Visiting Jeffers Petroglyphs
Jeffers Petroglyphs offers a variety of fun and exciting things to do while visiting the site. Visitors can view a multimedia presentation, interact with hands-on exhibits, learn to hunt buffalo using an Atlatl and tour a Sioux Quartzite rock that features over 2,000 petroglyphs or rock carvings.
Touring the site can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours or more. The site offers a sheltered picnic area, so visitors are welcome to bring their lunch or a snack and enjoy nature!
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center features a theater with a self-starting multimedia presentation and hands-on exhibits. The gift shop features books, apparel, items for kids and jewelry. Restrooms, water fountains, cold drinks for purchase and a sheltered picnic area are available.
Guided Tours
Site staff is available to interpret the site and help visitors as they explore the carvings.
Bringing Light to the Petroglyphs
Daily at 3 p.m. Using mirrors to capture light greatly enhances a visitor’s ability to view the Petroglyphs. A site guide will manipulate special tools to give the illusion of late day light angles and give background about the importance and meaning of the petroglyphs.
Programs
Adventures in Nature
Daily programs in the summer at 2 p.m. that explore Native American culture, prairies or archaeology.
Trails
The 160-acre site features two nature trails that will suit any visitor. The short nature trail, approximately ¾ of a mile, starts at the building and leads directly to the petroglyphs.
The long, grass nature trail, approximately 1 ¼ of a mile, starts at the rockface and takes visitors around the site to view beautiful prairie flowers and plants. The long trail features a buffalo rub that is comprised of a huge chunk of Sioux Quartzite rock, which has been rubbed to a polished finish and is smooth to the touch.
For Kids
Jeffers Petroglyphs is a wonderful experience for children. Kids enjoy looking for glyphs on the rock and trying to figure out what they mean. Special interactive stations, such as the “Packing a Travois” activity and Hunting a “Bison” grab a child's attention and teach them about life on the prairie. The Adventures in Nature programs is designed for families. Other Special Events are scheduled throughout the summer.