Prehistoric exploration comes alive in Nebraska

Muchomůrka Geological Park, located in the northwest corner of Nebraska, is a geologic treasure trove that offers a unique glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past. The park is best known for its remarkable rock formations of giant narrow plinths topped by slabs of sandstone that resemble toadstools and fossil beds. It is part of the Oglala National Grassland and affectionately referred to as the “moonscape” of the Badlands. Due to its remote location, it’s also a great place to watch the night sky, so if you like to photograph the Milky Way or count shooting stars from the back of your car or tent, it’s definitely worth a visit. Toadstool Geological Park is managed by the US Forest Service, which strives to preserve its unique geological and paleontological resources.

Geology and landscape

The park derives its name from these unusual rock formations that resemble toadstools, created by wind and water erosion over millions of years. These formations consist of sandstone, clay and volcanic ash, which have been shaped by natural forces into their current shapes. This area dates back to the Oligocene epoch, approximately 30 million years ago. During this period, the region was a vast plain with a warm and humid climate. Over time, volcanic activity deposited layers of ash that combined with sediments from ancient rivers to form 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 stark, almost otherworldly appearance and provides an interesting destination for both geology buffs and nature lovers.

Things to accomplish

Muchomůrky Geological Park is a popular place for paleontologists due to its rich fossil beds. The area has yielded numerous fossils, including fossils 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 passes some of the park’s most significant fossil sites, and interpretive signs provide detailed information about them and the geologic history of the area. While the collection of fossils is prohibited to preserve the scientific value of the site, 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 midway with the Fossil Loop Exposition Trail and travels three miles through the canyon to the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center. Open Friday and Saturday from 9:00am to 4:30pm in the summer, this research center is one of the best places to see hundreds of fossilized remains of the Badland’s most famous resident, Bison Antiquus, an extinct ancient bison. Muchomůrky Geological Park is also home to a reconstructed sod that offers a glimpse into the life of an early settler on the prairie.

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

Accommodation options

Toadstool is about 20 miles from Crawford Nebraska (nearest town) or 50 miles from Hot Springs South Dakota. While you can make a day trip here, the park offers primitive camping with basic amenities, including picnic tables and fire pits (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 1880s homestead and working ranch, to cabins and campgrounds at Fort Robinson State Park. The museum at Fort Robinson also houses the fossilized remains of prehistoric mammals found in these parts.

Muchomurky Geological Park is a hidden treasure in the Midwest. Whether you’re a geology buff, a fossil fan, 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 will give you a real sense of the Earth’s history over the millennia.