petrified forest of the black hills

We had a little trouble finding the place, as the signage on the Interstate Highway is not good. We ended up passing the exit and had to turn around and go back a couple of miles. When we got there the gate at the bottom of the hill was closed and someone opened it for us. We got up to the forest and nobody was there to look after the place. But soon the lady drove up and got things opened up for us and another couple. We started off watching a 20 minute video about the geological formations in the Black Hills area. Then went through the museum that had oodles of interesting things, from petrified wood to tortoises'. Then we were given a map of the forest and what to look for in a self-guided tour. On the back, was a detailed description of what we were looking at. A quick visit to the gift shop and we were off. All in all it was really cool !!

We stopped here to see the petrified forest but ended up learning a bunch about what makes the Black Hills so geologically unique. It was a great little hike with lots to see along with a geological museum and film to watch. We loved the little hike to see the petrified specimens. We had a great time!

I did this place 40 years ago, and had just as much fun with my boys this time, we took a picnic, and I taught my kids alot about how the forest was created

Wife found this on the myriad of tourist attractions in the Black Hills. At first, I thought like others; tourist trap. Nah--WELL-preserved example; pre-pre-historic evidence of our splendid planet. It was very evident that many of the exhibits had yet to be unearthed, even though so many millennia had passed. The opening video was so completely explained by an experienced geologist, even the simplest of folk could understand the evolution our planet has incurred.Hats-off to the people involved in the preservation of this rare historical occurrence. Tom--from Iowa

This was a nice walk in some cool country. Obviously the petrified wood pieces are the main draw but we found the movie informative and the walk around the grounds enjoyable. We found our visit exceeded our expectations.

They had a big museum and an educational video explaining the Black Hills geological formation. They had a very organized and easy self-guided tour that was very fun and amazing. The rock shop was closed by the time we got done but the staff was nice and friendly. It was a great adventure and was worth the small admission fee!

Didn't know that SD had a petrified forest. First thought that this was another tourist trap, but it's the real deal and very interesting. We spent a couple of hours exploring. There was an interesting film on the geology of the Black Hills area. Very friendly caretaker and a small museum in the back.Paths are not stroller friendly.

My spouse and I spent several hours walking through the forest. Taking pictures and just in awe of the magnitude as to how old the logs were. You are given a 15 minute video it is a little outdated but it talks about how the Black Hills were formed in a layman's terms that anyone can understand. You then walk through a series of displays of samples of petrified wood and other items. The old sea turtles were cool. The ground is a little uneven and some of damage from last years blizzard in October is evident. However, it doesn't take away from the sites. You are given a map and each spot is clearly marked. Some of the views are breathtaking too. The rock shop has items you can purchase. Scotty the owner is a joy to visit with too. He has a lot of knowledge and loves to share it. Definitely recommend. The cost was minimal $6 for Seniors and $7 for Adults.

Never having visited a petrified forest, I honestly had no idea what to expect when I stopped by. However, I was overall very pleased with the experience! Being a free attraction, I was able to simply slowly walk the trail, following self-guided markers with a map I was given at the front desk. The setting was gorgeous, as the forest was positioned atop a mountain, offering a breath-taking view of the Black Hills. The petrified wood itself was fascinating, scattered across and beside the trail. The experience was (in my opinion) culminated at the gift shop, where I was able to purchase original Black Hills petrified wood at very reasonable prices.Honestly, the only thing a disliked about the experience was that the museums and video inside the visitor's center (which I entered before I began on the trail) presented the history of the Black Hills from a decidedly evolutionary perspective. Being a young-earth Creationist myself, I disagreed with much of the information given in the video and the various display cases. However, this isn't to discount the beauty and complexity of the petrified forest.

We thought the video they showed us was a little outdated but it was super informational and made me enjoy the site more. This spot was very cool. Bring some walking shoes and a camera. There were so many things to see and enjoy. Walking up the big hill gives you a beautiful view of the area and looking at all the different kinds of wood really makes you enjoy yourself. My husband, who likes geology, seemed to be in heaven. He loved it and I loved the walk and the sites. It's hard to believe so many cool things are in one spot. The gift shop is a little spendy but that being said, I have the feeling we'll save up for when we go back because there were a few things we REALLY wanted.

Stopped by here on our last day in the Black Hills / Badlands. My recommendation is that you stop here First! By doing so you will be treated to a remarkable display of a Petrified Forest as well as answer the question: "How did all of this beautiful landscape come about?". Great Value for your entertainment & educational dollar...don't miss it!

Remember it as a small child and it has completely changed. A little steep for our travel trailer, but we made it up the rough road. We were pleased with museum and self tour. The gift and rock shop were nice and the extra attention we got from the staff when they showed us how they cut the rock and were very informative. Can't wait to see it again in another 50 years, (LOL just kidding).

It was very educational and awe inspiring. We continued to remark how unbelievable it was that we were touching trees that were millions of years old. The scenery and views throughout the "hike' were bueatiful.

The video was very informative and I left with a complete understanding of how the Black Hills were formed. On the self-guided tour using a map I was able to also see wild turkeys and white tailed deer and woodpeckers. A rare Brontosaurus was unearthed in the area but now resides in San Diego. There are also some nice views from the top of the hill and a view of Bear Butte. Cost was $7.00 Rock shop and gift shops were nice. There are also fossils and dinosaur bones. I am definitely glad I stopped there and will go back again sometime.

I have only seen petrified wood when I was in school. This forest has a lot of info on petrified and natural happenings in this area. I enjoyed the video, museum, and the self guided trail. The gentleman running the forest was very nice and informative.