Makoshika State Park

Makoshika State Park

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Tripadvisor (229) · State park in Glendive, MT
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Montana’s largest state park features badland formations and the fossil remains of Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and other prehistoric life. You’ll … See more

Reviews

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4.5/5 · 229 reviews
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4-star
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Aug 22, 2024
What a unique, beautiful park! We did some of the hikes in the hot hot heat. Make sure to bring plenty of water, especially in the summer! Some of the shorter hikes are still kind of hard. The terrai… Full review by Emily L
Aug 11, 2024
For some reason, Tripadvisor does not list Glendisaurus as something to see and do! So I will attach photos below - cutest dinosaur ever!!!! Ask for directions outside of town to Hollecker Lake and s… Full review by catieb2013
Jul 4, 2024
The Center staff had not hiked the trails and sent us onward showing us a map and telling us a trail was short and easy when almost 2 hours later it was most certainly difficult! This was our last d… Full review by F474GXmaryp
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Articles

Makoshika State Park is the largest state park in Montana with 11,400 acres. Dinosaurs inhabited the badlands of Makoshika and visitors can s…
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Facts

Area:46.69 km²

Questions & answers

Q:
Can you walk trails with leashes dogs?
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Yes. Pets are allowed.
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Q:
When is the visitor center open
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Visitor center hours are 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day, and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Labor Day through Memorial Day.
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Q:
Is the entire park dog friendly, or just outdoors?
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I have witnessed small, lap dogs in the Interpretive center. But they were being held by their owners. I doubt a large dog would be very welcomed in the interpretive center among all the …
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I have witnessed small, lap dogs in the Interpretive center. But they were being held by their owners. I doubt a large dog would be very welcomed in the interpretive center among all the nice displays. Here in Montana though, the outdoors are a pets paradise. But yes, you will have to be concerned about our prickly pear cactus, ticks, and large predators on the west side of the state as previously mentioned. The ticks and the cactus are probably your biggest worry in eastern Montana. Come and enjoy!
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Q:
Can you dive an atv in the park?
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Only on the public roads, and only if your ATV is licensed. There are no ATV trails or any other off road trails for ATVs inside the park. However, there is a super nice and very large ATV …
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Only on the public roads, and only if your ATV is licensed. There are no ATV trails or any other off road trails for ATVs inside the park. However, there is a super nice and very large ATV /motorcycle riding area on Bureau of Land Management lands just a few miles from the park, south of Glendive on HWY 335.
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Q:
Are there places to hike in the park that are easy to do? Can you drive around the park to lookout points?
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Hiking and driving: The park can generally be visited with a vehicle. Upon entering from Glendive, the road is paved, and as you drive up into the hills, the road becomes gravel, and, …
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Hiking and driving: The park can generally be visited with a vehicle. Upon entering from Glendive, the road is paved, and as you drive up into the hills, the road becomes gravel, and, finally, a dirt road, which can frequently be closed due to rain. Hiking on the road is what most campers do, with the hills being steep but the roads and trails are well-maintained. The "badlands" views from the road are great. Be aware that off-road and trails may have rattlesnakes, and it is sunny, so stay covered. If you go, be sure to make it to the amphitheater.... a great place to observe the park.... and a starting point for a serious hike into a strange part of our planet.
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Frequently asked questions

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Highlights

Tips

Be sure to check on the current fire risk before visiting to learn about road closures and safety information. It will also allow you to make safe decisions on campfires.
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Buccaneer: Drive or hike 1.1 miles south of the Visitor Center and head out on the Buccaneer Trail, which travels 0.7 miles west until you reach the park boundary. You'll find the disc golf course at …
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Camping Equipment. Campers visiting Makoshika State Park will want to create and utilize a camping checklist before leaving for the park.
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Sunglasses and Sunscreen. The sun at Makoshika State Park can be bright and intense during the summer months. Wearing sunglasses and sunscreen is the best way to protect yourself from higher UV rates.
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Start at the Visitor Center. The best place for a visitor to start their Makoshika State Park trip is at the park’s visitor center.
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You may want to consider bringing along a picnic lunch since options will be limited for food and beverages once inside the park. Stop at one of the grocery stores in Glendive and fill up a cooler wit…
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If hiking, be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection. Be mindful of your footwear and plan on bringing toe-covered shoes with good traction.
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Water and High Energy Snacks. Water is essential for every outdoor trip and activity. Our State Park Visitors Guide suggests bringing high energy snacks which are also essential for extended trips out…
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Metal detectors are strictly prohibited inside the park as is the removal of artifacts or fossils.
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Dust off the Mountain Bike. Several trails within Makoshika State Park are designated for both hikers and mountain bikers. Popular trails amongst mountain bikers in the park include the Ponderosa Trai…
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Check in: Nov 3 · Check out: Nov 4

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