Waco Mammoth National Monument

08/22/2026

07/30/2026

Happy National Intern Day!

We are celebrating the incredible work provided by our interns at Waco Mammoth National Monument. Today's Intern Spotlight features Juno Jones and Leo Maduro-Salvarrey.

As the Scientists-in-Parks intern, Juno works closely with our paleontologist to further research the Ice Age mystery of how our nursery herd spent their final days here. Juno spends most of their time cleaning and preparing fossils for future collection or sifting through loose soil to discover more microfossils. Also, Juno is currently working on interactive educational materials to help further connect our students with the resources found here. Juno earned their bachelor's degree in Archeology and a master's degree in museum studies, both at Baylor University.

Leo is an Education Intern with Student Conservation Association and has worked at Waco Mammoth NM in the past! They're focused on creating bilingual educational curriculum that will teach students more about these incredible animals and the environment they once lived in. Leo earned a bachelor's degree in Anthropology at Georgia State University and earned a master's degree in Geosciences at Baylor University.

Let's give a mammoth-sized thank you to our interns, Juno and Leo!! 👏👏👏

Photo by NPS Staff
Alt Text 1: An intern sits behind a desk as they repair a fossil alongside a printed diagram of a mammoth skeleton.
Alt Text 2: An intern smiles at the camera surrounded by young students, teachers, and other rangers.

07/24/2026

It's been a busy summer for our paleo team!

Dr. Lindsey Yann, our National Park Paleontologist, is working with her crew of interns, volunteers, and Baylor University students to unwrap the mammoth-sized mystery at Waco Mammoth National Monument. While they are not actively searching for more fossils, they are searching for more answers about the nursery herd of Columbian mammoths found at our park.

Volunteers and researchers from the past have discovered and cataloged 31 mammoths so far! That means our current paleo team has a lot of fossil jackets to open and research.

To learn more about the fossil preparation process, visit us to see our team in action! When they are not here, you can find them at Mayborn Museum Complex in the Paleontology Hall for Fossil Fridays from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

📸: NPS Staff

07/22/2026

It's Wildlife Wednesday!

Even though our research is focused on the extinct animals of the past, visiting the trails is a great way to experience the extant animals living here today. Some of these species were here during the Ice Age too such as coyote, deer, armadillo, and turtles!

Just remember to always keep a safe distance from any animal at our park - this is their home after all.



📸: NPS Staff

07/16/2026

This past weekend, we celebrated our 11th anniversary!

On July 10, 2015, Waco Mammoth National Monument became a unit of the National Park Service. Our story began in 1978 when two Waco residents first discovered a large leg bone hidden near a Texas creek. Over the years, even more fossils were discovered.

With the help of Baylor University and Strecker Museum, now Mayborn Museum Complex, with the support of the community, Waco Parks and Recreation, and Waco Mammoth Foundation, these fossils were immortalized. To all those who have helped to protect this herd, we thank you!



📸: NPS Staff
Alt Text: A National Park flat hat sits in front of an in-situ dig shelter with fossilized Columbian mammoths and a painted mural of a mammoth nursery herd.

04/18/2026

TODAY! Rain or shine, we're ready!!

Celebrate the arrival of spring at Waco Mammoth National Monument on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a day of discovery and family-friendly fun. This exciting kickoff event will feature interactive exhibitors, sweet treats, and engaging activities for all ages.

Visitors can bring their finds to the fossil ID tent, take part in a scavenger hunt, and enjoy story time with park staff. Additional highlights include an Audubon bird walk, Paleoteria, and a guided nature walk through the park.

Join us for a day of exploration, learning, and outdoor adventure as we welcome the spring season at the monument.

01/26/2026

UPDATE TO PARK CLOSURE: Waco Mammoth NM will be closed Tuesday, January 27th due to the winter weather over the last few days.

01/26/2026

UPDATE TO PARK CLOSURE: Waco Mammoth NM will be closed Monday, January 26th due to the winter weather over the last few days.

01/23/2026

PARK CLOSURE - Due to the winter weather, Waco Mammoth National Monument will be closed on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25. Park management will reassess conditions on Sunday evening and announce any changes to park hours for Monday, January 26.

You can check our website (www.nps.gov/waco) or social media for the latest information.

12/24/2025

Season's Greetings, Mammoth Herd!

Waco Mammoth National Monument will be closed on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25th. Normal hours, 9am to 5pm, will resume on Friday, December 26th.

We will also be closed New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1st. Normal hours will resume on Friday, December 26th.