Monument

Waco Mammoth National Monument

Waco · Texas

Overview

About Waco Mammoth National Monument.

Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and only recorded evidence of a nursery herd of ice age Columbian mammoths.

Guided ToursHands-On

Weather

The monument enjoys a sunny, mild climate during three seasons of the year. Spring: Temperatures range from 45 F to 85 F (7 C/29 C). Rain is common in April and May. Summer: Temperatures range from 70 F to 95 F (21 C/35 C). Temperatures can exceed 100 F (38 C) in July and August. Lightweight clothing and sunscreen are advisable. Be prepared with plenty of water. Fall: Temperatures range from 45 F to 85 F (7 C/29 C). Winter: Temperatures range from 35 F to 65 F (2 C/18 C) . Snow and ice are rare.

Key Facts

TypeMonument

DesignationNational Monument

Official Website

Gallery

Photos of Waco Mammoth National Monument.

5 images

Things to do

Discover Waco Mammoth National Monument.

A map showing the five different trails in the monument.

All About Hiking at Waco Mammoth National Monument

Enjoy 21st century plants and animals in addition to viewing ice age fossils.

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Camel Trail

A 200 yard dirt and gravel trail that allows you to enjoy nature at Waco Mammoth National Monument.

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Eagle Trail

A 1/2 mile trail takes you through the Texas landscape.

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Honey Locust Trail

A 1/4 mile dirt and gravel trail that branches off the Eagle Trail.

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People stand on an elevated walkway leading to a large building with many windows and slanted roof.

Mammoth Trail

A short, paved trail takes you from the Welcome Center to the Dig Shelter where you can see the fossilized remains of Ice Age animals.

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People view fossils from an elevated walkway. Behind them are lifesize paintings of mammoths.

Visit the Dig Shelter

45-60 Minutes

Mammoths, and camels, and saber-toothed cats! Oh my! The Dig Shelter at Waco Mammoth National Monument houses the fossilized remains of ice age animals, most notable the only nursery herd of Columbian mammoths to be discovered in the United States. Tour the Dig Shelter and imagine what life in Central Texas was like 65,000 years ago. You can even see how you size up to a life-size mammoth painting.

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What visitors say