Makoshika State Park
Overview
To the Sioux Indians, Ma-ko-shi-ka meant bad earth or bad land. Today, as Montana's largest state park, the pine and juniper studded badland formations house the fossil remains of dinosaurs. You'll find a visitor center at the park entrance with exhibits explaining the site's geologic, fossil, and prehistoric stories. Roads and hiking trails let you explore the park's whimsical badlands landscape. Or try out the campground and the park's folf (frisbee golf) course. The visitor center sits just inside the park boundary with an impressive view of the badlands landscape unfolding in the background. The visitor center houses a museum detailing the evolution of the park as well as a gift shop. Visitors can watch a video on Makoshika. Park maps are available free of charge as well as informative brochures on other Montana State Parks and regional attractions. The park is also home to a section of the Montana Dinosaur Trail. More than ten different dinosaur species have been discovered in Makoshika. Significant finds include a complete Triceratops horridus skull (on display at the park's Visitor Center), fossil remains of Edmontosaurus and Tyrannosaurus rex and a nearly complete skeleton of the rare Thescelosaur. There are developed campgrounds throughout the park. Open range camping is also permitted.
Activities
Bicycling
Explore the park by bike on roads and designated trails.
Camping
There are developed campgrounds throughout the park. Open range camping is also permitted. Campers must obey park regulations with regard to off-road travel and fire restrictions when camping in undeveloped areas. Watch for fire regulation information posted at the park entrance or check in at the Visitor Center for updated fire regulation information.
Hiking
Explore the park by foot on designated hiking and interpretive trails.
Historic Sites
Today, as Montana's largest state park, the pine and juniper studded badland formations house the fossil remains of such dinosaurs as tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops. You'll find a visitor center at the park entrance with exhibits explaining the site's geologic, fossil, and prehistoric stories.
Picnicking
The sheltered picnic site provides visitors with tables, fire rings, and grills. The Group Use Shelter is available for public use. The shelter can be reserved in advance.
RVing
RV sites are available, but hookups are only available for campground hosts.
Wildlife Watching
The area is home to abundant wildlife.
Winter Sports
In the winter, snowshoeing and nordic skiing are popular pastimes.
Park Partners
Friends of Makoshika
Friends of Makoshika (FOM) is a non-profit organization that was established in 1992. The purpose of FOM is to promote Makoshika State Park and support park activities. With over 75 members, they are one of the largest park friends groups in the state.
(406) 377-6256Directions
Driving
Follow signs thru town on Snyder Avenue in Glendive.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(406) 377-6256Links
Official URL
http://fwp.mt.gov/lands/site_283890.aspx- Login or register to post comments
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