The name Makoshika (Ma-ko'-shi-ka) is a variant spelling of a Lakota phrase meaning 'bad land' or 'bad earth'.

Today, as Montana's largest state park, the badlands of Makoshika are set aside for visitors to see and enjoy. In addition to the pine and juniper studded badland formations, the park also houses many fossil remains.

Our visitor center (with a gift shop) at the park entrance, houses a Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil along with other fossil remains and badland interpretive displays. Find out more about Montana paleontology exhibits and activities at Montana Dinosaur Trail.

Included within the park are scenic drives, hiking trails, 28 camping sites, a group picnic area, and an outdoor amphitheater.

The park offers special events throughout the year, including Montana Shakespeare in the Park, Friday night campfire programs and youth programs in summer, and the famous Buzzard Day festival, the second Saturday in June, featuring 10k & 5k races, a fun run, jumping house, food, disc golf tournament, hikes and more!

Visitors are asked not to bring metal detectors, and no digging, collecting, or removal of fossils and artifacts is allowed.

Park size: 11,538 acres. Elevation: 2,415 feet.