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 you love rocks!

This place is amazing! Being a rock lover the petrified wood was so cool to see. We were lucky enough to have a little bit of rain when we visited and it made the petrified wood so beautiful!!! The museum is done with great detail and the trail is easy to walk. We were allowed to take our dogs which was nice. It is so cool that this place was opened almost 100 years ago 1929. Will definitely be back with grandchildren!

The biblical lecture at the beginning surprised and put me off. Was super glad my child was not in for that part. I would have not given them my money had I known they were probably Christofascists. I skipped the video & museum bc I wasn’t going to risk them trying to slip in more indoctrination. Kiddo enjoyed the hike. The trail was cool. Views were exceptional. The large xylophone made of petrified wood was the highlight for me and the 7 year old. Would not go back for that experience alone. It wasn’t worth $15 for a few minutes of that, I will make my own at home.

That was not what I expected. Let’s start with admission. It was EXPENSIVE for not very much to do. The trail was ok. The dirt road leading up to it was scary! It felt more like a biblical belief, it was odd. Honestly, the gift shop was not that great unless you’re into rocks and stones. The museum was confusing! My son wanted a coloring book that was thin for $10!!! Do not waste your money! Only thing I liked was the views.

It was alright as far as the forest goes. It was a bit short, which is alright. Id say it took us 20 minutes to walk it. There was 2 gift shops, one was primarily rocks, there was a museum and a short video you got to go through before the actual trail. The trail was not cement path or very clear. Bringing smaller children who may have issues walking on difficult terrain may not be ideal. Besides that it was cool there was a small area on the trail where i could see where children would love it.

I live fairly local and have driven by several times. I finally got to go and am happy that I did. It is a lovely little privately owned attraction. Sadly, it's the kind of place that used to be prevalent years ago before everything had to become electric and have a screen, but is rare today. It is a quiet place to reflect on nature, and passage of time and faith. My only (minor) complaint is that the information video we watched would have been so much better if the audio was better quality. Also I will note, that the attraction is primarily a walking tour. While the trail is relatively easy, elderly and physically challenged may have a harder time. But if you can walk the trail, the views are beautiful. I will come again.

This is a "mom & pop" run business. I went as a walk in visitor just for the petrified forest. The way the place is structured so that, you visit the gift shop first and pay for the entry. All the products appropriately relate to the rocks. Then you enter a movie room for an 18 minute movie...but I skipped the movie. Next I visited the museum. It is obviously built by a very gifted hobbyist. It would take days to truly examine every rock. It is very well organized and made with the viewer in mind. Then you exit to the head of the trail. The trail begins with a set of steps going down. You are provided with a laminated map that shows where the trail goes in which direction. Due to my physical disabilities, I followed the trail backwards over a wooden bridge. I saw the last piece of large petrified wood, number 25, and traveled in up to number 20. There is a rock shop at the end of the trail. There are a lot of options to buy things but prices are actually reasonable. The owners are very trusting, helpful and upfront about everything.

What a hidden gem! I wouldn’t necessarily call it a tourist attraction but a natural educational stop. The new owner is very personable and took the time to answer my grandson’s many questions. The hike through the petrified forest was fun and beautiful! The number of stones and gems available for purchase is vast. Also a great little museum.