Makoshika State Park, a Fascinating Place to Visit in Glendive, United States

Makoshika State Park is the largest state park in Montana, spread over an area of about 45 sq. km
.  The state park is located in the eastern of Glendive and the name ‘Makoshika’ is derived from the Lakhota phrase, which means ‘bad land’ or ‘bad earth’. 

The park is mainly known for its fossil remains of dinosaurs, such as Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops. The Makoshika State Park was established in the year 1953. Now, it is considered as one of the top tourist attractions in the region and is visited by tourist from all around the world.

Attractions

 The region comprises stunning badlands which hide dinosaur fossils. It includes rock from the Hell Creek Formation along with the fossils of dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops. During the expedition led by Jack Horner and Bob Harmon, in the year 1997, a fossil Thescelosaurus was recovered from this place. About 100 diverse species of wildflowers can also be found at this place, along with willows, pines, sagebrush-grassland, Rocky Mountain juniper, yucca, rabbitbrush and cottonwood.

The region is also inhabited by birds, like golden eagle, turkey vultures, long-billed curlew, horned lark, upland sandpiper, horned lark, western tanager, great horned owl, pinion jay, Sprague’s pulpit and prairie falcons. 

With the existence of wide varieties of birds, the park is a popular destination for the birdwatchers. There is a visitor centre at the entrance of this park, which includes Triceratops skull and other badland informative displays. Exhibitions like “A Moment of Dinosaurs” and “Ages of Erosion”, helps the visitors to gain knowledge about the fossils and landscape found in the area.

Activities

There are plenty of things for enjoyment of the visitors at this place like archery site, nature trails, camping sites, scenic drives, picnic area and an outdoor amphitheater. Visitors are allowed to camp from 1^st May to 30^th September with a charge of $ 12 per night. The place also offers three excellent hiking trails. Cycling is also offered at this place, which allows you to explore the interesting landscapes of this region. A golf course is also there for the enjoyment of the visitors.

Besides all these, the park also organizes special events throughout the summer season, such as Montana Shakespeare, Summer Youth Program, March for Parks and the renowned Buzard Day, which is celebrated in June for the return of the turkey vulture to the eastern part of Montana.

Facilities Offered

The Makoshika State Park also provides various types of facilities for the visitors, like the vault toilet, drinking water, picnic tables, grill or fire rings and trash cans.

Opening Time: The Park remains open from 9 am to 5 pm during all days of the week.

Entry Fee: It charges $ 1 per person and $ 5 per vehicle.

Best Time to Visit

As there is no specific season mentioned to visit the park, it can be visited throughout the year.

Accommodation

Even though camping is allowed in the park, staying in Glendive is a better option during the summer season. The town facilitates considerable number of accommodation facilities that range from budget to mid budget.