Waco Mammoth National Monument

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Visitors view fossils from walkway
Visitors view fossils from above using the elevated walkway.
President Obama signs order viewed by members of National Park Service
On July 10, 2015, President Barack Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation making the Waco Mammoth Site a new unit of the National Park System.
Painting of Mammoth nursery herd
This paleontological site represents the nation’s only recorded discovery of a nursery herd of Columbian mammoths.
Entrance sign to Waco Mammoth with bluebonnets in foreground.
Waco Mammoth National Monument became part of the national Park Service on July 10, 2015.
Mammoth Tusks in situ
Mammoth fossils are in situ (still in their original position within the bone bed).
Photos: National Park Service

About Waco Mammoth National Monument

Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and only recorded evidence of a nursery herd of ice age Columbian mammoths.

Quick Facts

State Texas
Designation National Monument
State Code TX
Weather The monument enjoys a sunny, mild climate during three seasons of the year. Spring: Temperatures range from 45 F to 85 F (7 C/29 C). Rain is common in April…

Location & Map

Waco Mammoth National Monument is located in Texas.

Operating Hours

Operating hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.  The park is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.  A Dig Shelter access fee does apply. 

Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Activities

Guided Tours Hands-On

Getting There

From I-35 North, take exit 339 and head west on Lake Shore Drive. Turn right on Steinbeck Bend Drive and travel 1.5 miles to the Monument. From I-35 South, take exit 335C and head northwest on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Continue straight onto Steinbeck Bend Drive and travel 1.5 miles to the Monument. The Monument is easily accessible via personal vehicle, bus, or motor home.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 6220 Steinbeck Bend Drive, Waco, TX, 76708
Phone (254) 686-0186
Email WACO_info@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Fossils and Paleontology

Things To Do

Camel Trail

Camel Trail

A 200 yard dirt and gravel trail that allows you to enjoy nature at Waco Mammoth National Monument.

Honey Locust Trail

Honey Locust Trail

A 1/4 mile dirt and gravel trail that branches off the Eagle Trail.

Eagle Trail

Eagle Trail

A 1/2 mile trail takes you through the Texas landscape.

Mammoth Trail

Mammoth Trail

A short, paved trail takes you from the Welcome Center to the Dig Shelter where you can see the fossilized…

All About Hiking at Waco Mammoth National Monument

All About Hiking at Waco Mammoth National Monument

Enjoy 21st century plants and animals in addition to viewing ice age fossils.

Visit the Dig Shelter

Visit the Dig Shelter

Mammoths, and camels, and saber-toothed cats! Oh my! The Dig Shelter at Waco Mammoth National Monument houses the fossilized remains…

Visitor Centers

Welcome Center

Guided tours of the Dig Shelter begin here. Tours are conducted every 30 minutes, no reservation needed. Tours last from 45 minutes to one hour.…

Hours: Open everyday except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

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