a climate-controlled environment where the actual mammoth fossils are still embedded in the earth. The rangers explain the scientific theories behind the herd's demise, the process of fossil discovery, and the ongoing research. For younger visitors, the kid's fossil dig pit is a major draw. This interactive sandbox allows children to experience the thrill of excavating replica fossils, fostering an early interest in paleontology and archaeology.
+1 Beyond the main dig site, there are also walking trails that offer opportunities to explore the surrounding natural beauty of the park. The gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs, including minerals and educational items, allowing visitors to take a piece of their prehistoric journey home.
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