Ogallala, Nebraska: Petrified Wood Art

The Petrified Wood Exhibit is now called Petrified Wood Gallery, in a new location and their own building at 418 E. First Street, Ogallala.

To be honest, my expectations were low. My wife was excited about it. Obviously, she knew something I didn't.

We walked through the door and every preconceived notion I had vanished. We were greeted by a very nice, soft spoken, elderly gentleman who gave us a quick rundown on the place. There was a gift shop, the displays of the various types of ancient woods and fossils, and the gallery featuring local artists. The layout of the place was incredibly well done. Very professional. All displays were well thought out and very nicely arranged. The artwork was wonderful.

As it turns out, the elderly gentleman who greeted us at the door was Harvey Kenfield, one of the twin brothers who started the collection. There was no admission, but there is a good will donation box.

I went in not expecting much and came out totally blown away. If you are near Ogallala, Nebraska, the Petrified Wood Gallery is a must see.

When I passed through Ogallala in 2000, The Kenfield exhibit of petrified wood had moved out of the house, and into a museum in a strip mall area just north of I-80. I think admission was $3, with a discount for students.

The Kenfield exhibit of petrified wood just south of Ogallala (turn west by the alien water tower) is definitely worth a visit. The Kenfield brothers have a beautifully landscaped yard that leads up to their "museum." In it there are pictures they make from pieces of petrified wood and a great collection of agates.

There is a man, Kenfield, who does sculptures out of petrified wood. They are wonderful! We bought two of them. This was in 1994 or 1995. He had been written up in the Smithsonian or National Geographic. Sounds like it might be something you would like to show.