52 Weeks of Fun

Not Just Destination Finders, But Destination Storytellers

Trip Advisor

Hudson-Meng Bison Kill

The Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed site, located in the rugged Oglala National Grassland northwest of Crawford, Nebraska, offers a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric past of the Great Plains. This paleontological site, discovered in 1954, contains the remains of hundreds of bison, believed to have been killed and processed by Paleoindians around 10,000 years ago. Visitors can explore the site's visitor center, which houses exhibits and artifacts that delve into the history of the bonebed and the scientific research surrounding it.

One of the highlights of visiting the Hudson-Meng site is the opportunity to view the exposed bonebed itself. A covered walkway allows visitors to peer down into the excavation area, where the fossilized remains of bison skulls, ribs, and other bones are still visible. Interpretive signs provide information about the bonebed's discovery, the excavation process, and the ongoing research that seeks to uncover the mysteries surrounding this ancient event.

The visitor center at the Hudson-Meng site offers a wealth of information about the site's significance and the lives of the Paleoindians who inhabited the region. Exhibits showcase artifacts found at the site, including stone tools and projectile points, providing insights into the hunting techniques and cultural practices of these early people. Interactive displays allow visitors to learn about the geology of the area, the types of plants and animals that lived here during the Pleistocene epoch, and the environmental factors that may have contributed to the mass killing of the bison.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, the Hudson-Meng site offers the Bison Trail, a three-mile (one-way) hike that connects the visitor center to Toadstool Geologic Park. This scenic trail winds through the Oglala National Grassland, offering stunning views of the surrounding prairie landscape. Toadstool Geologic Park, with its unique rock formations and fossil deposits, provides a fascinating destination for hikers and geology enthusiasts.

The Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed site is a unique and valuable resource for understanding the prehistoric past of the Great Plains. Its rich fossil deposits and ongoing research offer insights into the lives of early humans and the animals they interacted with.

Black Hills Parks and Forests Association
Oglala National Grasslands

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Hudson-Meng Bison Kill

Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed site contains the remains of up to 600 bison killed over 10,000 years ago.

Attraction Advice



Visit Nebraska-M Forsberg

Excavations began in 1971 and continued intermittently for several years, uncovering thousands of bison bones and artifacts.
Oglala National Grasslands

Evidence suggests that the bison were herded into a natural sinkhole by hunters and then dispatched using tools such as spears and atlatls.
Trip Advisor

The site includes a visitor center with exhibits that interpret the archaeological findings and the site's cultural significance.
Trip Advisor

The Hudson-Meng Bison Kill Site is a significant archaeological site dating back to the late Paleo-Indian period.

Coming Soon: To do, see, stay, etc