Black Hills Petrified Forest

The Black Hills Petrified Forest is a site with fossilized wood pieces scattered throughout, showing what happens to trees over millions of years underground. The location combines displays of these ancient specimens with walking paths and indoor exhibits that explain the geological process.

The site became known after a Brachiosaurus fossil was found in 1889, and it opened to the public in 1929 as a place for study and visits. This discovery helped scientists learn more about how this region looked in ancient times and how wood becomes stone.

The museum displays exhibits about how wood turns to stone over millions of years and what the natural world looked like long ago. You can see how people today understand and value these ancient remains from the region's past.

Most visits include a video introduction followed by a walk through the forest and museum visit, typically led by a guide who shows you what to look for. The site is part of a resort that also provides lodging, making it easy to spend more time exploring.

The forest holds one of the largest collections of petrified wood pieces found in the entire Black Hills region. Many visitors miss the chance to pick up individual pieces and feel the texture of the stone, which lets you understand how completely the wood has transformed over time.

Location: Piedmont

Address: 8220 Elk Creek Rd, Piedmont, SD 57769, USA

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 08:00-18:00; Sunday 13:00-18:00

Phone: +16057874560

Website: https://blackhillsbadlands.com/business/petrified-forest

GPS coordinates: 44.23031,-103.35546

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:04