Trailside Museum of Natural History

Located inside Fort Robinson State Park, Trailside Museum of Natural History offers visitors the chance to explore Nebraska's past and present. Our Clash of the Mammoths exhibit is features a fossil display unlike any other:  two bull mammoths who died with their tusks locked in combat, found just 15 miles from our museum. Other exhibits celebrate the geology of western Nebraska, the creatures who lived on the great plains during the Ice Age, and the plants and animals that currently call Nebraska home. Don't forget to swing through our gift shop for unique souvenirs. Whether you're a family on vacation at the Fort, a tourist passing through, or a life-long learner, we've got something for you to enjoy. 

A large mammoth fossil stands as centerpiece exhibit of the museum.

Clash of the Mammoths

This exhibit highlights the unique fossil of two Ice Age mammoths that died with tusks locked in combat, as well as the two feuding paleontologists they're named for. 

Mural of two mammoths locked in combat with the respective fossils on display below.

Encounter Center

Young visitors can enjoy hands-on science exploration with a variety of natural history based interactives. 

A small room with hands-on activities like a fossil sandbox, coloring station, and puzzle station.

Souvenir & Rock Shop

Trailside Museum's Souvenir & Rock Shop features unique natural history themed gift ideas, books, science toys, rocks and museum memorabilia. All shop proceeds support museum exhibits and programming. 

Two guests explore a table of books and natural history themed merchandise.

EDUCATION

Visitors approach the entrance to Trailside Museum - a white, one-story building with green trim.

On-Site Programs

Explore the museum and exhibits in-person

  • Self-Guided Field Trips
  • Staff-Led Museum Tours
  • Group Visits

LEARN MORE

Educator delivers a virtual field trip with mastodon tooth and fossils.

Distance Learning

Bring the museum directly to your classroom!

  • Virtual Field Trips
  • Science Chat Specials
  • Museum Kits
  • Educator Resources

LEARN MORE

BECOME A MEMBER

Explore more, save more, experience more across all UNSM sites with a museum membership. 

Get my Membership
  • Unlimited access to Trailside Museum, Ashfall Fossil Beds, and Morrill Hall
  • Discounts in the Souviener & Rock Shop
  • Monthly Museum Happenings e-newsletter and bi-annual the Mammoth print newsletter
  • Reciprocal access to dozens of science centers across the U.S. through the ASTC Passport Program