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Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

National Monument · ID

During the Pliocene, this place looked quite different. Lush wetlands, forests, and grasslands provided excellent habitat for a variety of animals. From fascinating, now-extinct creatures like the saber-toothed cat, mastodon, and ground sloth, to more familiar animals like horses, beavers, and birds, the scientific study of Pliocene fossils is the key to Hagerman.

Official NPS page →

Entrance Fees

This park is fee-free.

Upcoming Events

From the Pearl River Delta to the Snake River Canyon: Southern Idaho's Chinese Cultural Legacy

Sep 18, 2026

From the Pearl River Delta to the Snake River Canyon: Southern Idaho's Chinese Cultural Legacy

Sep 18, 2026

Things to Do

Become a Hagerman Fossil Beds Junior Ranger

Visitors of all ages and abilities can become a Hagerman Fossil Beds Junior Ranger.

Birding in the Hagerman Valley

The Hagerman Valley is one of the most popular birding destinations in southern Idaho.

Celebrate the Fire Horse

Stop by the Thousand Springs Visitor Center for scheduled Year of the Horse events and lectures. 

Enjoy a Picnic

Pack up a meal to enjoy with friends or family at a covered picnic shelter along the park road.

Hike the Emigrant Trail

The Emigrant Trail roughly parallels visible remnants of the Oregon Trail, capturing some of the experience of mid-1800s emigrants moving West.

See Fossils on Display

See fossils on display and learn about Hagerman's contributions to the science of paleontology.

Take a Scenic Drive

Take in stunning views of the Snake River, the fossil beds, and the Hagerman Valley along five miles of park road. Stop at the Snake River and Oregon Trail Overlooks for scenic viewpoints and educational exhibits.

Visitor Centers

  • Thousand Springs Visitor Center

Source: National Park Service.

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument: Alerts, Camping & Things to Do | ExploreParksUSA