Prehistoric Exploration Comes To Life In Nebraska

Nestled in the northwest corner of Nebraska, Toadstool Geological Park is a geological treasure that offers a unique glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past. The park is best known for its striking rock formations of giant, narrow pedestals topped with slabs of sandstone that resemble toadstool mushrooms and fossil beds. It is part of the Oglala National Grassland and affectionally referred to as the “moonscape” of the Badlands. Because of its remote location, it is also a great place to watch the night sky so if you love photographing the Milky Way or want to count shooting stars from the back of your car or tent, this is well worth a visit. Toadstool Geological Park is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which works to preserve its unique geological and paleontological resources.

Geology and Landscape

The park derives its name from these unusual rock formations that resemble toadstools, 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 shapes by the forces of nature. The area dates to the Oligocene epoch, approximately 30 million years ago. During this period, the region was a vast floodplain with a warm, humid climate. Over time, volcanic activity deposited layers of ash, which, combined with sediment from ancient rivers, created the rock formations scattered all through the park. It is also full of fossils, some of which can be seen by the naked eye, throughout the park. This landscape is characterized by its stark, almost otherworldly appearance and provides an intriguing destination for geology lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Things To Do

Toadstool Geological Park is a hotspot for paleontologists due to 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 insights into the fauna that once roamed the region and have contributed to the understanding of prehistoric ecosystems.

The one-mile Fossil Loop Trail loops through some of the most significant 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 like Bison Trail (3 miles) and The Great Plains Trail (part of a large cross-country trail system that passes through the park) offer deeper insight into the area’s ancient history. The Bison Trail splits halfway through the interpretive Fossil Loop trail, following a canyon three miles to the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center. This research center is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9a – 4:30p during the summer and is one of the best places to see hundreds of fossilized remains from Badland’s most famous resident, Bison Antiquus, the extinct ancient bison. Toadstool Geological Park is also home to a reconstructed sod house, which offers a glimpse into the life of an early homesteader on the prairie.

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

Lodging Options

Toadstool is about 20 miles from Crawford Nebraska (the nearest town) or 50 miles from Hot Springs South Dakota. While you can do a day trip here, the park does offer a primitive campground 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 year-round, but the best times to visit are spring and fall when the weather is mild. Other lodging options are available in Crawford from High Plains Homestead, an 1880’s homesteading and working ranch to cabins and campgrounds at Fort Robinson State Park. The museum at Fort Robinson also houses fossilized remains of prehistoric mammals found in these parts.

Toadstool Geological Park is an off-the-beaten-path hidden treasure in the Midwest. Whether you’re a geology buff, a fossil fan, or just love exploring 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 real sense of the earth’s history through the millennia.