Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A number of extinct animals have been fossilized in the rocks at Toadstool
Geologic Park, such as saber-toothed cats, early dogs, large piglike animals,
small tusked deer, early three-toed horses, and early camels.
12.
Fort Robinson State Park
Thislargestateparkoccupiesthelandofa19th-centuryarmypost.Beforethemilitaryever
arrived, however, the area was Sioux country. In fact, Crazy Horse, one of the tribe's great
leaders, died here—under circumstances that are still clouded in mystery.
Take some time to explore the park's roads, which offer not only fine scenic views of
the countryside but also lead to the grazing grounds of bison herds. It is estimated that
in the past some 60 million of these animals roamed across the Great Plains. Reduced to
near extinction by the late 1800s, the mighty creatures have been making a slow but steady
comeback.
Any time is a good time to observe the herd, but during the later summer months, the
bulls add a special note of drama; stirring up dust with their huge, powerful hooves, they
threatenandchargeothermalesinbattlesovermatingrights.Thewinnersoftheseencoun-
ters are guaranteed the largest harems, which can consist of up to 50 cows, and the calves
are usually born in late May and early June. Watch, too, for Texas longhorns, which can
weigh up to a ton and have horn spans of as much as nine feet.
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