YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!! If you ever find yourself traveling by Waco Texas, be sure to visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument!
I stopped by this captivating exhibit on my way through Texas at the beginning of the year and it did not disappoint.
Located just ten minutes from Waco, the monument is tucked away on over 100 acres of land. Don't worry, it doesn't take long to get to the actual monument though. Just a brisk walk and there are cute signs everywhere. Don't forget to visit the gift shop!
This exhibit is a paleontological site that features a herd of Columbian Mammoths (Mammuthus Columbi). The original discovery of these ancient giants dates back to 1978 when two men searching for arrowheads discovered part of a femur bone belonging to the great Mammuthus Columbi!
These mammoths are over 1 million years old and are close relatives to what we know as the wooly mammoth. Also, a camel is found and preserved here at this site as well.
It took hundreds of paleontologists and volunteers from all over the globe many moons to prepare these fossils for us all to see today. A bridge and walkway is built above and around the site for visitors to peruse high above and look down. Essentially its a big room built to protect the mammoths and provide space for further research! In fact, President Barack Obama signed an executive order in 2015 that established this location as a part of the National Park System.
Be sure to pack a lunch and enjoy it at one of the locations various picnic tables. Clean restrooms are accessable are there are also some nice trails here to enjoy.
The Waco Mammoth Monument is an excellent place to visit for science education and fossil lovers alike. I absolutely loved coming here!
Dig Shelter Access Fees
- Adults: $5
- Seniors (over 60): $4
- Military (with ID): $4
- Educators (with ID): $4
- Students (7th grade through college): $4
- Children (preK through 6th Grade): $3
- Infants (ages 3 and under): Free
Fun Facts-
Columbian Mammoths measured up to 14 feet tall!
Columbian Mammoths weighed anywhere from 18k lbs - 22k lbs!!!
Wooly Mammoths are not mammoths at all! More like a modern elephant size.