Wall in Pennington County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Plant Fossils
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 19, 2026
1. Plant Fossils Marker
The National Grasslands have experienced significant environmental and climatic changes over time. Plant fossils found here, especially leaves, help scientists infer past climates.
Leafing Through Climate History
Leaf size also reveals rainfall patterns, with larger leaves thriving in wetter environments and smaller leaves in drier areas. By studying the climatic history of our National Grasslands, we gain valuable insights into Earth's story and context for today's climate change trends.
Smooth-edged leaves indicate warm climates, while jagged-edged leaves suggest cooler ones.
[Illustrations of]
• Cypress Forest
• Fossilized Dawn Redwood cones
• Dawn Redwood foliage
Fox Hills [in Badlands strata illustration]
LATE CRETACEOUS [Period]
Consists of marine yellow to gray sandstone with shale interbeds. The Fox Hills shared a mix of terrestrial and coastal environments as the ocean retreated. The region was subtropical and supported a diverse range of flora.
Erected by US Forest Service and Badlands Natural History Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these
this page online
Location. 43° 59.449′ N, 102° 14.489′ W. Marker is in Wall, South Dakota, in Pennington County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and 7th Street, on the left when traveling south on Main Street. Marker is on the National Grasslands Visitor Center grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 708 Main Street, Wall SD 57790, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West River, in the Badlands, and in Greater Rapid City. It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ammonites (here, next to this marker); Mosasaur (here, next to this marker); Brontothere (here, next to this marker); Hoplophoneus (here, next to this marker); Welcome to the National Grasslands
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 19, 2026
2. Plant Fossils Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 19, 2026
3. National Grasslands Visitor Center
Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 19, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
