Toadstool Geologic Park Reviews

This place is such a wonder. The drive in is beautiful and the middle of nowhere setting just makes it so much more of an amazing experience. You really realize how little you are as you walk back in time along the interpretive trail. You can read along with the free guide as you come to numbered posts or just walk around and gawk at the bizarre scenery. As you go post to post you can kind of choose your own way and some minor (fun) scrambling may be required. There are some picnic tables at the parking lot if you want to have lunch before or after your hike. I would not recommend this on a really hot day.

Hidden deep in Northwest Nebraska, not far from Crawford is Toadstool Park. Small, not terribly convenient, and without any real personnel (although I am sure someone checks on it) it has an otherworldly charm.

We arrived several summers ago and were exciting for such places I live to see. We were on our way to the Black Hills and this would be a good start. I had tried this before, about 20 years earlier. My newlywed wife and I had stopped in Crawford for the night and I had heard of Toadstool and wanted to see it. The motel manager seemed puzzled that I wanted to go there. Told me there isn't much up there but rocks and dirt (exactly!). As we followed the archaic directions light was diminishing and the road was looking pretty un-promising, lonely, and scary. (I would learn later to appreciate such places). We turned back. Having since then spent 5-6 summer vacations in the Utah desert, this would be chicken feed this time. The road was pretty hard and somewhat washboard, ( precursor to a good time) and when we arrived were somewhat disappointed to find a tree-less campground. The place was packed (had one other camper). We put up our tent and went exploring. I was just no more than an hour into our unique Nebraska desert experience when the storm from hell approached. A supersized rotating cloud with no good intent. It came fast and hard. We started walking, then jogging, then sprinting back to the campgroud to the large tent we had put up... for shelter? The storm proceeded to not only take down but destroy our tent with all our sleeping provisions inside, scaring the tar out of my wife and kids (I couldn't help but have a good time). We threw our completely waterlogged blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows into our van. The storm tried in vain to overturn our terrified selves in our van but to no avail. Although I wasn't always sure who would win.
The storm passed as quickly as it came and the sun shone minutes later. A rapid filled river formed by the campground and we were amazed at the difference in how the weather could come and go so quickly.
We had no choice but to leave and go back to Crawford. The road was not viewable as water filled our way. We transformed from a mini-van to a mini-boat. I knew there was road there and that we should not ever have to disappear into some unforeseen abyss but it was one of those things that you just never know for sure. On our way back we had seen the results of the wind and rain. (In talking with some folks back in Crawford the next day (at the laundromat) that it was indeed a tornado and had taken down a water tower.)
We arrived in Crawford and went for the nearest motel. I told my wife to go inquire about a room. She came back and said it was 60 dollars. I said I thought that was too much and we should move on. The reaction she had (remember she is soaking wet) was stuff of legend in our family (our relationship has never been the same). I guess wet, storm bruised women don't have much of a sense of humor.
Anyway I vow to go back. I have read some other accounts by others who went through similar ordeals there. Another website by a guy from the East Coast who thought it was about 110°, was going to die of heat exhaustion, was all alone there, and felt the need to get out of there before death overtook. He vowed to go back too.
Maybe the place is cursed. Maybe there is a cosmic ghost who doesn't like visitors.
Anyway, its a funky place. Well worth visiting. Very beautiful if you like such places. If you don't, stay in the motel in Crawford, the Rocky Mountain city in Nebraska.

This area was interesting, similar to the Badlands, but much smaller and not as colorful. We came in from the north and the road was two lane dirt, rutted and muddy. We nearly turned around. The road was slightly better coming in on Toadstool Road from the south. If you are in the area and need something to do, it's an interesting stop, but otherwise too far out of the way for what you see. Warbonnet Memorial was approximately 15 miles further down dirt roads with little to see when you arrive.

I was skeptical as google maps had us turn down a pretty bumpy country road. We were coming from South Dakota. We thought maybe the other direction would've been paved. It wasn't and we were glad that we endured the country roads to get here. The landscape is amazing, but erosion is also changing the views. I've never been here before and I thought it was beautiful. We enjoyed the hiking trails. If you compare this to the Badlands, you will probably be disappointed, but if you look at this for what it is - it is amazing. I highly recommend driving on the country road to get to this site.

I have lived in Omaha, NE my whole life and have never traveled to this part of the Panhandle before. We were doing a stop on the Nebraska Passport Tour and decided to detour to Toadstool Park for a visit. The road to the park is gravel, but if you don't drive like an idiot you'll get there in one piece. There is a parking area that also doubles as a place to camp. There is no office, ranger station, ect.. you are on your own. From this area you can follow trails deeper into the park. We did do the trail, but do to the fact that sunset was nearing we did not hike the whole trail. Definitely not a place you want to be lost in after dark! The scenery is absolutely amazing! What a delight to walk through such a bizarre landscape. The area can be difficult at times so use your best judgement. The silence of the area was very cool. All you could hear was the wind blowing through the grasses. Great place to meditate! If your in the area I highly recommend visiting this site. You'll be so glad you did. It's one of a kind!!!!

Toadstool Geologic Park is an excellent place to stop at while in the area! It offers the opportunity to hike among and atop the toadstools either by following a designated trail or just freely. They also offer maps that you can follow, which provide markers for interesting features/history.

Getting there does require you to drive on a dirt road and it's a little off the beaten path, but still totally worth it!

If you plan to visit, try not to pick a day after it has rained, because it can get very muddy.

We combined this with the Hudson-Meng bison kill site. It was further along a gravel road and really off the beaten track. It an other worldly site with lots of unusual formations. Most of these were due to the unusual emotion patterns of the rocks. The mile long loop trail was flat walk out to area of formations but then began to wind in, around and over them. Not recommended for anyone with joint problems, but the kids will love it. The heat made it miserable, but even so when shade was found it was cool to look out at these amazing natural formations.

Visited in March which is cold and no other visitors. The stark landscape is fantastic and can be explored. The rest area has basic amenities and it would be great to visit as well in warmer weather.

Takes a bit of a drive to reach this little gem but it is well worth it!
I have spent my life in the Panhandle and I can't believe I have not heard this place bragged about!
It is very unusual, stark rock formations jutting into the clear blue skies, and sparse grasslands surrounding it.
Almost other worldly, and Kids can run and climb to their hearts content ( with parents close by - these are rocks and there are dangers here).
A few 12 or less primitive campsites available, and out houses.
But what a great place to hike, just bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

After 15 miles of rough, washboard gravel roads, the formations are eroded away. Unlike the pictures online, all the "stems" have eroded and the "caps" of the toadstools have slid off to the side. Interesting landscape might have been more impressive had I not just come from the South Dakota Badlands. I'd rather have spent the 3 hours at nearby Fort Robinson!

This place reminded me of Petrified Forest National Park, but better! The Toadstool trail takes you by all kinds of unique formations, and you truly get to climb your way around. Hiking boots are recommended! The trails are well marked and the descent back to the parking lot is so fun.

Yes, there is a dirt road. No, it will not kill you.

A little off the beaten path, which was exactly what I was looking for. Got there early in the morning to beat the heat and had the park to myself. What a fantastic place to hike and explore, easy to moderate for all of the trails, with beautiful panoramic vistas, unique geological formations, and abundant wildlife.. This is one of the best places I have gone for solo hiking in years. The trails were well marked, easy to navigate, but there was also lots of other off trail areas to explore without the worry of becoming lost. There are restrooms available, and really nice camping facilities with covered picnic tables and trash receptacles. However, there are no services, and no water available, so make sure that you bring plenty. The formations were beautiful about an hour after sunrise, and there was no bugs, and low humidity.. As others mention, the road in is unpaved, but is exceptionally well maintained and graveled with no potholes and there are clearly marked signs to find your way.

I have been wanting to visit for years and it lived up to expectations. I had to take off one star because the gravel road to and from the park really is rough. It seems to go on forever to get back on the highway. Just have patience and be prepared for that and you will be fine. Otherwise the park is gorgeous and Fall really was the perfect time to visit with the colors and milder weather. There isn't really shade so visiting in the summer wouldn't be as ideal. I would definitely bring a picnic lunch. It's $3 self pay in the parking lot and the pit toilets were very clean when we visited.

This place was incredible. My kids didn’t believe we were in Nebraska and when we left they considered the state much cooler. The hike is pretty fun for all ages. It’s especially fun after you get passed the sort of slow start. My novice hikers all felt very joyful and accomplished at the end. 💯 concur with the comments about needed the pamphlet to understand what you are looking for/at. It was 100 degrees at 4 pm and honestly with the breeze and seeking out some shady spots (only available because it was later in the day) it really wasn’t that bad. You do need to bring lots of water.

This was one of the favorite stops for the kids (ages, 11, 12, and 13). We picked up the self-guided tour brochure as we entered the park. It was interesting to learn about the history, but kids had the most fun exploring and climbing everywhere. Kids would have stayed longer if we had more time to allot to this stop during our trip. We spent about 1 1/2-2 hours here. There are two trails. The park trail (which we followed) and the Husdson-Meng trail which will take you to the Education and Research area. We REALLY wish we could have taken this trail too! Bring water, sunscreen and/or a light jacket. There are a few spots for camping if you are so inclined.

I visited this park several years ago. I loved it, and I definitely would like to go back someday. If you have a chance to go, you should.

The reviews made the drive sound horrible but it wasn't bad. I think it was 19 miles one way from Crawford, 14 miles of it are a well maintained rock road, the last mile leading into park was a little rough but nothing a car couldn't handle. It has been raining everyday this week and the roads were fine. The trails were muddy and I had to go off trail to get around large pools of water on trail.
The first part of hike is easy and flat but then the trail takes you across dry creekbeds and up small inclines with some rock scrambling.
The trail is well marked and there is a phamplet to help guide you and give you information about the area.
This was a fun little hike and the rock formations were fun to explore and photograph.

It takes some effort to drive out to this park, but it is an interesting place to visit. The roads to the park are well marked. There is about 14 miles of gravel/dirt road, but it is in excellent condition. The hiking loop at the park took us about an hour. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. There is a lot to see. The formations are amazing because of the way the rocks have weathered. When we were there it was cool and very windy. Be sure to dress suitably for the weather. There are no services so take what you need. There are a few very basic campsites and a couple of restrooms.

Although this is a bumpy ride on gravel to get there it is well worth it! What a beautiful site! There is a sod house and outhouses on the property as well. The mile hike around the monument is tiresome so if you have small children or knee/hip issues beware. There is camping for cheap ($5/night) and admission is ($3/vehicle) honor system style.

Beautiful & unique. Well maintained trails with wonderful picture areas. Fall is definitely the best time to go- the weather is great!

My parents (81 and 77) and my wife and I went to Toadstool Park in December 2010. It was my first time to visit and I only went because the museums at Fort Robinson were closed. However, it was well worth the time and effort. The road from Crawford is mostly gravel but was in good shape. There was very little snow in the park and we were the only people there. It was a pleasant day (45 degrees) and it was fascinating. I have been to the South Dakota badlands several times and I liked this better. The park is not huge but the formations are other-worldly. You could film a sci-fi flick here for sure. The only down side was that the trail was hard to follow and rather challenging especially for my folks. Nevertheless, I would recommend you take the time for a visit.,

out in the middle of nowhere. go in the morning when it is cool. we were there around the first of august and it was cool that morning. wind was blowing and we had to put on our jackets. the 1 mile loop was amazing. you don't see much from the parking lot, but once you get going on the foot path you will be amazed. while you are walking the path , stop sometimes and look behind you. the sights are just as amazing as what is ahead of you. i am ready to go again. don't where loose shoes.

We almost got stuck in the mud on the way. I recommend 4 wheel drive vehicle. The park is self pay $3 for autos. There is a hiking trail and sod home. Because of the rain no one in our group wanted to hike. The drive out was long and you had to drive slow because of the toad conditions. I enjoyed learning about the prairies.

We were on our way to Rapid City and had stayed in Chadron so we thought we would go a bit out of our way to see what this was all about. First, there was very heavy rains the evening before so we were warned the roads could be difficult. They were more than difficult without a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The main road was closed halfway due to construction. The detoured road was so muddy (as it is simply a dirt road) that we had to turn around and thought about giving up since we had our minivan. We continued on and found a one lane gravel road going through a ranch (which our kids compared to a roller coaster ride)and finally made it. There was one couple just leaving and warned us the trails were quite wet and muddy. We spent 1 1/2 hours taking it all in and would have stayed longer if we had thought to bring lunch (the many detours we had messed up with our arrival time). Obviously it would have been a much easier and cleaner trip had it not rained heavily the night before but all I. All, worth it if you are in the area.

This park is a lovely example of remote desolate beauty. It is a fifteen mile drive on a well maintained dirt road from town with a one to three mile hike depending on if you just want to see the Geologic area or also would like to see the outer bluffs and grasslands park closer. The Geologic section is quite interesting and made for some lovely photo opportunities. I'd recommend climbing around a bit for the best shots. Simple and small, it is lovely if you have the time and are not adverse to a country road drive to get there.

I am guessing you either really like places like this, or you don't, not much in between really. Yes it is a 14 mile gravel road to get there. The road is better than most I've been on and worse than some. The geology of the area is fantastic. Bone fragments and lots of foot prints to marvel and wonder at. We did the 1 mile loop hike. Don't do this if it is muddy. You will leave your tracks next to the 22 million year old Rhinos, and the mud on your shoe will be a forever part of you.

This state park has some very neat looking rock formations you can see on a 1 mile hike. If you are in good shape this is an easy hike. If you are mobility impaired, have bad knees, or balance issues don't do the hike as there are places you have to climb over rocks & go through tight spaces. However, the trip to the park is an experience in itself. It is 20 miles from any facilities & much of the way is over dirt roads. There is no water at the park. So make sure you bring plenty. If you like rocks come here!

This park is absolutely amazing!!! We came a day after it had rained heavily and had a down right scarey time getting to the park from the north. But after arriving safely but shaken, we couldn't get enough of this park. It was cool that day and only had two other people for a short time in the park with us. Loved exploring the rock formations and canyon. We highly suggest doing the loop trail in both directions. You would be amazed at how different things look coming from the opposite direction. We came back the next day from the south side and the road was much better. Being there at sunset is a memory to cherish forever!

We really LOVED Toadstool Geologic Park. The formations are really interesting and the map at the parking lot offers very educational information on how the "toadstools" formed and continue to form. We hope that more oversight will protect this beautiful site from visitor damage. People who destroy the formations do not realize how much damage they do - thankfully, this site is in excellent shape. But oversight is needed in our view to protect it. Awesome stop on the Fossil Freeway in the panhandle of Nebraska. Beautiful! Remote!

We were travelling to Zion National park from Page and came across this . It has Toadstool and the park is name on them. Small hike of about 1.5 Km one way It is easy but view is good Worth it only if you have time otherwise can be skippef

Both Toadstool and Hudson Meng are accessed by 12-15 miles of dirt road that goes on forever through the prairie. Toadstool State park has strange formations, a nice one mile nature trail that explains what you're seeing, bathrooms, and a few campsites.

We visited Toadstool geologic park in February 2013 and while it wasn't that easy to get to (off highway 71 down an unpaved road) it was well worth it. Firstly we had the whole place to ourselves and we felt like we were on the moon! The formations were fascinating and beautiful and the mile trip was very interesting and very informative using the trail map. The trail required some scrambling up and over rocks but nothing too difficult and with possible fossils to be found it is worth taking your time.

Our family and four legged friend enjoyed a hike through this unique place. The unusual rock and geological formations made for some fun photo opps. It was was quite warm even in the morning so do bring water!

Following a gravel road over a railway line and one arrives at the Park which had few visitors at the end of May, so we were able to walk the Badlands rocks and geological features without interruption. Take a hiking stick if you have one, to tackle the less level ground and small hills if you choose to do so. This is a gentle walk but can be made more strenuous, it is up to the visitor. There are toilets in the parking area and a camping area. An honour system accepts a small fee. There isa myriad of plants and insects to be seen amongst the rock and sandstone formations. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

Another item in the Reader's Digest guide "Off the Beaten Path" that was a gem. You really have to want to see this as it is about 20 miles of dirt road to get to but is worth it. This is the Nebraska version of the badlands with interesting geologic features. The self guided trail and guide is well done and very enjoyable. There is a reproduction of a sod house on site also. This is very enjoyable for all ages

I had to remind myself I was still in Nebraska while hiking around Toadstool Park. This is a very unique spot and is definitely worth the drive to this fairly remote site in far northwestern Nebraska. Unlike anywhere else in the state, this site is all about geology and strange rock formations. If you are not up to walking, don't even bother, but if you have a good pair of shoes (for support) you will be rewarded with a geologic wonderland of very interesting rock formations, many of which resemble giant toadstools. There are no facilites here other than restrooms, camping sites and picnic tables so have that in mind when visiting.

First off, if you're driving a sedan you're looking at a good 30 minutes gravel roads. And mud roads. And potholed versions of both. If you're in a 4x4 you could care less about you might make it in 15-20 minutes. We did not budget enough time to hike around this very unique formation -- I'd suggest at least 1-2 hours to really go back in behind the peaks to the west and north. Can't believe this is Nebraska!

Loved this park! For a day fee of $3 ($1.50 because we have a lifetime interagency pass) we were able to hike and hike and hike and enjoy the toadstool rock formations and all the history behind the area. We hiked 3 miles in just over 2 hours because we took our time and enjoyed the views and the experience. Seeing the fossils and prehistoric prints up close and throughout the area as we hiked and explored was a dancing experience. There are restrooms (very clean), campground spaces (for a small fee) and the option of day use. We had the park mostly to ourselves and being able to hike and explore without crowds in this unique, beautiful historic setting was amazing. Be aware that there is no cell service… the park is very remote.

I've been to Toadstool Park four times.

First it is a US Forest Service Picnic-ground and not a National or State Park. It is however a very unique and special place. It is inside the Oglala Natl. Grasslands in the very northwest corner of Nebraska.

My first recommendation is the road needs to be dry or it will be a challenge even with four wheel drive to get there. It's rugged enough dry. It is located 11 miles straight north from the Soldier Creek Picnic area of Fort Robinson State Park (another real jewel). But you can't get there directly unless you are on foot or horseback.

By car you can get there via Toadstool Road either by going SSE from the South Dakota ghost town of Ardmore or by heading NNW from Crawford, NE. Toadstool Road is USFS Road 904. Yes, that's right "Forest" road with nary a tree to be seen for literally miles!

If you had a map of the area you can make a diagonal line from Ardmore to the north and Crawford to the south, Toadstool will be almost exactly in the middle. Another item is the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks run parallel to 904 between the two towns. So it is hard to get lost if you can see the tracks. I bet you will see more trains pass than cars.

From Crawford head north on Hwy. 71/2. Road 904 is on your left just after 4 miles. After two miles of heading due west 904 turns to the NNW at the RR tracks. At this point you will have another 8 miles to go on the unpaved road. Near the halfway point you will pass Sand Creek Road on your left (905). On Sand Creek Rd. is the only sign of civilization for five miles - the relatively new B&B called High Plains Homestead. Remember that just in case!

Three of my four visits were by horseback. There is an old sod house there in which we slept. Yes, we were really roughing it! There is a water spigot which we used to water our horse. On the off season the spigot will be padlocked. I never once had anyone come about on my visits least of all a Forest Ranger to collect the fee. The first time I was there everything was very dry. The grass was brown from drought. At the other extreme when we rode out under clear blue skies by horse the prarie grass was vibrant and we rode thru several fields of standing water.

I refer to the place as a mini-Badlands. Its every bit as eerie and foreboding as the huge mega Badlands National Park near Rapid City but even more so because going to Toadstool is a trip into the unknown.

Would I recommend the place. "Darn tootin", I would. In fact I'm planning another trek out that way after a twenty-five year lapse. Fort Robinson and north into the Black Hills is my favoite area in the USA!

Northwestern Nebraska has some amazing features including buttes, but Toadstool really tops them all. The rock formations created through wind and water really look like toadstools. It's like another planet. You go over gravel roads and gradually bleaker and sandier and weirder landscapes to get to the parking area. You can walk a short way or a long way to see real rock toadstools and escarpments and caverns. It's otherworldly and so beautiful. One of my favorite places ever.

This is an interesting geologic formation, especially in Nebraska. The camp ground is primitive, but is advertised as such. There are only 6 campsites. We were there on the Fourth of July and only one other campsite was occupied.

Pleasurable walk and beautiful scenery. Bring your water bottle and good hiking shoes. I would suggest younger children may find part of the trails tiresome and difficult in the heat. Highly recommend.

I enjoyed the visit on a 102 degree day! The air was dry so the heat was not stifling. There are some scenes here that are not common elsewhere. The one mile walk seemed to be blocked after about 2/3 of a mile so I turned around and went back.

We came from the north and it is 10-13 miles of gravel road. They were dry a but a bit rough in places. There was road construction on the gravel road. We were within three miles when there was a 'road closed ahead' sign. Hoping that the closure was beyond the park we drove on. Another couple of miles in and we came upon 3 dump trucks, a bulldozer, a bobcat and about 8 workers. Welcome to Nebraska. I told my 13 year old daughter I was driving up to ask them if the road was 'reeealy closed', she was mortified. A very handsome cowboy waved us up and apologies for the road and said he was 'just finishing up ma'am' and would move things so we could get through. They moved the bobcat and some smaller equipment so I could maneuver my compact car around a truck and the dozer. WELCOME TO NEBRASKA!!!
The inroad to the park is more like a field road so we were shocked that there werer 5 cars in the visitor area and a truck and 2 motorcycles in one of the approximately 5 campsites. The park has a well-marked 1 mile interpretive loop trail. The trail climbs up and around the odd formations. Because of the way you walk amongst the formations you don't see the other visitors as much as expected. Never seen anything like it. Well worth the gravel ride in. There are vault toilets and a small sod house to explore. It was cool for July in Nebraska when we visited but I can see it being really hot some days so plan ahead and bring water. $3 per car fee on the honor system.

This was an amazing place to stop and explore. We were a little concerned about the road due to recent rains, but we made it without any trouble. The trail had so many interesting formations and lots of places to explore. If you can make this side trip I highly recommend to make this stop. We were truly amazed with our hike.

Fascinating geological park - the guide is worth picking up from the entrance gate, very informative and suitable for all except young children.
It's quite a drive down the gravel road, but in good condition - tip for photographers, some great old farmsteads on the road north out towards Ardmore

Easy hike but not well marked. Unsure if we were on the trail at times. Best to do early in the day at little shade. Good idea to bring water and good shoes. Creek bed dry as no recent rains so we followed out to the campground/parking. Dry camping here less than $10 plus Nebraska parks pass.

I do not like it when people give a place a low rating for something at least partially out of their control. However, when the brochure for Toadstool specifically references the drive to get there, it makes it fair game

"To see many of the worthwhile attractions in the northwest part of Nebraska, you have to leave the pavement ..... Of the 19 miles from Crawford to Toadstool, 15 miles are improved dirt roads. Not built for highway speeds, the roads encourage you to slow down and enjoy the rural landscape."

I couldn't agree more. I avoid interstate highways. I don't drive over 60mph. I take back roads whenever possible and feasible....even if they're dirt or gravel. Even in my RV. But I draw the line at washboards that don't quit or give you even a moment's break from the jaw clenching rattle.

But 2 miles on this washboard at a max speed of 8 mph was more than I could take. Toadstool was very high on my list of sights to see on this trip and skipping it was a difficult decision to reach. But 90-120 minutes to drive 15 miles only to turn around and repeat it the next day wasn't going to happen.

Even at 8mph, I had to totally stop my camper every few minutes to stop the shake, rattle, and roll brought on by the washboard.

If you're in a pickup or other utility vehicle and want to drive at a more normal speed, go for it and see what awaits you at Toadstool. I'm sure I would have given it a 5-star review if we'd actually made it there. But if you're driving an RV, approach with an open mind and be willing to turn around if the road hasn't improved.

For reference, I drive a 25' Class C coach on a Mercedes Sprinter Chassis.

My boys loved climbing the rocks, formations awesome, sod house neat, good value, neat history, bathrooms decent, place to picnic. We went in the morning when it was cooler!

Cool features; worth a stop if you're traveling at a leisurely pace. Mind the afternoon heat; while the hike isn't exactly tough, it'd be easy to get overheated.

Not everything worth seeing can be reached by paved highway. This is a great example. Yes, you have to drive 14+ miles (depending upon which direction you are coming from) on a gravel road, so check with the locals about recent weather and road conditions. We found the road to be well graded and easy to drive on. Just take your time and stick to the center of the road unless you meet an oncoming vehicle. Don't worry, there's not much traffic so you might not meet any cars at all!

When you arrive, park and head to the main sign to find the envelopes and drop box for the $3 self-pay fee. There are basic trail guides in a metal box right at the gates for the trail head. There is no water at this park, so be sure to pack food and drinks. There are several covered picnic tables, and those are pretty much the only shade at the park. The hike is about a mile long and an easy walk. No part of this park is wheelchair accessible at all. And your cell phone may not work at all out here.

The rock formations are incredible and you are allowed to climb all over them. Out of all of the activities we did and places we visited on our vacation this summer, our 9 year old declared Toadstool his favorite since he could run, jump, climb, and explore every part of this park.

Don't forget to bring cash to pay the $3 day pass fee - it's on the honor system and you have to put your payment in an envelope. The one mile hike up to the hills is very easy and the rock formations that are called toadstools are super cool and really different. There was a map you could borrow to follow the numbered signs and find out about the formations. There were huge toadstools still standing and then toppled ones and there were so many fun shapes and amazing formations. Some of them looked like apartment buildings carved by humans and there were lots of different textures. There were even places where there were footprints from mammals, like these small hippos, had crossed a stream and it was amazing to see the indentations and see the toes, etc. There were a fair number of bugs, so bug spray could be helpful. What a gem of a park!

Our family (with two teens) loved Toadstool! Such a cool setting. The terrain made us feel like we were “in space” or “with dinosaurs.” Nice hiking. Would definitely recommend visiting this place! The only facilities are two ports-potties. Take water to hike.

A little tough to get to but well worth the drive. The dirt roads are rough but, when we got there in early June, we were the only car there. It only costs $3 and shows some terrain that one cannot see elsewhere. There is an easy mile loop trail with great views. It was also fun to wait for the cattle to cross the path leading to the park.

I got to this place after a LONG drive on a gravel road. I was walking to the entrance & a few families with kids were coming out. SOOO glad they were there when I was there. I wandered the trails for about 2 hrs and did not see a single soul! it was so quiet I only heard the flies. It was a little hot so I didn't make it to the Hudson Meng site & ended up driving there. Yes some of the larger toadstools fell over but there are more in the works, you just have to look around. Definitely worth the visit.

You think you have gotten lost before you get here, as the typography and the landscape of this corner of Nebraska are so unlike the rest of the state. Once you get here, you are free to roam. Take a brochure from the steel box and stick to the marked trail so as to not damage the site anymore than necessary.

It takes some effort to drive out to this park, but it is like a mini badlands. The roads to the park are well marked. There is about 14 miles of gravel/dirt road from the south and 18 miles of dirt road to the north, but it is in fair condition. I would not drive it if it has rained. When we were there it was 97 degrees and mosquitos attacked while I read the displays so we opted not to hike. Be sure to dress suitably for the weather. There are no services so take what you need. There are a few very basic campsites and a couple of restrooms.

The 14 mile gravel drive out here tacked on quite a bit of time to our trip. The rock formations were cool and unique. If we hadn’t just come from Badlands national park this strange outcropping of rocks in the grasslands probably would have impressed more. There were only a handful of other people there, and you’re allowed to climb all over the features. Glad we stopped because we were looking for something to do in this part of Nebraska, but I wouldn’t go too far out of your way for it.

My family and I love to hike, and toadstool is one of the best places to hike. There is a self guided trail for the less nimble and then there's the hiking path for others to go up and into the toadstools themselves. Most of the geologic phenomena are tipped over now due to weather erosion, but it is worth seeing. My family and I always try and stop here and see the wonders of nature and spend time hiking with one another.

Be prepared for lots of gravel roads and a good stretch of a one lane gravel road. But if you can make it through that it is amazing. The views are amazing and I think worth the hassle of the drive. We were glad we did not miss out on it.

We were torn deciding to visit since reviews were mixed and it was a bit out of our way. Many people compared it to the Badlands, saying if you went you didn't need to see Toadstool. They are very different in our opinion. To make your trip worthwhile, you need to take one of the "guide pamphlets" that is available at the beginning of the trail. It will provide you with information and things to look for (very interesting). If you don't use, I would agree with others that it is just another geological formation.

This trek really did feel like we were on the LOTR set and first of all, there was no way I was getting into an, um, debate with my better half on who was Frodo and who was Sam. Next, this was the one and only opportunity I was ever going to have to impersonate Liv Tyler so thanks for humoring me T.A. readers!

If you read no further, my two critical tips: 1) Keep going-don’t let the first 20 minutes fool you! 2) This is an extremely remote location with no visitor’s center. There are surprisingly nice restrooms, but, I don’t think anyone is going to come looking for you. Do NOT venture forth in the late afternoon and think you are breezing through the loop in 30 minutes. It is unpaved, there is some rock climbing and potential slipping involved, and while the trail is marked with posts, you need light to see them, as they are not always obvious. It is unsafe and ill-advised to traverse the loop late in the day.

I found out about Toadstool in Off the Beaten Path Nebraska (Meyer, 2010). My husband and I were avid hikers in our former home state of GA, and we’ve really missed our day trips since moving to the FLAT Midwestern Plains of NE. When I saw Toadstool I was excited, then a bit deflated, when I discovered it was a nine hour drive to go visit a park we could cover in an hour or two.

Well, three years later, we arrived for our long awaited trek! We visited in November, and after our super-smart decision to leave our hiking boots at home (NOT!), we were promptly rewarded by sinking ankle deep in mud. We squelched along, a bit concerned because the drive there took us way longer than anticipated, and while the stark beauty was striking, it didn’t have the WOW factor we had seen in pictures. Where were those “toadstool” rock formations? The sun was going to set in an hour and my husband was starting to caution me we might have to turn around.

We couldn’t “pick up the pace” due to the mud. At last, I started to see promise. Around a bend and, cue chorus, a glorious sight to behold. Our efforts were rewarded with vistas, views backlit with rays of sunlight , everything we anticipated and more. Our only disappointment, we did not have enough time!! We hope for the opportunity to return budgeting much more time to also check out the Hudson Meng Research Center with hiking boots in tow so we can complete the 6 mile hike round trip hike from Hudson Meng to Toadstool and back (minus the mud)!

A 12 mile, off the beaten track, drive on a dusty gravel road will massage your innards and transmission. Need at least an hour or more to hike the loop trail and another hour in and out to the main road. Quite unique rock formations that look like sand sculpting. We enjoyed the hike and photos we took

You have to drive on at least 11 miles of gravel road to get here, but the (second) road we took was well maintained. The parking lot area is nice and large, with an information stand, toilets, and nice covered picnic areas with tables. The hike itself will require some rock scrambling in a few areas, but it is otherwise pretty easy. The trail is dog friendly, and our little 12 lb. dog only needed help once to climb over some rocks.

Note - if you are coming from the north from the Black Hills area, do NOT follow Google map directions as of September, 2023. It will direct you down the worst of the at least three roads, and for a stretch almost required a high clearance car because of the ruts. We turned around after a couple miles and returned to the main road. A couple miles further down there is a sign for Toadstool Park, and this 11 mile gravel road is well maintained. You can also come in from the nearby town of Crawford, but I understand that gravel road is longer, but still well maintained.

We hiked the short trail loop and it was a great time. A highlight of a 5 day camping trip. The trail was a good mix of terrain about half flat and climbing. You could always walk have if trail and back if the up hill is to much.

This was our second time here. Didn’t recall till I found old photos. It is a good drive on gravel roads. But the roads are in good condition. For you hikers you could explore all day. Enjoy the 1 mile loop and make sure you take a pamphlet at beginning to read about each stop. The walk is very easy until like the last fourth of a mile there is some climbing that you need to do. But not very strenuous though. If you are going toward evening I believe the sunset would be very beautiful out there. If you are are the type of people that like to get out and walk around it is worth driving back. But if all you wanna do is go back and look at it yes the Badlands are about the same, in my opinion.

Out of all the geological places we visited in Western Nebraska this was my favorite. Unusual, cute, and was an easy hike around the park- the formations did look like toadstools and some are like flaky biscuits. A 15-20 minute of gravelly dirt road to get here.

I also recommend Scotts Bluff National Monument, Chimney Rock, and Courthouse & Jail Rocks, all very close to each other (Nebraska-travel-distance standard, of course)

We stopped on an unseasonably mild Saturday between Christmas and New Year’s Day. It’s $3 to park, on the honor system. We had the place to ourselves. Very peaceful. There’s 3 trails. We only did the 1 mile loop. Get a map/explanation flier at the entrance gate. It was a bit confusing only because I was shocked they not only allow people to climb the rocks but it’s on the trail. I’m afraid of heights and there was a few areas I held my breath, but it’s nothing crazy. Down a long dirt road from both directions. This place is not near gas, restaurants or hotels. You can camp. It was a great stop to stretch our legs and get some exercise during a road trip.

This geological park is a gem down a gravel road in Western Nebraska. The little campground has a few permanent picnic tables with covers and camping pads, a bathroom, but no park rangers or staff. Entrance to the trails is free. You come for the rocks, and there are many! Don't miss picking up a little guide map at the trail entrance. It will point out the one-of-a-kind ancient rhino footprints and talk about how the windblown formations got their name. The abundant fossil beds are not for collecting - this site has special protection - but you will be amazed at the river bed, agate layers, and pure beauty of the sandy hills here covered in strange shapes. You will genuinely feel like you landed in Luke Skywalker's backyard on Tatooine. The well-marked, short trail may take a half hour if you rush or an hour if you love to wander. Talk a 3 mile trail walk across the hills and find yourself at the The Hudson-Meng Bison Kill center run by the National Forest Service. It may be a 3 mile walk but it take almost an hour to drive to the other side. The kids loved climbing under and over the precarious rock overhangs and looking out for rattlesnakes in the shards. A perfect afternoon side trip from Fort Robinson State Park.

Unique and fascinating landscape. Easy hike from campground trailhead . Use hiking poles for rock scrambles

As other reviewers have noted, you have to drive about 12 miles on gravel to get to Toadstool, but I enjoyed the walk on the trails once we arrived. Great photo ops and a variety of rock formations, and a very interesting sod house that you can enter make this an unusual place to visit. Highly recommend. This is not a place for folks with mobility issues, though. The sod house is easily accessible, but the trails require walking.

This out of the way site was well worth the drive on a muddy road. The formations are really cool. The hike was easy (we are in our 60's). Kids of all ages would love this!

Out of the way but worth the trip to explore what looks like a place that could be the moon. Bumpy dirt and gravel roads take you to the parking area. Take an hour and walk the grounds. Watch for snakes sunning themselves. Keep the kiddos close when walking near the edges of the rock formations as the footing is slick in spots.

It's 10+ miles down a dirt road... then a 1hr walk to the rocks. Beautiful scenery along the way, but not good with small children.

This is a beautiful remote spot. The place name says National Monument, but I don't believe it is. The proper name would be Toadstool Geological Park, and it is part of Oglala National Grasslands, managed by the USDA Forest Service. The loop trail is about a mile long, with about 1/4 of that accessible. We had the privilege to be there during a rain, and then again the next morning. It was beautiful beyond words. I love being there at sunset, and during/after the rain was a real bonus. We all grew about 3 inches during the hike because of the gumbo sticking to our shoes!

This is a cool place to see but I wouldn’t say that it’s a must see. It’s a lot of dirt roads out there and back as well as a really remote feel once you get there. They did have “restrooms” so that was nice but other than that, I wouldn’t stop again.

The road is bumpy but well worth the trip to see Toadstool and Hudsen -Meng. Make sure you have your insect repellent on thick. The mosquitoes are in full force. Also, make sure you have plenty of water. The restrooms are decent before you start your trip. We just did the loop. Half went the full way and half went part of the way and then backtracked to avoid the climb. Enjoy!

Toadstool Geologic Park is a gem in the Oglala National Grasslands, well worth a 16-mile drive over dirt roads. Drive north from Crawford, NE on Route 2, and then follow signs to the park. A one-mile loop trail starts at the parking lot with numbered stops explaining the rock formations, faults, fossils, and trackways. Sturdy shoes, water and sunscreen are recommended. During hot days in the summer, an early morning or late-afternoon visit is more enjoyable (there is no shade). The White River rock strata (the same Oligocene rocks as Badlands National Park) have been eroded into a fabulous miniature landscape of drainages, mesas, buttes, and river channels. There are two types of rock layers: soft light grey clays weathered from a volcanic ash fall about 30 million years ago, and harder tan sandstones from channel deposits and sandbars in an ancient river which meandered across the landscape at that time. The park gets its name from the toadstool-shaped forms resulting from wind and water eroding the soft underlying clay faster than the hard sandstone layers that cap it. One of the layers (the Orella member) has occasional fossils or trackways of land tortoises, oreodonts (sheep-sized herbivores), small deer, three-toed horses, giant pigs, rhinoceros and early camels, long vanished from the landscape. Fossils can be observed but not taken from the park. In the event that the trail brochure is not available, it can be found online by searching on "Toadstool Geologic Park trail brochure". There is a small camping area at the trail head (6 sites; picnic tables, no water; pit toilets). A reconstructed sod cabin gives an idea of the rigors of early pioneer life. Daily use fees are $3 per car, and overnight camping is $5 per night. Seniors with a Golden Age Passport are half price. Nearby is the Hudson-Meng Bonebed, with closely-packed bones of more than 600 extinct bison. A three-mile trail connects the two sites, or about 12 miles driving along dirt roads.

We drove here on our way home from South Dakota. Definitely out of the way on a gravel road, but a unique part of Nebraska. We did the one mile hike and there were maps with a self guided tour at the trailhead.
Very peaceful, nice little campground. There were longer trails also.
Worth the drive if you are in the vicinity.

Very unique spot in the middle of nowhere. The 11-mile gravel road leading to the formations is easily passable with a sedan. This area is similar to Badlands National Park in South Dakota, but still worth a visit. The $3 fee is fair. Camping is available, but the sites are pretty open to the sun. It would be very hot in summer months. No showers, but there are vault toilets. The 1-mile Toadstool Loop trail meanders through the formations. Another trail, the 4.8 mile trail, takes you out to the prairie, which can be very warm too in summertime.

Wonderful state park but hard to get to. The road going in is bad in places but after you cross the railroad and cattle guard it is straight washboard. The larger toadstools have already fallen down but the ones still standing are neat. It is a short walk that only took us a little over an hour and we stopped for a lot of picture taking and to examine a lot of the geology. The campgrounds located at the start of the trail only has 6 sites but it does have bathrooms. There is a sod house located on the south end of the campground that is very interesting.

This is a remote spot, but worth a visit. I went the morning after it rained, and the road wasn't bad at all. However, the 1 mile hiking loop was muddy in some spots. There are trail guides available so you can read about the geology of certain spots. The hiking trail does require some minor rock scrambling, but overall it is doable. Very beautiful views of the canyons and the surrounding area.

This park is in the middle of nowhere but somewhat on our route from Casper Wy to the Black Hills. We saw plenty of high plains emptiness as our GPS guided us to a long dead end on a dusty gravel road

Once we backtracked and found an obscure sign pointing the right way there were more miles of dusty Toadstool road travel before reaching the Park.

Our trip was in early September 2017. The sunny day temperature was 98 F. Since there was no shade we did not hike into the toadstool formations - just took a few photos from the small campground.

The drive north to SD follows a BNSF track. Lots of coal trains for a railroad enthusiast.

This is one of the locations on the "Fossil Freeway" and it is not an easy location to get by car. The roads to this location is by dirt/gravel roads.

There is a $3 charge per day for your vehicle.

You can take the 1-mile self-guided Interpretive Loop Trail which is in the middle of nowhere. The views on the trails are totally worth the walk and drive to this location. One part of the trail had collapsed so you will have to scale a rock or two to get to the other side of the trail.

This is not handicap accessible. There are bathrooms and picnic tables available.

Be sure to keep an eye out for beautiful rock layers, fossil bone fragments and tracks.

Cost: $3.00 per vehicle
Time spent: 2 hours

We went a bit out of our way to go here, but was a great addition to our black hills journey. Some pretty cool geological features on some terrain that is good for hiking. Complete hike through was 1.2 miles.

Talk about the middle of nowhere! The drive in made us a bit nervous about what we were getting into but boy was it worth it! There was hardly anyone at the small park, and it was so quiet that we really enjoyed the walk. It was great to walk up and through the formations and to see the fossils. The tour pamphlet is really interesting but a little confusing as to what you are looking for at times. This place is definitely worth the ride!

Toadstool is well worth a side trip if you are traveling through northeastern Nebraska. We added it to a road trip and were rewarded with fascinating geology. There is a short hike to pass through some of the formations and see the fossil footprints. Definitely pick up a self-guided tour brochure on your way to help you spot some of the unique geology in this area. We were the only people there on a weekday afternoon and it was quiet and serene. Note that there are no trees, so the area is exposed to the sun and also the frequent thunderstorms in this area.

There is a long gravel road to access the park, but it was graded and not too difficult -- though extremely dusty -- when we visited. There is a small campground, but limited facilities and shade. Note that this attraction is very near the Hudson-Meng Bison Kill site.

Toadstool National Park is located north of Crawford, Nebraska. It is well worth the time to take a short vacation to go see it. It is known to the locals as "The Badlands of Nebraska". There are hiking trails through out the area. However, one must be able to climb as some of the area is rough to go through. The scenery is breath taking. In some areas you may feel like you are on the moon. Take the time to go check it out.

Toadstool Geologic Park is located in the middle of nowhere, literally. To get to it, you have to travel 17 miles on a gravel road. The road is in fairly decent shape and I had no problems in a car. However, it might be a little challenging right after a big rain.

The landscape of the park is unique—almost lunar. There is a hiking trail. You can either go up on the rock formations, or there is a 3 mike trail to the Hudson Meng Bison Trail.

We chose to climb the rocks. To do so, simply follow the poles as the path takes you up the rocks. There are a few spots where the trail is narrow with a steep drop off on one side. It is definitely a moderate hike. I would be cautious about going up there with small children.

Tip--Bring water and sunscreen. There is no water at the site and no shade, so we were quite warm when we finished our hike. I would also recommend a hat.

This was such a unique place to explore. It was a little off the beaten path, but so worth the trip. Had a great time walking the trails throughout the park. Truly amazing the wonders of nature.

This place is like what you would imagine the surface of another planet would be!
There are rock formations formed over millions of years that will just blow your mind. Of course, the park's namesake toadstool rocks are the coolest!
There is a well-marked trail to follow - once you find the park.
It is so worth it.

Hitting all 50 states and needed Nebraska marked off. When looking for things to do in Nebraska this park showed up. We love rock formations and hiking!! Restrooms were open actually when we pulled in only 1 other car was there and they were leaving. You travel a few miles via a gravel road.
We hiked and took family pictures.
Was very neat to see all the different forms.

I grew us SW of Crawofd and visited Toadstool Park many times. More recently with my daughter in 2006. The landscape is somehing you might expect to find on another planet, and the geology of the place is intriguing. Sandstone, with layers of Bule clay created nature made pillars and "stools" that resemble toadstools. As softer material eroded away from the pieces of sandstone, it left behind formations resembling a series of toadstools. Rich in histoy, the spot has been on of the very few outcroppings of the Brule Clay formations with this type of sandstone sub structure. Visit my page at http://www.taurus45acp.com/gallelry/index.htm to view recent pictures.

This place was so cool. We almost had the place to ourselves. Several trails to hike and get up close to the rock formations. We really enjoyed our time here.

This was not only one of the best things we did on our recent Nebraska trip, it’s one of the coolest stops we’ve ever made. The formations here occurred as a soft layer of clay and volcanic ash has eroded away under a sandstone cap resulting in amazing geologic formations that reminded us of landforms seen in Roadrunner cartoons. There is a 1 mile looping trail that is accessible for all for the first quarter mile, and then becomes more challenging as you climb up and over formations exploring the site, finding fossilized footprints of ancient birds and wildlife and take in amazing vistas of the surrounding countryside. Who knew that Nebraska could be so beautiful? But it is. This is a definite MUST SEE if you are within 100 miles of the area.

As of this summer (2014), road crews are rebuilding a bridge, so be sure to stop at the information booth (it’s by a caboose) in Crawford to get a map of the detour. It is a challenging drive on gravel and dirt roads, but is highly rewarding as it is among the more beautiful drives my wife and I have ever taken.

We had this beautiful place to ourselves. Did the self guided loop trail and loved it.
Very unique to see the "toadstools" crested from the sandstone rocks and the clay stems.

This place is off the beat and track. Its like a moon scape. Whether your interested in hiking, walking or even biking the trails its a place to see iff your anywhere near here. There is a limited amount of camping spots so plan accordingly. The facilities are primitive.

Very unique rock formation created by wind and water. Unfortunately our visit was clouded and shortened by our broken windshield that occurred on the gravel road by another vehicle passing by. Even if the gravel road was in better condition, it could have happened on a paved road.

Great place for hiking and very quiet. Would also be great for primitive camping. Kinda hard to get to, signs not marked very well

Took the trip from Ft. Robinson. Took about 35 minutes on 2 lane dirt roads. Once we arrived, it was like going to another planet. Truly a different place to visit and explore. Requires a day-use fee ($2), and no one is around, so bring food and water if you plan on staying a while.

Great to look at the earth and how it shapes us. Dinosaur footprints, basalt, volcanism, lots of small animals, and interesting history. You can also hike from here to the Meng Bison kill area about 3 miles away.

Take the trip out to the booneys!

Came across this wonderful place by following the fossil freeway in Western Nebraska and was so glad that I stopped. You follow around the post markers but are free to walk as you wish. While I was careful not to damage any of the formations, there is much more freedom here to walk around and really examine any of the formations. There were two outhouses, picnic areas that double as camp sites and a few panels about the site, but not much else. You do have to travel quite a ways down a dirt road to get there but it is definitely worth it!

this wasn't our first long (11 miles) white gravel road in nebraska. 99% of the other vehicles you see are pick up trucks, so I guess paving the roads isn't a budget priority there. we were in a ford fiesta rental car though. when you get there, there's no visitor center let alone a shop selling tshirts or anything - this is a very small unstaffed site, so you're on your own to explore. there are vault toilets and some signage and a replica sod house, and then you can walk back into the main site. you can camp for up to two weeks, which seems like it would be pretty lonely - also you would have to bring so much water or journey up and back the gravel road for supplies. there is a trail but once you're back there it's more just scrambling around and exploring. there were a few other people there. it's absolutely gorgeous. totally worth the gravel road in a ford fiesta. we were there in late september and it was still pretty hot - there is a longer hike you can do out into the grasslands but we were hot enough to be satisfied with our foray down the one mile loop trail. there are a lot of cool things to see - mysterious marks in the sand, a small pool full of dead iridescent winged insects, rabbit brush, the crumbling dry soil of the formations.

Great campsites and not many people. The grassland is beautiful. Cows on the road near the campsites were a pleasant surprise. Sunset and sunrise were spectacular. We experienced a sense of time slowed down, serenity and peace.

Not worth the trip. it's a long drive down a dirt road, then the park is a dirt path in a cow pasture. the rocks don't even look like toadstools. I do not recommend it. there is other better accessible better scenery. very disappointing.

After a 14 mile drive on dirt roads we arrived at Toadstool Geologic park. Erosion has toppled most of the formations. There's a mile hike with nine markers, we made it to three and turned around. While interesting, I'm not so sure it's worth the drive.

We stumbled onto this site in search of badlands. It was eerie and amazing. Very nice walk. Road to park is not paved in areas. Sod house was very cool. Definitely worth a stop of your on way to Mt. Rushmore.

interesting place to visit if you like to hike around...pick a cool day cos this place can get HOT...

You really don't appreciate the geology of Nebraska until you get out west and see how different it is from the eastern and central parts of the state. Just a warning, the road is dirt and rock. The best way in is from the south side (Crawford). For those of us who like trains, the road is great! We went on a black Hills road trip, were here during a weekday and had the whole park to ourselves. The only noise was an occasionalpassing train or vehicle on the road a mile away.
On a really bright day, photography sucks. Need clouds, low light, or dawn/dusk. We really felt like we were in another world out here all by ourselves. Make sure you are ready to hike when you get here.