Lemmon, South Dakota, is a tiny little town that’s not known for much, but what it is known for is totally worthy of a day trip from wherever you are. It’s especially interesting for those who are intrigued by geology, rocks, and minerals – in fact, it’s a whole wonderland made of petrified wood! Filling an entire block in downtown Lemmon, this incredible wonder is one of the most unique places in South Dakota – you need to check it out!

Welcome, one and all, to the world's largest petrified wood park!
Brandee Clifford/Google Local
There's a lot going on here, so you'll want to take your time to explore it all.
The park started construction in 1930 and took two years to finish. Until the 1950s, it was private property.
Jamey Tollefson/Google Local
In 1954, the property was donated to the city, which allowed for it to eventually be open to all.
You'll find all kinds of quirky, unique structures here, all of which are made of - you guessed it - petrified wood.
Brian Gens/Google Local
There's a waterfall, a wishing well (which is what seems to be the crowd favorite), and even a castle.

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The castle alone weighs an incredible 300 tons and is simply breathtaking.
Edward Hardee/Google Local
The photos never do it any justice; this is one incredibly unique attraction in South Dakota that you've got to really experience to "get it".
Within the park's boundaries, you'll also find not one but two museums.
Betty Hagenbrock/Google Local
Both are, of course, built of petrified wood and display all sorts of antiques, relics, and natural goodies from the Lemmon area.
Some of the structures in the park are up to 20 feet tall, and to date there are more than 100 scattered all over the block.
IndySig/TripAdvisor
The entire thing is a true testament to man's awesome creative ability; I personally never would have thought of building things purely out of petrified wood, but I suppose that's what's wonderful about having creative engineers in our midst.
While the museums and Visitors Center are only open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the park itself is always open.
Rick M/TripAdvisor
So come on out and marvel at this one-of-a-kind wonder in small-town South Dakota.

You won’t be disappointed if you make the pilgrimage to this shrine of petrified wood. Need a place to stay in or near Lemmon? Check out the available places on Booking.com, which is one of my favorite travel sites.

Do you have a favorite unique attraction in South Dakota? Tell me about it!

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Petrified Wood Park & Museum, 500 Main Ave, Lemmon, SD 57638, USA