Kansas Museum of History | Topeka

The Flaxville Fossil Site is a geological formation located near Glendive, Montana, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The site consists of exposed sedimentary rock layers, primarily sandstone and shale, exhibiting distinct horizontal stratification. Colors range from light tan and ochre to reddish-brown, indicative of iron content. Erosion has sculpted the landscape into a series of low hills and gullies. Fossilized plant imprints and occasional bone fragments are visible within the rock matrix.

Location & Access Logistics

The Flaxville Fossil Site is situated approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) west of Glendive, Montana. Access is via County Road 102 (also known as the Makoshika State Park Road). The site is located off this road, with unpaved but generally passable tracks leading to designated parking areas. No public transport services operate directly to the site. Parking is available in open, unpaved lots.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Flaxville Fossil Site is composed of sedimentary rocks from the Paleocene epoch, dating back approximately 60 to 55 million years. These deposits represent ancient floodplains and river systems that existed in the region. The fossils preserved here are primarily plant remains, including leaves and seeds, and evidence of early mammalian life, offering insights into the flora and fauna of North America following the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Key Highlights & Activities

Fossil hunting is the primary activity. Visitors can search for fossilized plant material and bone fragments. Observation of geological strata and erosion patterns is also a key activity. No guided tours are offered on-site.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not available at the Flaxville Fossil Site. There is no natural shade. Cell phone signal is intermittent to non-existent. No food vendors are present at the site; visitors should bring their own provisions.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for viewing fossil details is during the morning or late afternoon when the sun angle provides optimal illumination and reduces glare. The months of May through October offer the most favorable weather conditions, with lower precipitation and milder temperatures. Avoid visiting after heavy rainfall, as access tracks can become muddy and impassable.

Facts & Legends

The Flaxville Formation is known for preserving some of the earliest evidence of flowering plants in North America after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. A local anecdote suggests that early settlers occasionally found unusually shaped stones that were later identified as fossilized animal teeth, though specific documented legends are scarce.

Nearby Landmarks

• Makoshika State Park (0.5km East)
• Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum (15km East)
• Yellowstone River (12km Southeast)
• Glendive Municipal Airport (18km East)