The Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park was established by the Kansas Legislature in 2018. The 332-acre park encompasses 220 acres of badlands – fragile, but ruggedly spectacular geologic formations adjacent to the 17,290-acre Smoky Valley Ranch. Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park is located in Logan county in western Kansas. For driving directions to the park, click here. More information on the park can be found here.
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park showcases a mile-long stretch of 100-foot-tall spires and cliffs of eroded Niobrara Chalk, a layer of rock deposited about 85 million years ago. Niobrara Chalk was formed by sediment that settled at the bottom of an inland ocean called the Western Interior Seaway which covered most of central North America roughly 140 to 70 million years ago. The sediment became compressed over time, and the seaway floor was lifted by the same tectonic shifting that formed the Rocky Mountains.
The park is the largest expanse of exposed Niobrara Chalk formation in Kansas. Smaller Niobrara Chalk outcrops are commonly seen along U.S. 83 Highway between Oakley and Historic Lake Scott State Park. Monument Rocks is a well-known Niobrara Chalk landmark east of Little Jerusalem.
Explore the Kansas you never knew existed at Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The park is a day use only park, so no camping is allowed.
There are two main trails within the park, the: Overlook Trail, and the Life On The Rocks Trail. Both trails get you up close and offer stunning views of the delicate rock formations. If your wanting to get deeper into the park, Guided tours into the interior are available and must be reserved in advance. To schedule a guided tour please call 620-872-2061.
For more amazing locations in Kansas, click here. For nearby lodging, click here. For a list of the best family activities in the area, click here.