We’re pretty into our Mesozoic past here in Montana — we do have an official Dinosaur Trail, after all. But if you ever want to walk in the exact same place the dinosaurs once did, all you have to do is make a trip to the badlands of Makoshika State Park.

Makoshika State Park is located in Glendive, where many fossils have been found over the years.
Robert Ashworth / Flickr
The name Makoshika is a variant spelling of a Lakota phrase meaning bad land or bad spirits... but you definitely won't find any of those here.
Makoshika is Montana's largest state park, and there have been all kinds of dinosaur discoveries here over the years.
Brett Whaley / Flickr
From Tyrannosaurus Rex to Triceratops, this is a paleontologist's dream come true.
The visitor center near the entrance will tell you quite a bit about the fossils found here. There's even a full Triceratops skull on display.
KWT-traveler / TripAdvisor
You're even allowed to look for them yourself, if you have the time.

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Makoshika has a lot going on throughout the year, so if you go, be prepared to spend a full day.
RJohnson1975 / TripAdvisor
You'll find plenty of picnic sites, an outdoor amphitheater, and even a campground. Backcountry camping is also allowed.
Much of this park remains wild and untamed, so it's easy to imagine dinosaurs roaming here many centuries ago.
AtomicKitty / Flickr
Aside from all the amazing fossil discoveries, Makoshika happens to be a beautiful and highly underrated park every Montanan should see.
Chapparral / TripAdvisor
It's open all year, but it's easiest to reach (and warmest) from May - October.

Makoshika is definitely a must-see in Montana — and so are these beautiful state parks.

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