Toadstool Geologic Park In Nebraska Has An Otherworldly Landscape

More than 33 million years ago, a mighty river flowed through western Nebraska. Wind and water deposited sandstone, limestone, and volcanic ash in the area. Over millions of years, the flowing water wore away at these deposits, forming the incredible rock formations that today make up Toadstool Geologic Park near Crawford.

Over millennia, the rock deposits grew to huge heights, towering over the surrounding landscape.

Occasional bands of red and green can be seen in the layers of rock.

The colored bands indicate the weather conditions in the years in which those layers of volcanic ash were deposited.

Green bands were deposited during dry years, while red bands indicate oxidized ash that was deposited in wet seasons.

This area of western Nebraska was once home to many species of prehistoric animals.

Camels, rhinos, turtles, saber toothed cats, horses, tusked deer, early dogs, birds, tapirs, and many more ancient species inhabited the humid subtropical climate.

As the centuries passed and the animals died out, their skeletons were perfectly preserved in the changing landscape.

Some of the rock formations have even been found to contain footprints of the prehistoric beasts.

So many well-preserved and important specimens have been uncovered here that the site has long been an area of special research.

Of course, most of us visit today for the otherworldly rock formations. A visit here is almost like a visit to an alien world.

The ancient erosion wore away at the softer lower rock, leaving narrow pedestals with "caps" of harder rock on top.

The distinctive eroded formations look somewhat like toadstools, giving the park its name.

Natural forces have continued to shape the landscape; this photo from 1905 shows how much the formations have degraded in just one century.

Visitors can walk through history on the short but interesting trail through the park. You can even camp there overnight for a small fee.

The views at dusk are worth it, and the pitch-black night sky lets you see so many stars that you almost feel as though you're in space.

This is without a doubt Nebraska's most distinctive landscape. It's often called Nebraska's Badlands.

Although it's out of the way for most people in Nebraska, Toadstool Geologic Park is well worth the drive. You won't find another place like it in the state.

You may very well see fossils on your visit, but please be aware that it is illegal to remove souvenirs from the park. Some of the rock formations are fragile – not to mention dangerous – and visitors are advised to stick to the trail. Be especially careful if you’re visiting in wet or icy conditions.

The entrance fee is $3 per vehicle for day use only, or $5 per vehicle if you plan to camp. There are vault toilets on site, but you’ll need to bring your own water.

To get there from Crawford:
Crawford to intersection of Highway 20 and Highway 2
North on Highway 2 to Toadstool Road – 4.2 miles
Toadstool Road to FS Road #902 – 11.4 miles
FS Road #902 – 1.4 miles to Toadstool Campground

For even more awesome things to do in the Panhandle, check out 15 Reasons Everyone Should Visit Nebraska’s Panhandle.

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The One Place In Nebraska That Must Be Seen To Be Believed

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The One Place In Nebraska That Must Be Seen To Be Believed

Delana Lefevers

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