description Makoshika State Park Overview
Makoshika State Park is the largest state park in Montana, encompassing over 11,000 acres of heavily eroded badland formations located just southeast of Glendive. The park's name is derived from a Lakota phrase meaning bad land or bad earth. It sits directly on the Hell Creek Formation, making it a highly significant paleontological site containing extensive late Cretaceous period fossils, including remains of Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex. The park offers visitors camping, hiking trails, and an on-site visitor center displaying local dinosaur fossils.
help Makoshika State Park FAQ
Where is Makoshika State Park located?
Makoshika State Park is located just southeast of Glendive in eastern Montana. It is the largest state park in Montana, encompassing over 11,000 acres of heavily eroded badland formations.
Can you find dinosaur fossils in Makoshika State Park?
Yes, the park sits directly on the Hell Creek Formation, an area world-renowned for its rich deposits of Late Cretaceous dinosaur fossils. Visitors can even view a partially exposed Triceratops skull near the visitor center.
What does the name Makoshika mean?
The park's name is derived from a Lakota phrase that translates to "bad land" or "bad earth." This perfectly describes the stark, rugged terrain of the badlands.
What is there to do in Makoshika State Park?
Visitors to Makoshika can enjoy scenic drives, camping, and hiking along trails that wind through the badland formations. The park also features an archery range and an amphitheater carved into the natural landscape.
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