Waco Mammoth National Monument
About
Ice Age Mammoth Fossils Discovered In Situ
Waco Mammoth National Monument protects the only recorded discovery of a nursery herd of Columbian mammoths in the United States. The site preserves 24 mammoths plus a Western camel and saber-tooth tiger in their original death positions about 67,000 years ago. National Park Service runs the site jointly with the city of Waco and Baylor.
What Kids Can Do
The climate-controlled Dig Shelter houses the actual fossil bed with elevated walkways above bones still visible in the ground. Park ranger talks every 30 minutes explain the discovery, mammoth biology, and dig methods. Junior Ranger badge program available - kids complete an activity book to earn the badge. Half-mile nature trail loops through hardwood forest at the site. Kid-friendly fossil-cast touch table inside the shelter [marked: Dig Shelter visit is ranger-led only - timed-entry tickets recommended summer weekends].
What's Included
General admission $5 adults, $4 kids covers ranger-led Dig Shelter tour, Welcome Center, and nature trail. Junior Ranger packet free. Group programs and field trips bookable separately through NPS.
Experience
Plan 1.5-2 hours. Mix of climate-controlled Dig Shelter and outdoor nature trail. About 7 miles northwest of downtown Waco. Free parking on-site. Stroller-friendly throughout. Open daily 9am-5pm, closed federal holidays.