Tucked away in far northwestern Nebraska, within the borders of the Oglala National Grassland, lies a place so enchanting and surprising that you might wonder if you’re still in Nebraska…or even if you’re still on Earth. Toadstool Geologic Park in Nebraska looks like the setting of a sci-fi movie – a post-apocalyptic landscape, perhaps, or the surface of a distant planet.
Approaching Toadstool Geologic Park feels a little like driving into the foothills of a mountain range.
flickr/Nick Varvel
The ground begins to swell up all around you, changing the landscape from lazy, rolling hills to sharp outcroppings of rock.
TripAdvisor/WashingtonJonDC
When you get closer, you begin to see something truly remarkable all around you.
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It looks a little like South Dakota’s Badlands, but there are many differences. Here, the rocks take on bizarre shapes.
TripAdvisor/CKT808
This otherworldly landscape began its formation some 30 million years ago.
flickr/Kevin Saff
flickr/Karin Dalziel
Volcanic ash fell, covering the area and piling up in large deposits.
TripAdvisor/Greg M.
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Over the millennia, erosion wore away at the rock formations, revealing the layers of sandstone and clay.
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The different types of rock eroded at different rates, resulting in remarkable formations that resemble something you would see on the surface of an alien planet.
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The softer clay at the bottom of the formations wore away more quickly than the sandstone above it.
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This process produced the toadstool-like formations that gave the park its name.
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These powerful natural forces continue to wear away at the rocks, constantly changing them.
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The formations are still evolving ever so slowly.
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In a few generations, this place will look completely different than it does now.
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Nature will continue to morph this striking prehistoric place. Our children’s children will see something entirely different when they come out to see the rocks.
TripAdvisor/WashingtonJonDC
Visiting the park is a special treat that no Nebraskan should miss out on.
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A loop trail leads through the park - flat at first, then getting steeper and more interesting as it goes. A reproduction of a sod house adds a taste of slightly more recent history to the park.
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Toadstool Geologic Park also features camping and picnic areas for your added enjoyment.
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flickr/Diana Robinson
Nighttime may be the best time to experience this incredible landscape.
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Being so far from everything, the night sky here is remarkably free of light pollution, allowing the stars to shine down unfettered.
flickr/Diana Robinson
This video from NET Nebraska is a wonderful exploration of the unique landscape and its history.
flickr/Nick Varvel
TripAdvisor/WashingtonJonDC
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TripAdvisor/CKT808
flickr/Kevin Saff
flickr/Karin Dalziel
TripAdvisor/Greg M.
TripAdvisor/starckj493
flickr/Diana Robinson
It’s hard not to simply stand and stare in awe of the prehistoric landscape. Toadstool happens to be on the Fossil Freeway and contains perfectly preserved tracks of long-extinct creatures. There is something special about standing in this place, knowing that ancient animals once walked the same path.
Have you visited Toadstool Geologic Park in Nebraska? What was your favorite part? Tell us about it in the comments! Then read all about Goat Island, Nebraska’s Untamed Hidden Gem.
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Address: Toadstool Geological Park and Campground, Harrison, NE 69346, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Toadstool Geologic Park In Nebraska January 08, 2021 Beth Price-Williams Which hidden gems in Nebraska should I visit? Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Nebraska, just passing through, or staying here for a vacation, you’ll quickly discover there are quite a few hidden gems that dot the state. To explore an enchanting Nebraska hidden gem, make your way to the town of Brownville. The tiny town boasts a ton to do, from exploring museums to checking out historic homes. If you’re a fan of licorice, you just might think you’ve found paradise at Licorice International in Lincoln. You’ll find dozens of flavors of licorice and licorice from around the world, including Australia. If you love the outdoors, plan a trip to Soldier Creek Wilderness Area in Chadron. What places in Nebraska should I see before I die? We have no shortage of unique places in Nebraska, many that are worthy of a spot on your bucket list. Krengel Windmill Factory Museum definitely deserves a spot on the list. The fun museum features displays of the tools and machinery used to make windmills at the beginning of the 20th century. Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Ellworth spans more than 45,000 acres. Spend a day bird-watching, hunting or fishing, or just enjoying the day by wildlife watching. Heron Haven in Omaha, Johnson Lake State Recreation Area near Elwood, and Rock Creek Station Historical Park in Fairbury are all unique places in Nebraska that are worth a visit. What are the most unique things to do in Nebraska? If you’re looking for those must-see places in Nebraska, look no further. Instead, gas up your car for a leisurely drive along the Western Trails Scenic Byway, which will allow you to see some of what the pioneers saw long ago along the Oregon Trail. Definitely bring your camera along when you visit Toadstool Geologic Park near Harrison. The otherworldly destination may make you feel as though you’ve journeyed out of the galaxy. Don’t forget to make time to visit Happy Jack Peak Chalk Mine, too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Toadstool Geologic Park In Nebraska
January 08, 2021
Beth Price-Williams
Which hidden gems in Nebraska should I visit? Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Nebraska, just passing through, or staying here for a vacation, you’ll quickly discover there are quite a few hidden gems that dot the state. To explore an enchanting Nebraska hidden gem, make your way to the town of Brownville. The tiny town boasts a ton to do, from exploring museums to checking out historic homes. If you’re a fan of licorice, you just might think you’ve found paradise at Licorice International in Lincoln. You’ll find dozens of flavors of licorice and licorice from around the world, including Australia. If you love the outdoors, plan a trip to Soldier Creek Wilderness Area in Chadron. What places in Nebraska should I see before I die? We have no shortage of unique places in Nebraska, many that are worthy of a spot on your bucket list. Krengel Windmill Factory Museum definitely deserves a spot on the list. The fun museum features displays of the tools and machinery used to make windmills at the beginning of the 20th century. Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Ellworth spans more than 45,000 acres. Spend a day bird-watching, hunting or fishing, or just enjoying the day by wildlife watching. Heron Haven in Omaha, Johnson Lake State Recreation Area near Elwood, and Rock Creek Station Historical Park in Fairbury are all unique places in Nebraska that are worth a visit. What are the most unique things to do in Nebraska? If you’re looking for those must-see places in Nebraska, look no further. Instead, gas up your car for a leisurely drive along the Western Trails Scenic Byway, which will allow you to see some of what the pioneers saw long ago along the Oregon Trail. Definitely bring your camera along when you visit Toadstool Geologic Park near Harrison. The otherworldly destination may make you feel as though you’ve journeyed out of the galaxy. Don’t forget to make time to visit Happy Jack Peak Chalk Mine, too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Nebraska, just passing through, or staying here for a vacation, you’ll quickly discover there are quite a few hidden gems that dot the state. To explore an enchanting Nebraska hidden gem, make your way to the town of Brownville. The tiny town boasts a ton to do, from exploring museums to checking out historic homes. If you’re a fan of licorice, you just might think you’ve found paradise at Licorice International in Lincoln. You’ll find dozens of flavors of licorice and licorice from around the world, including Australia. If you love the outdoors, plan a trip to Soldier Creek Wilderness Area in Chadron.
What places in Nebraska should I see before I die?
We have no shortage of unique places in Nebraska, many that are worthy of a spot on your bucket list. Krengel Windmill Factory Museum definitely deserves a spot on the list. The fun museum features displays of the tools and machinery used to make windmills at the beginning of the 20th century. Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Ellworth spans more than 45,000 acres. Spend a day bird-watching, hunting or fishing, or just enjoying the day by wildlife watching. Heron Haven in Omaha, Johnson Lake State Recreation Area near Elwood, and Rock Creek Station Historical Park in Fairbury are all unique places in Nebraska that are worth a visit.
What are the most unique things to do in Nebraska?
If you’re looking for those must-see places in Nebraska, look no further. Instead, gas up your car for a leisurely drive along the Western Trails Scenic Byway, which will allow you to see some of what the pioneers saw long ago along the Oregon Trail. Definitely bring your camera along when you visit Toadstool Geologic Park near Harrison. The otherworldly destination may make you feel as though you’ve journeyed out of the galaxy. Don’t forget to make time to visit Happy Jack Peak Chalk Mine, too.
