Least Visited NPS Units: Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Just beyond the north edge of the Great Basin Desert, in south Idaho, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument occupies a six mile strip of arid land adjoining the Snake River, site of numerous discoveries of fossilized plants and animals, from the Pliocene period. But the only place where specimens can be viewed is in the museum by the visitor center a few miles east; instead, activities are limited to viewing the rolling, grassy scenery from two overlooks, and walking a short trail. The national monument is just 15 miles from I-84 and also close to the varied units of Thousand Springs State Park, though there is not really very much to see.

2014 Visitation: 22,482
Hagerman Fossil Beds - full description