Though the effects of wind erosion can be seen throughout the Great Plains, here, it can be seen abundantly. Made of Dakota Sandstone and sedimentary rock, the formations are held together by natural cement. The Dakota Sandstone resists erosion while an underlying softer stone weathers away forming a pedestal. Over millions of years, the violently swirling winds have gradually shaved away the soft sandstone, leaving small islands of resistant sandstone. The two largest formations are approximately 25 feet tall, with caps about 15 feet wide. Another forms what looks like a shoe.

Accounts of the unique geologic formations began appearing in scientific and popular literature in the late 1860's. But, long before then, the unique geological oddities were a landmark for Native Americans. In July, 1844, Captain John Charles Fremont known as "The Pathfinder," traveled eastward across the plains returning from his first California expedition. Frontier scout and guide, Kit Carson, once described it as his  “favorite little place.”

Later, when gold was found in Cherry Creek (now in Denver, Colorado) in 1859, thousands of people wanted to make their way to the Rocky Mountains to find their fortunes. At this time, there was no "official path” all the way across Kansas and the westernmost post was in Salina. But, when the news of Colorado Gold reached Kansas City, pioneers were determined to find a faster way to get there and soon developed the Smoky Hill Trail. The path, which followed an ancient Indian trail along the Smoky Hill River, traveled near today's state park, and early travelers would venture off the trail to visit the rocks.
 

The area around Mushroom Rocks was surveyed in 1862 by the Kansas Pacific Railroad and the first geology reports appeared in 1866 and 1868. Initially, the largest formation was called called Pulpit Rock on Alum Creek. An article in Harper’s Weekly from July 15, 1867 was accompanied by an illustration of Pulpit Rock made from a survey engineer’s drawing. While the Kansas Pacific Railroad later consolidated with the Union Pacific Railroad and no longer exists, the Union Pacific Railroad still runs just south of Carneiro, about ½ mile north of Mushroom Rocks.

Until 1963, the only way to see these fascinating formations was by traveling a rough trail on privately-owned land. However, that year, Ellsworth County constructed a road which allowed access by automobile. Soon afterwards, the Ellsworth County Historical Society secured five acres from two individual owners to be utilized and preserved as a park. The land was then deeded to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. On April 25, 1965, with over 300 people in attendance, Mushroom Rock State Park was officially presented to the state and dedicated as a state park.

A satellite park of Kanopolis State Park, it is designated as a day-use area only. There is no camping allowed. Admittance is free and no permits are required. The park is located one mile south of Carneiro, Kansas in Ellsworth County. It can be reached via a short drive south from K-140 at Carneiro on 25th Road, or by driving west from K-141 via Avenue K, also a county road.

From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Kansas Historic Book Collection - 35 Historic Books on CD - The Historical Kansas Book Collection is a collection of 35 volumes relating to the history of Kansas and its people primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries. Several of the volumes have great period illustrations and portraits of relevant historical figures. Includes such titles as the History of Kansas (1899), History of Kansas Newspapers (1916), All five volumes of A Standard History of Kansas (1918), Pioneer Days in Kansas (1903), and dozens of others.

 Made in the USA.