Montana State Parks :: Makoshika

Makoshika

STATE PARK

Walk a real dinosaur trail. Montana's largest state park features badland formations and the fossil remains of Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops and more. You'll find a visitor center at the park entrance with interpretive exhibits great for kids.

SEASON AND HOURS
Park
Open daily all year
Memorial Day - Labor Day:10am - 6pm
Labor Day - Memorial Day: 9am - 5pm
May through Sept: Water available

LOCATION
1301 Snyder Avenue
Glendive, MT 59330
Latitude/Longitude: (47.08972 / -104.70633)

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MEET THE PARK MANAGER
Photo of Ryan Sokoloski, Makoshika State Park Manager

Ryan Sokoloski was born and raised in Circle, MT. After serving in the U.S. Army, he started at Dawson Community College, later transferring to the University of Montana – Western in Dillon, where he graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Sciences. During college, Ryan held several different positions with the U.S. Forest Service and Montana State Parks. He currently manages Makoshika State Park where, he said, “I have been having the best time of my life for almost eight years. “

CONTACT

CONTACT INFO
Mailing Address:
Makoshika State Park
PO Box 1242
1301 Snyder Avenue
Glendive, MT 59330

Phone: 406-377-6256
Email: makoshika@mt.gov

Makoshika

STATE PARK

The name Makoshika (Ma-ko'-shi-ka) is a variant spelling of a Lakota phrase meaning 'bad land' or 'bad earth'.

Today, as Montana's largest state park, the badlands of Makoshika are set aside for visitors to see and enjoy. In addition to the pine and juniper studded badland formations, the park also houses the fossil remains of such dinosaurs as Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops.

A newly remodeled visitor center (with a gift shop) at the park entrance houses a Triceratops skull and other badland interpretive displays.

Included within the park are an archery site, scenic drives, nature trails, a campground with 16 sites, a group picnic area, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Makoshika State Park encompasses 11,538 acres at an elevation of 2,415 feet.

The park offers special events throughout the summer, including Montana Shakespeare in the Park, March for Parks, a Summer Youth Program and the famous 'Buzzard Day' in June celebrating the return of the turkey vulture to eastern Montana.

Visitors are asked not to bring metal detectors, and no digging, collecting or removal of artifacts is allowed.

Click here for more information about the Montana Dinosaur Trail.

Activities Available