Spring break is beckoning, a time when lots of folks get the urge to travel. But with gas prices bumping up against the $4 mark, closer may be better for many Grant County residents.

Fortunately, we have a world-class attraction right in our back yard, even though it’s one that gets overlooked by a lot of locals. People farther afield aren’t so blasé, however, about the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Paleontologists from across the globe know the reputation of the Fossil Beds, and many eagerly visit it and pursue their research here. The monument’s boundaries contain 14,000 acres of John Day River Basin terrain that is considered one of the richest fossil fields in the world. Fossils found here not only provide evidence of the dramatic climate change that has occurred but also a record of the types of plants and animals that inhabited the region over some 45 million years.

Recently, the Oregon Connections Academy – a virtual public school – recommended the Fossil Beds as one of its top 10 destinations for spring vacation for kids of all ages. The OCA crafted the list to offer parents some ideas for fun destinations that are “kid-tested and parent-approved” and also are relatively close to home for Oregonians.

The Fossil Beds Monument fits the bill, combining history, science, nature study, walking trails, fresh air and starkly stunning scenery.

Despite those attributes, officials say the monument still gets a big share of its visitors by accident – people who are passing by, get curious about the signs and stop in. Perhaps a plump dinosaur mascot with a sandwich board sign, or a reality TV show about paleontologists – “Who will get voted off Cathedral Rock this week?” – would broaden the monument’s image.

Granted, the latter’s not really a fitting idea, but there have been some more sensible steps aimed at ramping up interest in the monument. For example, the new Thomas Condon Paleontology Center – described simply as the “visitors center” on highway signs – replaced a dusty, old-fashioned display area and considerably enhanced the experience for casual visitors. John Fiedor, park ranger and chief of visitor services, says the center has seen a 4-6 percent growth in visitors each year since it opened in 2004.

No wonder. The Paleontology Center offers a state-of-the-art portal to the past, with lifelike exhibits showing the rock formations and flora and fauna of the area’s ancient past. There’s a classroom for the kids to try hands-on activities, introductory films, and a viewing window that lets visitors of all ages watch real scientists at work with specimens taken from the local digs. Park rangers are on hand to answer questions and give talks about the resources.

Last but not least, admission to the monument – and to the center – is free. Who could resist a price like that? Surely not a family with a carload of kids.

For those of you who’ve missed this gem in our own back yard, spring break should be a great time to correct the oversight.

– SC