Visit a State Park

Parks Logo Makoshika

State Park

 

 
Open: Jan 1 - Dec 31
Size: 11634 acres
Elevation: 2415 ft
Nearest Town: Glendive

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 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. 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.

See the Makoshika State Park Management Plan for more information about management of this park. Read more about this park in "A Good Time in Montana's Badlands", a Montana Outdoors 2002 article. Also be sure to visit the Friends of Makoshika Web site for more information and photos of Makoshika State Park. Makoshika is part of the Montana Dinosaur Trail, so be sure to visit The Montana Dinosaur Trail Web site for more information. There are 15 dinosaur museums throughout Montana. Teachers, this Indian Education For All Lesson Plan contains History and Science content for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Check out the current weather conditions in Makoshika. Makoshika State Park Brochure

Fees

Directions
Directions

Follow signs thru town on Snyder Avenue in Glendive.
(Lat 47.09, Lng -104.706)

Contact Information
Contact Information

If you have questions or comments please send mail to: Makoshika, Box 1242 Glendive, MT  59330  or call (406) 377-6256 .

Restrictions & Closures
Restrictions & Closures
Management Restriction
No Metal Detectors, Digging, Collecting or Removal of Artifacts.
Pet Restriction
Leash required.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days allowed.
Vehicle Length
Trailer Length is 30 ft.
Activities
Activities
  • Easy Accessibility
    Camping
  • Easy Accessibility
    Picnicking
  • Bicycling
  • Easy Accessibility
    Group Use
  • Snowshoeing
  • Hiking
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Nordic Skiing
  • Interpretive Programs
  • Amphitheater Events
  • Hunting
  • Tours
  • Photography
  • Archery
  • Folf
Campground
Campground
  • Back Country Campsite
  • Camp Host
  • Campground
  • Group Site
  • Tent Site
  • Tent/RV Site
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
  • Amphitheater
  • Extra Vehicle Parking
  • Firewood
  • Information Kiosk/Map
  • Easy Accessibility
    Meeting Room
  • Easy Accessibility
    Museum
  • Park Host
  • Public Phone
  • Visitor Center
Other Recreation
Other Recreation
  • Folf Course
Picnic Site
Picnic Site
  • Fire Ring
  • Grill (Pedestal)
  • Grill (Ring)
  • Group Use - Sheltered
  • Picnic Table
  • Sheltered
RV/Trailer
RV/Trailer
  • Concrete Pad
  • Hookup (Electric - 30 Amp) - Camp host site only.
Sanitation/Water
Sanitation/Water
  • Drinking Water
  • Garbage Bins
  • Pack in/Pack out
  • Toilet (Flush)
  • Toilet (Vault)
  • Water (Pressurized)
Trail
Trail
  • Hiking Trail
  • Interpretive Trail
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

These locations represent physical occurrences (visually confirmed) within the boundaries of the site. Many more species may be present in the area which are not listed because we do not have a visually confirmed record. If you would like to report a species sighting, a form is available.

Abundance Codes
Common Abundance = Common   Uncommon Abundance = Uncommon   Rare Abundance = Rare  
Incidental Occurrence = Incidental   Historic Occurrence = Historic Occurrence   Abundance Unknown = Unknown Abundance