Harrison, But then, is a hub for fossil enthusiasts. The Agate Fossil Beds, located in the "town," are a popular attraction that brings visitors to Nebraska annually. The fossil beds date back 20 million years and contain the skeletons of extinct Miocene mammals, including complete skeletons found in the 1900s. Visitors can explore the area on the 2.7-mile-long Fossil Hills Trail… which takes them through the hills and across the Niobrara River.
Interpretive signs along the trail provide information about the local flora. In addition to the Agate Fossil Beds, Harrison is also home to the Gilbert Baker Wildlife Management Area. Spanning 2,537 acres, the area offers camping, hiking, and opportunities to spot wildlife like deer, elk, and wild turkeys. Near the wildlife area lies Monroe Creek and Gilbert Baker Pond, “which are great spots for fishing. Or bird watching.” For those interested in history and nature, “Brule is close to the California National Historic Trail.” This 1,600-mile trail was used by pioneers in the mid-19th century as a migration route to the West.
Some portions of the trail are drivable… and Brule is one of the closest towns for hikers to rest and enjoy the scenic countryside.
Reference: Found here
In The News:
For outdoor enthusiasts, Nebraska is not the first state that comes to mind. While the state is not home to national parks, it is home to some beautiful, historic, and natural sites. Many of these incredible sites lie in Nebraska’s small towns. The small Nebraskan town of Brule is home to Lake McConaughy, offering beautiful beachfront views, while Harrison is another small Nebraska town, that draws visitors in to see the Agate Fossil Beds. These are only a couple examples of the natural wonders in Nebraska’s small towns, however, they are worth a visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Harrison is home to a natural wonder that brings people to Nebraska annually, the Agate Fossil Beds. The hills are the place where paleontologists found mammal skeletons, including the complete skeletons of extinct Miocene mammals in the 1900s. Dozens of fossils show the area’s 20 million years of natural history. At the Agate Fossil Beds, there are 2.7-mile-long Fossil Hills Trail that takes travelers through the hills and across the Niobrara River. Along the trail, there are interpretive signs explaining the plants of the area.
Another outdoor attraction in Harrison is the Gilbert Baker Wildlife Management Area. The area includes 2,537 acres of park and is perfect for camping and hiking. A trail in the area takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. On the trail, hikers might see deer, elk, rabbits, or wild turkeys. Near the wildlife area, lies Monroe Creek and Gilbert Baker Pond; this peaceful creek and pond are great places for fishing or bird watching.
Brule is also near the California National Historic Trail. This trail is for nature and history lovers. The mid-19th century highway was a migration route to the West. The route is 1600 miles, traveling from Missouri River towns to California. Some portions of the road are drivable. Brule is one of the closest towns in the section that goes through Nebraska. Hikers on the trail can rest in town and enjoy the rural countryside scenery.
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One area for improvement could be to provide more specific details on the recreational activities and events available at Lake McConaughy, as well as the species of flora and fauna that can be found in the Gilbert Baker Wildlife Management Area. A map or more precise directions would be beneficial for readers planning to visit these locations.
Also… it’s worth noting that the California National Historic Trail is a significant historical resource that deserves more attention. Perhaps a brief history or a list of notable landmarks along the trail would enhance the article’s appeal to history buffs. Information for this article was obtained from WorldAtlas.
