Scripture Rocks Heritage Park contains a well-maintained set of trails that meander among the park's namesake. The rocks here were carved in the early 1900s by Douglas M. Stahlman. The park includes several placards and a trail guide (for $1 donation) that explain the sad and curious story of Stahlman, and the history of how the scripture rocks came to be. The trails are color-coded, with the various carvings all clearly numbered along the way. (The numbers correspond to the listings in the trail guide.)
The park is clearly marked by a large road sign. There is plenty of free parking. The park also has several picnic tables, a small picnic pavilion, and maybe the cleanest outhouse bathroom we've ever seen, at least the day we were there. There is also a shed with many brochures for other regional attractions. The park is free, but donations are welcome in cash donation receptacles.
This is a small park, with relatively short trails that could be walked in an hour or less. But you can spend a lot longer time here, hours easily, if you stop at each rock carving along the way. The rocks are really works of art. The carvings are purposeful, intricate and truly fascinating to explore and investigate. You of course cannot deface, move, or alter the rocks in any way. But you can touch and trace and climb on the rocks. I crawled up on several rocks and traced the etchings with my finger. That alone was an effort that was tough on my knees and my back. I cannot even imagine the stress Stahlman put on his body to create these engravings in stone--truly awe-some!
Scripture Rocks is a free public park with something here for religious and secular visitors alike. My husband and I are not religious nor Christian. But we had a serene time exploring the grounds, discussing along the way, stopping to contemplate and meditate, and just admiring the beauty of the carvings and the grandeur of the rocks. We were on a road trip to the area, and greatly enjoyed our time at Scripture Rocks. What a gem of an art, history, and nature attraction all in one in this lovely park. read more