Located in Texas, the Waco Mammoth National Monument draws many visitors throughout the year. The site was first discovered in 1978 when two men were searching for arrowheads. For the next two decades, excavation efforts uncovered fossil remains of several mammoths, including a nursery herd. This is the only record of a nursery herd of ice age Columbian mammoths in the United States. The site was established as a national monument in 2015 by President Obama.
While at the monument, explore the walking trails and see plants from the ice-age in addition to an oak tree that is a few hundred years old. Take one of the guided tours for access to the dig site where the mammoth fossils were uncovered. Near the monument, venture out to other local attractions such as the expansive Cameron Park which features a zoo. On a hot day, jump into Lake Waco at one of the two swimming beaches.
Open year-round, visitors can expect the temperatures to be hot from the late spring to early fall. Temperatures are mild and rarely drop below freezing during the winter months. Leashed pets are welcome at all outdoor areas of the monument, but not in any of the buildings. The pet’s leash should be no longer than 6 feet. There are no campgrounds at the monument, but there are KOAs available both north and south of the monument.