Visitors to Badlands National Park might be pleasantly surprised to find a short, informative fossil trail here. Take a look!

Fossil Exhibit Trail is found in a different area of the park than most of the more popular trails.
National Park Service
You'll find it off Badlands Loop Road, on the west side of the park, near Wall.
You'll see a small parking lot right next to the trail.
Jasperdo/flickr
This short, fully-accessible trail is only .25 miles long. Allow about 20 minutes to walk the entire trail.
Jasperdo/flickr
This little hike is perfect for everyone - it's wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly, and there's no elevation gain.
All along the way, you'll find information about the many different types of fossils found at Badlands National Park.
Jasperdo/flickr
This area was once covered by a vast body of water. It has one of the highest concentrations of fossils in the country.

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You'll want to allow plenty of time to check out the informational signs and see the replicas of fossils.
Curtis Abert/flickr
You might be surprised at the diverse types of creatures who once called this area home.
Curtis Abert/flickr
Some of the fossils found here are 75 million years old!
Curtis Abert/flickr
The fossils in this area are from the Oligocene period.
The Fossil Exhibit Trail has all the same kinds of natural beauty that you'll find elsewhere in the park - gorgeous buttes, pinnacles and rock formations.
John Freeland/flickr
Arrive early in the day for the best photo opportunities, and cooler weather.
Keep an eye out for real fossils, too!
Jasperdo/flickr
Like most of the trails at Badlands National Park, Fossil Exhibit Trail has full sun exposure. Make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin, and bring along a water bottle to stay hydrated on the trail.

Have you walked the Fossil Exhibit Trail? Tell us what you thought!

Of course, while you’re at Badlands National Park, you won’t want to miss the other awesome trails here. Check out Notch Trail.

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