Makoshika State Park

Montana’s largest state park sprawls across 11,634 acres of striking badlands terrain in Dawson County, just southeast of Glendive. The name comes from a Lakota word meaning “bad land” or “bad spirits,” and one look at the dramatic landscape explains why — eroded buttes, fluted hillsides, and deep coulees create an otherworldly scenery unlike anywhere else in Montana.

What draws visitors here isn’t just the views. Makoshika is one of the state’s richest fossil sites, with dinosaur remains dating back to the late Cretaceous period. Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex fossils have been discovered within the park, and the visitor center houses several impressive specimens worth seeing before you head out on the trails.

Hiking is the main draw, with trails ranging from easy interpretive loops to rugged backcountry routes that wind through the badlands formations. The Kinney Coulee Trail and Cap Rock Nature Trail are popular starting points. Birders should keep an eye out for golden eagles, turkey vultures, and prairie falcons riding the thermals above the ridgelines. The park also offers a disc golf course tucked among the rock formations.

Late spring through early fall is the best window for visiting — summers can be hot, but mornings and evenings in the badlands are unforgettable. Winter access is limited and roads may close after storms.

If you’re crossing eastern Montana on I-94, Makoshika is well worth the detour. This is raw, ancient landscape that most travelers never discover.

Explore Nearby

• Lolo National Forest — National Forest in Montana
• Helena–Lewis and Clark National Forest — National Forest in Montana
• Beartooth Highway — Scenic Byway in Montana
• Sweet Grass Hills — Public Land in Montana
• Pompeys Pillar National Monument and Visitor Center — Public Land in Montana