Release Date: May 27, 2022
AJ Legault, 308-665-4113
aj_legault@nps.gov
HARRISON. NE — Darrell Red Cloud, great-great-grandson of the legendary Chief Red Cloud of the Lakota, will be erecting two hand-painted tipis at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument’s annual Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, June 5th, at 9 a.m.
“Visitors have loved experiencing the tipis displayed in front of our visitor center for years, but this is the first time the tipis have been traditionally hand-painted,” said Chief Ranger AJ Legault. “Mr. Red Cloud painted them himself with Lakota designs and symbols, and this event will be their debut. Tipi designs are traditionally interpretations of dreams.” The Lakota culture is rich in history and tradition. Experience it with Darrell Red Cloud at this special event. The tipi program will start at 9 a.m. outside of the visitor center
Join a ranger for a walk to the Fossil Hills at 10 a.m. Tour the historic quarry sites on Carnegie and University Hills and learn how Agate defined the study of the Age of Mammals.
Guided tours of the visitor center’s fossil displays and The James Cook Collection of Lakota and Cheyenne artifacts at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Admission is free and no reservations are required. Masks are optional inside all federal buildings, including the Agate Fossil Beds visitor center and museum.
Agate Fossil Beds is located 23 miles south of Harrison, Neb. and 34 miles north of Mitchell, Neb. along Highway 29 at 301 River Road.
A lone tipi in front of the Fossil Hills (NPS Photo)