Toadstool Geological Park

In the northwestern corner of Nebraska is the Oglala National Grassland and Toadstool Geological Park, which transports visitors to a completely different world. The park has garnered the nicknames as the “badlands of Nebraska,” and the “desert of Pine Ridge.” Whichever name you use, the formations within the park are otherworldly and home to fossils dating back to prehistoric times. Toadstool offers a 1-mile loop trail within the park and is near the Bison Trail, which is a 3-mile hike through the same type of geologic formations.

The park offers six camping sites complete with a covered picnic table, fire ring, and pedestal grill for each. Unfortunately, the park does not offer running water. There are park fees from mid-May to mid-November: $3 per vehicle for day use, and $5 per vehicle for overnight stays. An envelope and collection box are provided at the entrance, where guests can self-issue their permits.

Part of the trail, approximately 0.3 mile, is accessible, while the remainder of the trail winds through old creek beds, uphill, and through the ancient formations. Beautiful wildflowers and grasses intertwine between the rock formations. Surrounding the park are incredible land formations and vast swaths of rolling green hills of the Oglala National Grassland which can be seen hosting the occasional pronghorn herd.