Exploring Makoshika State Park: 2016

Makoshika State Park

Makoshika State Park ("ma-KO-sh(ih)kuh") is derived from the Lakota meaning "bad earth" or "land of bad spirits". Makoshika is one of the greatest probably little known places in Montana to go hiking, exploring, camping, blue bird watching, look for dinosaur bones, and much more. What does Montana's largest state park (11,531 sq acres) have to offer besides spectacular views, landscapes and rock formations? Amazing trails that wind through natural prehistoric landscapes offering up scenic vistas where you can see for miles, you may find dinosaur bones and maybe even an arrow head or two. (It is illegal to remove artifacts from the park, so please leave for others to find...but take all the pictures you want!) There is also RV camping on the lower portion and tent camping available on the upper portion. The best things to see can not be seen from your car window. Get out, walk the trails, explore and have fun! Oh, and bring water. Water is currently not easily accessible in the park. Check in at the visitor Center located at the entrance to the park. The rangers are knowledgeable and can give you information regarding trails and camping information. The gift shop is a great place to pick up a souvenir from your trip. All photographs are my own work unless stated otherwise. Please give credit if reposting.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Cactus and Flip Flops

Cactus are beautiful in bloom and abundant in the park. Here is a cactus that looks like a foot. Be warned that wearing flip flops in the park might make your foot look like a cactus.

Makoshika State Park's Visitors Center

Just inside the entrance to the park is the Visitors Center. Watch a short informational movie about how the badlands were formed and the dinosaurs that lived there. The visitors center also includes a Triceratop skull and other fossils found in the park. Park Ranger Tom is very knowledgeable about the park and has lots of fun stories to tell. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop and pick up a t-shirt, stuff dinosaur, dinosaur toys, guide books and much more before heading out to enjoy the trails. Have I mentioned bring your own water?

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