Saber-toothed cats, horned rodents, and bone-crushing dogs will come back to life in displays at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center beginning on National Fossil Day, October 11. Children may discover a love for the past through family-friendly activities available throughout the day. In addition, teachers will be offered free in-school educational program opportunities, which may be presented throughout the school year.

“We’re right in the middle of one of the best places in the world to find ancient mammalian fossils,” said Niobrara NSR Chief of Interpretation and Education Kristen Maxfield. “There are quite a few species that were first discovered here, and some are named after Ainsworth’s own famous paleontologist, Morris Skinner.”

Because most of the Niobrara River Valley fossils are found on privately-owned land, most are in the hands of private individuals or the University of Nebraska State Museum in Lincoln. Others may be viewed at the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, the Smith Falls State Park Visitor Center (open during the summer), or at other museums around the country.

The Niobrara National Scenic River exhibits will share images, a timeline, and some fossil replicas. This will give visitors the chance to see, compare, and, in some cases, feel, the shape of the bones. The exhibits will be available for viewing for several months.

The Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center, located in Valentine, Nebraska, is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. during the winter months.