The Sandstone Formations In Nebraska's Toadstool Geologic Park Look Like Something From Another Planet
By Delana Lefevers|Published August 24, 2020
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
You may think you know everything there is to know about the best destinations in Nebraska, but there are always new hidden gems to explore. Toadstool Geologic Park in western Nebraska is one of those places. There are plenty of native Nebraskans who still have no idea it exists! Take a little trip with us to look at the incredible otherworldly ancient rock formations that make up this fascinating attraction.
As you get closer to the park, you might feel like you're driving into the foothills of a mountain range.
Beginning some 33 million years ago, sandstone, limestone, clay, and volcanic ash were deposited here. 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.
The rocks continue to morph as time passes. The park that we see today is vastly different from the formations that were present just a century or two ago, and it will look completely different when future generations visit.
You can take a hike through this incredible landscape to see it up close. The formations are fragile, though, so remember to stick to the path. While you may see amazing sights like fossils along the way, please leave everything as you found it; it's illegal to remove any of the rocks here.
Forget the rest of the world for a while and imagine you're a brave explorer discovering new lands...or simply take in the amazing sights and remember how lucky we are to have access to this unique place.
You can even camp here overnight - not amid the ancient rocks, but in a nearby designated camping area. The fee for camping is just $5 per car. There are no electric or water hookups, but there is a vault toilet.
Also be sure to watch out for snakes out here and bring plenty of sunscreen; there are no trees to shade you from the hot sun. Before you crawl into your tent for the night, enjoy one of the legendary western Nebraska sunsets.
Primitive though it may be, camping here offers you the singularly awesome experience of seeing the sun rise over this unbelievably beautiful landscape.
Watch the video below for a first-person view of the gorgeous sights at Toadstool Geologic Park.
To get there from Crawford:
Crawford to the 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
