Makoshika State Park

Makoshika State Park
Montana State Park
Rock formations in the park
Country  United States
State  Montana
County Dawson
Elevation 2,566 ft (782 m) [1]
Coordinates 47°03′20″N 104°40′38″W / 47.05556°N 104.67722°W / 47.05556; -104.67722Coordinates: 47°03′20″N 104°40′38″W / 47.05556°N 104.67722°W / 47.05556; -104.67722 [1]
Area 11,531 acres (4,666 ha) [2]
Established 1953 [3]
Management Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Location in Montana
Website: Makoshika State Park

Makoshika State Park ("ma-KO-sh(ih)kuh" from the Lakota Maco sica, meaning 'bad land' or 'land of bad spirits')[4] is the largest of Montana's state parks at more than 11,000 acres (45 km²).[2] It is located to the east-southeast of Glendive. The park encompasses badlands containing dinosaur fossils and rock from the Hell Creek Formation. Fossils from dinosaurs such as Triceratops are found there. In 1997, a fossil Thescelosaurus was found at Makoshika by an expedition led by Jack Horner and Bob Harmon. Birds such as turkey vultures, prairie falcons and eagles make their homes here.

Activities and amenities

The park features a visitors center with geology and fossil displays, scenic drives, nature trails, 28-site campground, archery area, amphitheater, and group shelter. Events include the annual "Buzzard Day" celebration.[4]

Panorama of part of Makoshika State Park in eastern Montana. View is to the west from the Cap Rock Trailhead.

References

  1. 1 2 "Makoshika State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. 1 2 "Now You Know". Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. 2017. Retrieved June 13, 2018. Largest—Makoshika near Glendive, with 11,531 acres.
  3. ↑ "Park Origin by Date". Montana State Parks. 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
  4. 1 2 "Makoshika State Park". Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
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