Makoshika State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Makoshika State Park |
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Rock formations in the park
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 Makoshika State Park
Location in Montana
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| Location | Dawson County, Montana, United States |
| Nearest city | Glendive, Montana |
| Area | 11,538 acres (4,669 ha) |
| Elevation | 2,566 ft (782 m) |
| Designation | Montana state park |
| Established | 1953 |
| Visitors | 93,150 (in 2023) |
| Administrator | Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks |
| Website | Makoshika State Park |
Makoshika State Park is a super cool place in Montana! Its name, "ma-KO-sh(ih)kuh," comes from the Lakota language and means 'bad land.' But don't let the name fool you – it's actually an amazing area full of unique landscapes. This huge park is near Glendive, Montana. It's famous for its "badlands" which are rocky, eroded hills. You can even find real dinosaur fossils here! Makoshika is the biggest state park in Montana, covering over 11,000 acres.
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Makoshika State Park: Montana's Badlands Adventure
Makoshika State Park is a special nature area. It's a place where you can explore and have fun outdoors. The park protects a unique type of land called badlands. These badlands have amazing rock formations and are home to ancient secrets, like dinosaur bones!
A Look Back: Park History
People have wanted to protect Makoshika for a long time. Back in 1938, local leaders in Glendive thought it would make a great national park. They wanted more visitors to stop in their town. However, the National Park Service decided it wasn't quite big enough to be a national park.
So, in 1939, Makoshika became a state park instead! Dawson County gave 160 acres of land to start the park. Later, in 1953, they donated another 80 acres. Over many years, the state added more land from different owners. This helped Makoshika grow into the huge park it is today.
Dinosaur Discoveries!
Makoshika State Park is a treasure chest for dinosaur fans! Many amazing dinosaur fossils have been found here. Imagine finding bones from giant creatures that lived millions of years ago!
- Triceratops: In 1991, scientists found a huge skull from a young female Triceratops. This skull weighed 600 pounds and was 5.5 feet long! You can see this incredible skull at the park's visitor center.
- Thescelosaurus: Another exciting find happened in 1997. An expedition led by famous paleontologist Jack Horner discovered a Thescelosaurus fossil. It was thought to be the biggest and most complete skeleton of its kind ever found!
Wildlife Wonders
Even though the badlands look rugged, many animals call Makoshika home. If you visit, keep an eye out for some cool birds flying overhead.
- Turkey vultures: These birds are known for their excellent eyesight. They help keep the park clean by eating dead animals.
- Prairie falcons: These fast birds are skilled hunters. They can be seen soaring through the skies.
- Golden eagles: These majestic birds are among the largest birds of prey in North America. They often nest on high cliffs.
Fun Things to Do at Makoshika
Makoshika State Park offers lots of activities for visitors of all ages. It's a great place to explore nature and learn something new!
- Visitor Center: Start your adventure here! The center has cool displays about the park's geology and the dinosaurs found there.
- Scenic Drives: Take a drive through the park to see amazing views of the badlands.
- Nature Trails: Hike on different trails to get up close to the unique rock formations and plants.
- Campground: You can even camp overnight under the stars!
- Archery Area: Practice your archery skills in a special designated area.
- Amphitheater: Sometimes, events and talks are held here.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a meal outdoors with family and friends.
- Special Events: The park hosts fun events like the annual "Buzzard Day" celebration.
