Tanganyika Wildlife Park | Wichita

Makoshika State Park is Montana's largest state park, situated near Glendive in the southeastern part of the state.

Visual Characteristics

The park features badlands topography characterized by eroded sandstone, clay, and siltstone formations. Colors range from tan and brown to red and purple, particularly in the exposed strata. Vegetation is sparse, consisting primarily of prairie grasses, sagebrush, and scattered ponderosa pines and junipers in sheltered areas. The Yellowstone River forms a significant boundary to the north.

Location & Access Logistics

Makoshika State Park is located approximately 3 miles west of Glendive, Montana, accessible via Interstate 94. Take Exit 215 and follow Montana Highway 16 south for 1 mile, then turn west onto the park entrance road. Ample parking is available at the visitor center and various trailheads. No public transport services the park directly.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The badlands formations within Makoshika State Park are the result of millions of years of erosion by wind and water acting upon sedimentary rock layers deposited during the late Cretaceous period. These layers contain significant fossil deposits, including dinosaur bones and petrified wood, indicating a prehistoric environment that was once a lush floodplain.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking is available on multiple trails, including the 1.5-mile Nature Trail and the 2.5-mile Archery Trail, which offer views of the badlands formations. The park is known for fossil hunting opportunities; visitors can search for petrified wood and dinosaur fossils in designated areas. Wildlife viewing includes bison, pronghorn, deer, and various bird species. Scenic drives are possible throughout the park.

Infrastructure & Amenities

A visitor center provides information and restrooms. Picnic areas with tables and shade structures are available. Campgrounds offer basic facilities. Cell phone signal is intermittent within the park. No food vendors are located within the park boundaries; visitors should bring their own provisions.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for hiking and outdoor activities is from late spring (May) through early fall (October), avoiding the extreme heat of mid-summer and the harsh winter conditions. Early morning and late afternoon offer optimal lighting for photography of the geological formations.

Facts & Legends

Makoshika is derived from a Lakota phrase meaning "land of the badlands." The park is one of the few places in Montana where visitors can legally collect small amounts of petrified wood. Dinosaur fossils, including those of Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex, have been discovered within the park's boundaries.

Nearby Landmarks

• Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum (2.5km East)
• Yellowstone River (Adjacent North)
• Makoshika State Park Visitor Center (0.5km West)
• Makoshika Golf Course (1.5km Southwest)