36 Million Years in the Making…

Discover Mississippi’s Ancient Forest

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A Petrified Forest isn’t made of ordinary wood.
It’s stone.

Millions of years ago, massive trees were buried in mineral-rich sediment. Over time, minerals replaced the wood, preserving its structure, cell by cell, in remarkable detail.

Today, you can walk among these prehistoric stone giants.

Pile of large moss-covered petrified logs in a wooded area with green foliage.
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A small, green plastic bucket with the Mississippi Petrified Forest information laying on its side on a wooden floor. Various colorful semi-precious minerals are arranged coming out of the bucket and onto the bucket's white lid.
A dirt trail winding through a forest with tall trees on either side and a wooden fence along part of the path.

Gift Shop

Nature Trail

Camper trailers and parked vehicles in a shady, wooded campground with trees and dirt roads.
Hand holding various colorful, rough semi-precious stones and minerals.

Campground

Gem Mining Flume

Proudly recognized as a
‍ ‍National  Natural  Landmark  
for over 60 years

In 1966, the Mississippi Petrified Forest was declared a Registered National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

The National Natural Landmarks Program recognizes and encourages the voluntary conservation of sites that possess exceptional value in illustrating the natural history of the United States.

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