Prehistoric exploration comes to life in Nebraska

Located in the northwest corner of Nebraska, Toadstool Geological Park is a geological treasure trove that offers a unique look into the region’s prehistoric past. The park is best known for its magnificent rock formations of giant, narrow pedestals filled with sandstone slabs that resemble mushrooms and fossil beds. It is part of the Oglala National Grassland and is affectionately referred to as the “moon view” of the Badlands. Because of its remote location, it’s also a great place to view the night sky, so if you like to photograph the Milky Way or want to count shooting stars from the back of your car or tent, it is worth visiting. Toadstool Geological Park is managed by the US Forest Service, which works to preserve its unique geological and paleontological resources.

Geology and Landscape

The park takes its name from these unusual chair-like rock formations, formed by wind and water erosion over millions of years. These formations are composed of sandstone, clay, and volcanic ash, which have been sculpted into their current forms by the forces of nature. The area dates back to the Oligocene epoch, approximately 30 million years ago. During this period, the region was a large floodplain with a warm and humid climate. Over time, volcanic activity deposited layers of ash, which, combined with sediments from ancient rivers, created the rock formations scattered throughout the park. It is also full of fossils, some of which can be seen with the naked eye, throughout the park. This landscape is characterized by its bleak, almost otherworldly appearance and offers an intriguing destination for geology buffs and nature enthusiasts.

Things to do

Toadstool Geological Park is a hot spot for paleontologists because of its rich fossil beds. The area has yielded numerous fossils, including those of ancient mammals such as three-toed horses, giant tortoises and saber-toothed cats. These fossils provide valuable insight into the fauna that once roamed the region and have contributed to the understanding of prehistoric ecosystems.

The one-mile Fossil Loop Trail passes through some of the most important fossil sites in the park, and interpretive signs provide in-depth information about them and the geologic history of the area. While fossil collecting is prohibited to preserve the site’s scientific value, the park offers a fascinating glimpse into the distant past. Other longer trails such as the Bison Trail (3 miles) and The Great Plains Trail (part of a large cross-country trail system that runs through the park) offer deeper insight into the area’s ancient history. The Bison Trail splits halfway through the Fossil Loop Interpretive Trail, following a three-mile canyon to the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center. This research center is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00am – 4:30pm during the summer and is one of the best places to see hundreds of fossilized remains from the Badland’s most famous resident, Bison Antiquus, the bison of long gone. Toadstool Geological Park is also home to a reconstructed log cabin that offers a glimpse into the life of an early prairie homeowner.

But perhaps the best way to experience Toadstool is at night. Away from the city lights, the park offers incredibly clear and dark skies, making it an ideal place to observe the night sky. The park’s unique rock formations provide a stunning foreground for epic astrophotography.

Accommodation options

Toadstool is about 20 miles from Crawford Nebraska (closest town) or 50 miles from Hot Springs South Dakota. While you can make a day trip here, the park offers a primitive campsite with basic amenities, including picnic tables and fire rings (no water), and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is spring and autumn when the weather is mild. Other lodging options are available in Crawford from High Plains Homestead, an 1880s living and working ranch to cabins and campgrounds in Fort Robinson State Park. The museum at Fort Robinson also houses the fossilized remains of prehistoric mammals found in these parts.

Toadstool Geological Park is a hidden treasure in the Midwest. Whether you’re a geology buff, a fossil buff or just love to explore nature, you’ll find something to marvel at here. Walking among the unique rock formations and imagining the ancient creatures that once roamed this land gives you a true sense of the earth’s history over the millennia.