Nate Luebbe
Makoshika. The name comes from the Lakota language and is often translated as “bad land” or “great desolation”—but anyone who’s stood at the rim of its painted canyon at dusk knows that’s underselling it considerably. Montana’s largest state park sprawls across more than 11,000 acres of sculpted badlands just outside Glendive, a welcoming Yellowstone River town with deep roots in the fossil record. This three-day itinerary pairs Makoshika’s world-class geology and stargazing with Glendive’s museums, river access, local eats and Dinosaur Trail discoveries.
Makoshika State Park, Glendive, Nate Luebbe
Start in Glendive with a visit to the Frontier Gateway Museum along the Montana Dinosaur Trail. Glendive sits in the heart of the Hell Creek Formation—one of the world's most productive dinosaur fossil beds—and the museum brings that history to life with exhibits spanning from prehistoric times well into the twentieth century, including a full-size skeleton cast of "Margie," a Struthiomimus found near Glendive in the early 1990s.
After the museum, take a walk along the Yellowstone River, grab a Burger Trail dinner in town and head up into Makoshika State Park for a first look at the night sky. The drive takes only a few minutes from downtown, and even from the lower parking areas, the sky opens up dramatically. Let your eyes adjust and take your time—this is just the preview.
Overnight in Glendive.
The Historic Bell Bridge, Glendive, Kristi Powell
Today deserves an early start. Head back up into Makoshika as the morning light hits the canyon walls. The park has several trails ranging from easy walks to more rugged ridge climbs. Keep your eyes on the ground as well as the horizon: fossil fragments, including pieces of Triceratops and T. rex, have been found throughout the park. Look, but don’t collect—fossils in state parks are protected.
Spend the afternoon exploring the upper reaches of the park, or drop back into Glendive for a meal and a rest before the evening.
Return to Makoshika after dark for the main event. The park is a Trail to the Stars stargazing site: the elevation, open horizons and distance from significant light sources combine to produce skies that stun even experienced stargazers.
Overnight at the Makoshika State Park campground or in Glendive.
Makoshika State Park, Glendive, Visit Southeast Montana
Rise early and take one more walk through the park before the day heats up. The morning light is soft, the canyon is quiet and raptors are often visible hunting along the canyon walls. Before you leave Glendive, stop for breakfast at a local spot and take one more pass through downtown—the town rewards a little lingering.
