Makoshika State Park is the largest state park in Montana, and although it may be far from other popular destinations in the Great American West, it is worth it to add this stop and enjoy some of the most unique views in the United States.
If you are wondering about the reason for this particular name, the origin lies in the word Maco sica, a Lakota word that is commonly translated into English as bad land. In fact, the badlands take center stage in this park due to the unusual shapes created by hundreds of years of erosion.
PS: Are you interested in visiting the Big Sky Country? Read our article about the places to visit in Montana.
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Location, Directions, and Other Useful Info
Makoshika State Park is located in Montana about 40 miles from the border with North Dakota, on the outskirts of the small town called Glendive that runs along the course of the Yellowstone River.
The park is open every day of the year from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. However, if you are interested in stopping by the Visitor Center or visiting the exhibits housed there, keep in mind that the hours of operation vary throughout the year. During the summer months (June 3 through the third Sunday in September ) it is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, while during the rest of the year it is only open Wednesday through Sunday during the regular hours.
It is closed only on state and federal holidays except for Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day. To access the park, admission is $8 per vehicle or $4 per person if you enter by foot, bicycle or bus.
Makoshika State Park Trails
Hoodoos, gullies, and natural bridges created by erosion are the main attractions of this park. The scenic points to see these attractions can be easily reached by car. This park is famous for being part of the Hell Creek Formation, which is one of the places richest in dinosaur fossils in the world. The remains of more than 10 different species of dinosaurs have been found in this area, including an almost complete skeleton of the rare Thescelosaurus, as well as the more famous Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops.
Stop by the Visitor Center to find out more. There is a permanent exhibit devoted to dinosaur fossils that continue to be unearthed each year within the park.
Here is a list of short and easy trails that can be completed in a short time, but still allow you to enjoy the beauty of the area.
- Bluebird Trail: This is a mile-long walk round trip that starts from the Visitor Center parking lot. Therefore, calculate about 30 minutes to complete this trail. Although it is not the best of the ones you can take, if you have time on your hands, it will still allow you to get an idea of what awaits you inside the park, and perhaps stretch your legs after parking your car.
- Cap Rock Trail: A 0.5-mile loop that is easy to walk, but will still allow you to observe views from a somewhat elevated position. You can even see a small natural bridge. Just be careful because some spots (especially if it has rained recently) can be a bit slippery.
- Kinney Coulee Trail: This is a loop about a mile and a half long and is definitely one of the trails I recommend because it will allow you to see the hoodoos up close. Watch your step, since the ground can be slippery here too.
- Ponderosa Trail: A 1.25-mile loop through a relaxing prairie and forest that takes you to the view of the park’s highlands.
- Diane Gabriel Trail: During this loop that is about a mile long, you will climb steps to a vantage point where you can view the area’s unique rock formations from above and walk where dinosaurs once trod. In fact, it is not uncommon to come across fossil remains as you walk along the trail.
Montana Shakespeare in the Park deserves a special mention. This is among the most successful events organized in Makoshika. During the summer months, dozens of fans or people who are simply curious gather in the amphitheater to watch Shakespeare’s plays in an atypical setting.
Where to Stay in the Area
If, on the other hand, you want to take a look at possible alternative accommodations, click on the link below for an overview of all available hotels in the vicinity.
