Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center Tours
Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands
Located on the beautiful Oglala National Grassland in northwestern Nebraska, the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center houses one of the most important paleo-archeological discoveries in North America. Visitors can tour the bonebed enclosure and discover the mysterious past of the Bison antiquus (extinct bison) that died here.
A rancher first brought attention to the bonebed in 1954. This started an ongoing quest to discover what caused the death of so many bison. Archeologists continue to research the exact nature of past events and the role that ancient Paleo-Indian people may have played in them. While theories are plentiful, there is still no clear answer to the mystery. The Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center’s Bison Bonebed Tour encourages visitors to develop their own ideas based on the evidence presented.
The Bison Trail connects the Hudson-Meng visitor center to Toadstool Geologic Park. This is an unforgettable three-mile (one way) hike across the Oglala Grassland. Toadstool Geologic Park is well-known for its unusual rock formations and fossils. The natural history dates as far back as 30 million years ago.
The Hudson-Meng visitor center is open to the public from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, Fridays and Saturdays only, from 9 am to 4:00 pm. School Groups wanting a tour during regularly scheduled closed periods (Monday-Thursday and the off season) are able to request a tour (Minimum 1 week before) by calling the Pine Ridge Ranger District at (308)432-0300
Located on the beautiful Oglala National Grassland in northwestern Nebraska, the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center houses one of the most important paleo-archeological discoveries in North America. Visitors can tour the bonebed enclosure and discover the mysterious past of the Bison antiquus (extinct bison) that died here.
A rancher first brought attention to the bonebed in 1954. This started an ongoing quest to discover what caused the death of so many bison. Archeologists continue to research the exact nature of past events and the role that ancient Paleo-Indian people may have played in them. While theories are plentiful, there is still no clear answer to the mystery. The Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center’s Bison Bonebed Tour encourages visitors to develop their own ideas based on the evidence presented.
The Bison Trail connects the Hudson-Meng visitor center to Toadstool Geologic Park. This is an unforgettable three-mile (one way) hike across the Oglala Grassland. Toadstool Geologic Park is well-known for its unusual rock formations and fossils. The natural history dates as far back as 30 million years ago.
The Hudson-Meng visitor center is open to the public from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, Fridays and Saturdays only, from 9 am to 4:00 pm. School Groups wanting a tour during regularly scheduled closed periods (Monday-Thursday and the off season) are able to request a tour (Minimum 1 week before) by calling the Pine Ridge Ranger District at (308)432-0300
Notifications and Alerts
Hudson Meng is closed for the season. The site will reopen on May 23, 2025.
Need to Know
- Foreign Currency Not Accepted
Recreation.gov does not accept payment from foreign bank accounts or travelers’ checks.
- Seasonal Dates & Times of Operation
Summer seasonal dates and hours of operation may vary. Please call the Pine Ridge Ranger District for specific details.
Tours outside the regular hours of operation may be requested by advanced reservation, only by calling the Pine Ridge Ranger District Office. - Backup Payment Method
Our internet is not reliable and our credit card machines may therefore be temporarily out of service. Please bring cash or check as a backup form of payment.
- Proper Attire and Footwear
There may be ticks and snakes on the trails. Please wear proper attire to cover legs and arms. No sandals.
- Drinking Water
We recommend bringing your own drinking water. However, bottled water is available for sale at the visitor center.
- Road Conditions
Please note that Toadstool and Sand Creek Roads are unpaved gravel roads and conditions vary in mud or snow.
- Mobile Phone Service
Mobile phone service may be unavailable.
- Restrooms
Restrooms available seasonally.
- Accessibility
Our handicap parking lot is located by turning left after entering through the site’s entrance gate and is within a short walking distance to the visitor center.
Changes and Cancellations
Reservations may be cancelled up until 24-hours before the scheduled tour start time for a full refund less the non-refundable per-ticket reservation fee. Refunds will not be given for tours cancelled or modified after this time.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1811 Meng Drive Crawford NE 69339
Phone Number
308-432-0300
