When you think of national parks in South Dakota, places like the Badlands National Park or Wind Cave National Park may come to mind. The state has many national parks, monuments, and sites, but did you know that there are lost national parks here? The Fossil Cycad National Park is a fascinating part of South Dakota history, it was a 320-acre area in Fall River County that was known to be loaded with fossils of a prehistoric type of fern, or a cycad.

Fossil cycads look like this, and this place was full of them embedded in the ground. It was named as a national monument officially in 1922, and was "probably one of the most interesting fossil-plant beds yet discovered, with the most perfectly preserved specimens, and is known to scientific people throughout the world." It contained prehistoric plants never seen before and was a captivating site for scientists and the average person alike. So what happened? Why is this fascinating piece of South Dakota geology no longer a national park?

The monument had been stripped clean of all the fossils. Many people, including vandals, had already looted all of visible fossils then the land was excavated away to uncover underground fossils in 1935, shown in the picture above. Once it became clear that what once was a marvel for being one of the most extensive fossil plant beds ever was now empty, the title of a national park was taken away in 1957.

Today, the land remains as it was. The construction of a highway through part of it uncovered some more fossils, and many may still lay hidden beneath the earth, but there is no talk of the national title ever being reinstated. The area is beautiful and once held even more fascinating and amazing aspects but unfortunately never will again, not at the same magnitude.

Check out this fascinating video to learn more about the history of this lost park:

Despite losing this park, South Dakota still has many official state and national parks to be seen. If you’re planning a visit to one of our incredible national parks, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

What is your favorite national park to visit in South Dakota? Let us know then check out these state parks in South Dakota if you are interested in exploring those that still exist today.