Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Things To Do Near Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument invites visitors to travel back to the prehistoric Pliocene era to discover the mysteries of over 200 species of fossilized animals. Some of the famously featured fossils include mastodons, saber-toothed tigers, bears, ground sloths, one-toed horses, and even camels, some of which are located in the Visitor Center in Hagerman. At the monument itself, hikers can imagine what pioneer life might have been like along the Oregon Trail as they walk the only traversable path on the Emigrant Trail. Near the monument, RV travelers can also sample the local cuisine at a couple of delicious restaurants, do a bit of shopping and visit some unique museums and sightseeing spots that feature the cavernous wonders of ice and limestone caves in the nearby town of Shoshone. Viewing open fossil beds in the fields is unavailable due to their remote locations; however, many of the findings from the fossil beds are on display at the Visitor Center in town. 

Hiking Trails

• Emigrant Trail

  Emigrant Trail is a six-mile in-and-out hike that runs adjacent to a portion of the legendary Oregon Trail on a paved walkway with informational markers that line the path. This route can be taken to the Oregon Trail and Snake River Overlooks located at opposite ends of the trail for magnificent views of the valley. 

  Location

  Oregon Trail Overlook and across the road from the Snake River Overlook in Hagerman, ID 83332

  Length

  6 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Shoshone Ice Caves

  The Shoshone Ice Caves are a stunning natural wonder that were once an important ice source for the town of Shoshone in the late 1800s and are seasonally available for guided tours from May to September. Expect a 3/4-mile hike into and out of the cave with an 80-stair descent and ascent in below-freezing temperatures. Hiking shoes and a light jacket are recommended to make the trek more comfortable, and photography is encouraged. 

  Location

  1561 State Hwy 75, Shoshone, ID 83352

• Eagle Tree

  For an astonishing sight, visit Eagle Tree, where upwards of 80 majestic bald eagles can be seen perching in one beautiful cottonwood tree. The area has been a well-known haven for these eagles for many years, and watchers can catch unusually close glimpses of these large raptors as they flock to the tree from a café located just across the street or in the field where the tree lives. The eagles can be seen in greater numbers at sunset during the winter, and the best viewing times stretch from early December to mid-March.

  Location

  W. Point Road, Wendell, ID 83355

Museums

• Hagerman Valley Historical Society Museum

  The Hagerman Valley Historical Society Museum, also known as "The Biggest Little Museum in Idaho," takes guests on a fascinating tour of the valley's local artifacts and rich genealogy in its famed Research Room and exhibition hall. The small museum is also home to a life-size replica of the 3-million-year-old Hagerman Horse, in addition to a variety of other indigenous fossils. Featured artifacts include the tools and weapons of early native inhabitants that include an impressive display of arrowheads used to fish and hunt at the Lower and Upper Salmon Falls. Visitors will also learn about several explorers and adventurers who passed through the region along with the settlers who mined for fine gold in the Snake River. 

  Location

  100 S. State St., Hagerman, ID 83332

• Idaho's Mammoth Cave & Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History

  At Idaho's Mammoth Cave & Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History, patrons have access to "The Biggest Show Under the Earth" as they explore the mysteries of the Mammoth Cave on a self-guided half-mile walk round-trip. Lanterns light the way in the crisp, 41-degree cavern, so jackets are recommended, and flashlights are welcome. You will see dinosaur fossils abound in a room filled with rock and mineral exhibits, local anthropological artifacts, and exotic animal displays that tell ancient stories of the area's prehistoric history. 

  Location

  251 W. Thorn Creek St., Shoshone, ID 83352

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Chappel's Market

  Pick up the necessities at Chappel's Market, a fine, local grocery store featuring specially carried items from Buckley Farms and Full Circle organic foods. A bakery, fresh produce section, and deli are also located within the store. 

  Location

  180 S. State St., Hagerman, ID 83332

• Wild Sweet Pea Boutique

  Wild Sweet Pea Boutique is the perfect place to pick up a new outfit or two. This delightful shop offers high-quality, seasonal fashions along with colorful accessories, shoes, and jewelry on a quaint, small-town street. 

  Location

  220 S. State St., Hagerman, ID 83332

• Snake River Grill

  Enjoy farm-to-table, fresh-cooked meals, homemade pies, and local delicacies of sturgeon or alligator at the rustic Snake River Grill. A superb breakfast menu is also offered as well as a special Taco Tuesday complete with cold beers and savory white wines. 

  Location

  611 Frogs Landing, Hagerman, ID 83332

• Bullzz-Eye BBQ

  Bullzz-Eye BBQ is a meat-lovers paradise that features juicy lunch and dinner plates that include everything from smoked sausage to brisket. Tasty sides of homemade mac 'n' cheese, baked beans, and potato salad are also available, in addition to delicious salads. 

  Location

  260 S. State St., Hagerman, ID 83332

How To Get To Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Hagerman Fossils National Monument Visitor Center is located off of Route 30 and can be reached from Boise by way of Interstate 84 and from the south at Twin Falls via Route 93. This destination is situated right along Route 30 across the street from Hagerman Junior / Senior High School on North State Street. 

The Visitor Center is not on the grounds of the national monument, and signs for the actual fossil beds are marked 4 miles before entering Hagerman.

Address

221 N. State St. Hagerman, ID 83332

Fee: Entry fee $0

Visiting Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument allows explorers to learn about the prehistoric wonders of Idaho and its most famous fossil, the Hagerman Horse. With a stop at the Visitor Center to check out the exhibits followed by a day trip to the national monument itself, guests can enjoy the beauty of the Snake River and the surrounding areas with a better understanding of its unearthed inhabitants for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience. Traveling to this monument in an RV is an excellent way to explore this area.