Tuesday, October 07, 2014
Crysta Parkinson @ Well Worn Suitcase
The largest state park in Montana, Makoshika sits on 11,538 acres located just east of Glendive, Montana, in the eastern part of the state on Interstate 94. Follow the signs through Glendive to get there – it is well marked, but does involve a couple of turns in residential areas.
Pronounced Mah-koh’-shi-kah, the park draws its name from a Lakota phrase meaning “land of bad spirits” or “badlands.” The rock formations of this beautiful landscape are well worth the stop.
Visit in summer for Shakespeare in the Park, a summer youth program, or Buzzard Day. Or follow our lead, and go when the park is quiet, to enjoy the real untouched feel of the Montana wilderness. Pack a picnic, or head back into town for reasonably priced eats.
This part of the country is well-known for dinosaur discoveries, and this spot is a great one to learn more about that. Ten species have been found here, and one highlight of the displays in the visitor center is that all of the fossils on display were actually found right there in the park. What a terrific way to spur the imagination! Check out the visitor center, and then head off to make your own discoveries. Imagine yourself as an archaeologist, finding the bones of Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops.
As with all state and national parks, it is important to remind children of the adage: “Take only pictures and leave only footprints.” No souvenirs for the road, and the park does ask that you leave your metal detector at home.
There are several options for enjoying Makoshika, including a six-mile loop of scenic roads, dotted with great spots to pull off and take breathtaking photos. Hiking trails abound, so be sure to bring along sturdy shoes and a bottle of water. In addition, there is camping, and adisc golf course, which is how we chose to spend our afternoon.
Looking for wildlife? Makoshika will not disappoint. Depending on the season, you might find sage lizards, bull snakes, rattle snakes, coyotes, bobcats, muledeer, and turkey vultures.
Pronounced Mah-koh’-shi-kah, the park draws its name from a Lakota phrase meaning “land of bad spirits” or “badlands.” The rock formations of this beautiful landscape are well worth the stop.
Visit in summer for Shakespeare in the Park, a summer youth program, or Buzzard Day. Or follow our lead, and go when the park is quiet, to enjoy the real untouched feel of the Montana wilderness. Pack a picnic, or head back into town for reasonably priced eats.
This part of the country is well-known for dinosaur discoveries, and this spot is a great one to learn more about that. Ten species have been found here, and one highlight of the displays in the visitor center is that all of the fossils on display were actually found right there in the park. What a terrific way to spur the imagination! Check out the visitor center, and then head off to make your own discoveries. Imagine yourself as an archaeologist, finding the bones of Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops.
As with all state and national parks, it is important to remind children of the adage: “Take only pictures and leave only footprints.” No souvenirs for the road, and the park does ask that you leave your metal detector at home.
There are several options for enjoying Makoshika, including a six-mile loop of scenic roads, dotted with great spots to pull off and take breathtaking photos. Hiking trails abound, so be sure to bring along sturdy shoes and a bottle of water. In addition, there is camping, and adisc golf course, which is how we chose to spend our afternoon.
Looking for wildlife? Makoshika will not disappoint. Depending on the season, you might find sage lizards, bull snakes, rattle snakes, coyotes, bobcats, muledeer, and turkey vultures.
