Last updated: April 19, 2022
Thing to Do
Visit the Dig Shelter
To see what makes Waco Mammoth National Monument special you certainly can't leave without seeing the main attraction—the fossilized remains of the only nursery herd of Columbian mammoths to be discovered in the United States. Hints of other ice age animals can be found as well including the tooth from a saber-toothed cat and a camel skeleton.
65,000 years ago a group of adult female Columbian mammoths surrounded their young to protect them. Yet on that long-ago day, they all died. Over time, others fell to the same fate. Approximately 51,000 years ago at least three mammoths died in the same location including the only adult male Columbian mammoth that has been found as of 2018. Today you can see where their bones remain in situ—in their original positions.
Start your tour of the Dig Shelter by visiting the Welcome Center.
65,000 years ago a group of adult female Columbian mammoths surrounded their young to protect them. Yet on that long-ago day, they all died. Over time, others fell to the same fate. Approximately 51,000 years ago at least three mammoths died in the same location including the only adult male Columbian mammoth that has been found as of 2018. Today you can see where their bones remain in situ—in their original positions.
Start your tour of the Dig Shelter by visiting the Welcome Center.
Details
Duration
45-60 Minutes
Activity
Guided Tours
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are NOT allowed in the dig shelter or inside buildings. Because guided tours enter the dig shelter, pets are not allowed on tour. Only registered service animals are allowed inside buildings at Waco Mammoth National Monument.
Activity Fee
Yes
Dig Shelter Access Fee
| Adults | $5.00 |
| Seniors (over 60) | $4.00 |
| Military (with ID) | $4.00 |
| Educators (with ID) | $4.00 |
| Students (7th grade - college) | $4.00 |
| Children (Pre-K - 6th grade) | $3.00 |
| Infants & Toddlers (3 and under) | Free |
Federal passes such as the America the Beautiful Annual, Senior, and Access passes do not apply to the access fee. Under the Operations Agreement between the National Park Service and the City of Waco, the City of Waco charges an access fee to support the preservation mission.
Location
Dig Shelter
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
The Dig Shelter is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Accessibility Information
It is a 300 yard paved walk from the Welcome Center to the Dig Shelter.
If a member of your party needs assistance making the 300 yard walk to the Dig Shelter, wheelchairs are available, and tour guides can carry up to 5 people in a golf cart, if necessary.
Golf cart use is free of charge. Inquire about golf cart use when you purchase your tour tickets in the Welcome Center.
For the hearing impaired, a Reading Companion guidebook is available for use on the tour free of charge. Ask about guidebook use when you purchase your tour tickets in the Welcome Center. Please return the guidebook to the Welcome Center at the conclusion of the visit so it can be available for others' use.
For the visually impaired, a Braille version of the monument's brochure is available free of charge for check out at the Welcome Center. Please return the brochure to the Welcome Center at the conclusion of the visit so it can be available for others' use.
If a member of your party needs assistance making the 300 yard walk to the Dig Shelter, wheelchairs are available, and tour guides can carry up to 5 people in a golf cart, if necessary.
Golf cart use is free of charge. Inquire about golf cart use when you purchase your tour tickets in the Welcome Center.
For the hearing impaired, a Reading Companion guidebook is available for use on the tour free of charge. Ask about guidebook use when you purchase your tour tickets in the Welcome Center. Please return the guidebook to the Welcome Center at the conclusion of the visit so it can be available for others' use.
For the visually impaired, a Braille version of the monument's brochure is available free of charge for check out at the Welcome Center. Please return the brochure to the Welcome Center at the conclusion of the visit so it can be available for others' use.