Waco is about a two hour drive from our home of Dallas, Texas, so perfect for a day trip. The drive off Highway 35 to the site feels a bit off-the-beaten-path as you leave the city of Waco for a few streets then re-enter Waco again. There are sign posts that will point you in the right direction and you will eventually pass an animal hospital before finding the monument's large signpost on the lefthand side of Steinbeck Bend Road.
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In 1978, a bone was found in the muddy area near Bosque River and was taken to Baylor University's Strecker Museum. The scientists at the museum identified the bone as a femur belonging to a Columbian Mammoth who lived during the Ice Age (or Pleistocene Epoch). The museum sent a team to the area the bone was found and, over a period of twenty years, they uncovered a rare nursery herd who appeared to have drowned together. Many of the bones remain in situ (unmoved from their original position uncovered in the ground). A climate-controlled, protective dig shelter was built around the site to keep it safe from damage and erosion which makes the site especially fascinating. Not only can you see the bones but you can get a sense of how the archaeologists uncovered them.
In 2015, President Obama signed an executive order to establish this site as a national monument. There are 128 other national monuments in the United States as part of the National Park System. Even though they are part of the National Park System, they do not accept the America the Beautiful pass.
After you arrive at the park, you will find a small parking lot. Larger vehicles or rvs can park along the roadside. Right now, masks are required inside the buildings (the gift shop, restroom and dig shelter) but not on the trails. The gift shop has moved outside under a tent. You buy your tickets and items from there and not inside the shop.
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The person working at the cash register didn't tell us, but if you have children, they can participate in the Junior Ranger Program. Ask at the tent. The book is full of activities for children to do as they explore the dig shelter. The number of activities required depends on the child's age. Once they complete the number of activities, they return to the tent and the waiting ranger to take their oath and earn their badge.
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From the gift shop area, it's a bit of a walk to the Dig Shelter but it's paved making it stroller-friendly and wheelchair-accessible. Once you reach the Dig Shelter, a ranger will greet you and give you a brief overview. Masks are required inside the building and you will see stickers on the ground for social distancing. Take as long as you like viewing the dig and reading the signs.
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Once you have completed the Dig Shelter visit, you can explore some hiking trails. The Eagle Trail was set up by the Eagle Scouts and is well maintained. The trail is not stroller or wheelchair friendly.
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The hiking trails are well-marked with signs and deep in the woods is a camping site used by the boyscout troops.
Overall Family Ratings:
- 16 year old - Was a little bored
- 11 year old - Enjoyed the Ranger Program
- 6 year old - Enjoyed the Ranger Program
Waco Mammoth National Monument
https://www.nps.gov/waco/index.htm
Address: 6220 Steinbeck Bend Road, Waco, Texas 76708
Hours: 9am CST - 6pm CST
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