Lemmon's Petrified Wood ParkOle S. Quammen (1871 - 1934)

The Petrified Wood Park in Lemmon, South Dakota was built under the direction of amateur geologist Ole S. Quammen. Construction began in the early 1930s, giving unemployed laborers a much-needed project. The tons of petrified wood and rocks hauled across South Dakota were shaped into a variety of sculptures and spires. The site proclaims itself as the largest petrified wood park and features a museum within one of the wooden buildings that boasts a collection of historical artifacts and antiques from Lemmon’s past. A key attraction within the park is the ‘Castle’; crafted out of petrified dinosaur and mammoth bones.

Ownership of the park was passed to the city in 1954, and maintenance in the 21st century has kept the Petrified Wood Park a popular attraction for Lemmon. The rock structures take up the length of a city block with certain sculptures towering over 20 feet and higher. While the museum and other building interiors are only open during the summer months, the park itself is accessible all year round.

 ~Nikki Ranney, 2023

Sources:

• Michelle L. Dennis, "Petrified Wood Park", [Lemmon, South Dakota], SAH Archipedia, eds. Gabrielle Esperdy and Karen Kingsley, Charlottesville: UVaP, 2012—, http://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/SD-01-105-0097.
• Petrified Wood Park - SouthDakota.com
• Petrified Wood Park – Lemmon, South Dakota - Atlas Obscura

Nikki Ranney

Petrified Wood, Petrified Bones, Rocks

500 Main Ave
Lemmon, South Dakota, 57638 us
Latitude/Longitude: 45.9397567 / -102.1587556

View Larger Map in New Window