Black Hills Petrified Forest — Attraction in South Dakota

I was so excited to see a geologic wonder while visiting South Dakota and when we walked in we were met with a woman who started with a conversation about how there are “two historic timelines but only one true timeline” then we were told that they respect free speech and the first amendment. I should have known something was up but then we were shown the ‘biblical timeline and the myth of evolution and the geological timeline’ propaganda on the wall. Then she started to try to “educate” my child about the global flood of Noah. My child, who goes to a parochial school in the UK was uncomfortable. Not to mention told me that wasn’t what she learned in her school. It’s one thing to spout this rubbish to an adult but below the belt to try to manipulate a child.

Everything that was set up past the original room was good, the museum of rocks and minerals was good to look at and thankfully the presentation video hasn’t changed from the geological timeline. The trail was great, and we enjoyed that part. In the gift shop they had a childrens book that suggested Welsh Knights slayed dinosaurs. We bought some geodes instead. This place shelters under free speech. Here’s my free speech: this place is pushing a right wing religious narrative and gives no real information about the rocks or anything remotely geological. Every dollar you give them for the entrance to go on the only thing that is good, the trail, goes to helping them push that narrative. Go visit somewhere else. It was kind of shocking that this place is listed on state sponsored...

So let's start with a discussion of the road that approaches the Petrified Forest the road itself is not bad but I would most definitely not try to do it in a small to low car as it is steep Rocky uneven and somewhat unapproachable. Now for the place itself The Rock Museum itself or the entrance is very run down and very well used it looks like it might not have been updated since the 1970s possibly the early sixties the movie that they have was 6 minutes maybe 4 minutes into it started talking about the belief a fringe groups that say the least that talks about whether the Earth is as old as geological history shows, it also attempted to discuss the validity of whether dinosaurs even existed which was to me a tantamount agreement to the existence of a metaphysical being that controlled the universe as a whole. The trail itself was most definitely not an ADA approved pathway the stairs themselves when walking down more soft to the foot and felt like it was going to collapse at any given time once you got down to the trail the trail was nice although be at the provided guide was limited at best although what can you say after a while Hey look it's a petrified tree it was interesting to learn about how a tree becomes petrified however most of that knowledge was obtained through the internet before I I got to this location. The best thing about it is that I had a free pass that allowed me access to this experience in life and that I didn't have to pay for it a good time...

It's a mom and pop shop and a Rock hounds paradise! We went on Sunday. I called ahead to ensure that they were open as the hours posted to Google were conflicting.

The tour began with an Informational movie (18min) that talked about the geology of the badlands/black hills area and it's formation. There was a museum with many different fossilized specimens and assortments of minerals/rocks.

The trail was beautiful and had some amazing views! We were given a map marked with points of interest. The trail is an easier walk, both uphill and downhill (nothing strenuous). However, there are areas with twisting roots and loose stone/sand; choose footwear accordingly.

At the end we were able to explore the rock shop and gift shop. They have a large and diverse collection of minerals, stones (polished and unpolished) and fossils with a wide range of prices. The woman there, Cat, was kind and very knowledgeable of all the items in the store and was able to answer all of our questions and then some.

Highly recommend this little place especially if...