If you live in Idaho, you don’t have to go far to find some awesome trip-worthy destinations. Hiding out in the small town of Hagerman, this fossil beds park is a vastly underrated road trip destinations despite the amazing things it contains. Not only does this park preserve some fascinating ancient history, but it’s also the type of place you could spend an entire day exploring. Check out one of the state’s best-kept secrets and plan a visit to this well-hidden destination.
Located in southern Idaho is an under-the-radar destination that every adventurer should know about. Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is home to some incredible ancient history, including the largest concentration of Hagerman horse fossils in North America.
The Hagerman horse was one of the oldest horses of the genus Equus and it was discovered right here in Idaho. Experts say the Hagerman horse first appeared 3.5 million years ago and became extinct about 10,000 years ago. Fun fact: It’s also the official state fossil!
Visiting the national monument makes for a unique day trip learning about Idaho’s history. A visit to the park’s Visitor Center should be first on your list upon arriving at the fossil beds. Here you can get the latest information about the park and even view some fossils up close.
The Hagerman horse skeleton that’s featured prominently in the Visitor Center is not an actual fossil but a cast. However, it’s still impressive to look at. It was created using fossils removed from the fossil beds by the Smithsonian Institute from 1929-1932.
After you’ve checked out the Visitor Center, you can head out to the fossil beds themselves. Don’t expect to see fossils openly on the ground, but you will be able to view the famous fossil beds from two overlook platforms along the Snake River.
While exploring the park, you should also be able to view where the Oregon Trail passed through the region back in the 1800s. A three-mile hiking trail takes you to viewpoints of the trail, including the original wagon ruts that are still visible to this day.
There are also several kid-friendly aspects to the park, including the dig area where visitors can try uncovering “fossils.” Although the park doesn’t contain actual dig sites, this is a good way to see what goes into finding fossils. You may even dig up some horse bones and teeth!
Don’t let this awesome fossil park fly under your radar any longer! Plan a trip to Hagerman Fossil Beds and learn all about our official state fossil and why it’s so unique. Learn more about the national monument here.
Have you been to Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument? Tell us about your experience below! And if you know of any other awesome day trip destinations in Idaho that deserve a shoutout, fill out our nomination form here.
