Mushroom Rock State Park
Mushroom Rock State Park is noted for its mushroom rock [Rock Rock formations in the United States|formations in the United States|formations]. It is located in the Smoky Hills region of north-central Kansas in Ellsworth County, Kansas, United States.
These rocks are the remains of beach sands and sediments of the Cretaceous Period, the interval of geologic time from about 144 to 66 million years ago. Sandstone and sedimentary rock are held together by natural cement. The concretions that make up mushroom rocks are cemented calcium carbonate. The largest rock measures 27 feet in diameter. Two mushrooms and a giant shoe rock, as well as numerous other rock formations, are in the park.
Mushroom Rock is Kansas's smallest state park, as well as being "one of the eight wonders of Kansas geography." Mushroom Rock State Park is managed by Kanopolis State Park, under regulation of Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. The rock once served as a meeting place for pioneers and Native Americans.