Makoshika State Park

Makoshika State Park ("ma-KO-sh(ih)kuh" from the Lakota Maco sica, meaning 'bad land' or 'land of bad spirits')[2] is a nature preserve and public recreation area located on the southeast side of Glendive in Dawson County, Montana. The state park encompasses badlands containing dinosaur fossils and rock from the Hell Creek Formation.[2] It is the largest of Montana's state parks at more than 11,000 acres (45 km²).[4]

Makoshika State Park
Rock formations in the park
Location in Montana
LocationDawson County, Montana, United States
Nearest cityGlendive, Montana
Coordinates47°03′20″N 104°40′38″W[1]
Area11,538 acres (4,669 ha)[2]
Elevation2,566 ft (782 m)[1]
DesignationMontana state park
Established1953[3]
AdministratorMontana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
WebsiteMakoshika State Park

Park history

The park saw its genesis in 1939, when Dawson County donated an initial 160 acres to the state. Another 80 acres were donated by the county in 1953. The state acquired additional lands from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Dawson County, and private landowners over the course of the following five decades.[5]

Fossil discoveries

Dinosaur fossils discovered in and near the park include examples of Triceratops and Thescelosaurus. A 600-pound juvenile female triceratops skull measuring 5.5 feet long was unearthed in 1991. The skull is displayed in the park's visitor center. In 1997, a fossil thescelosaurus considered to be the largest and most complete skeleton of its kind was found by an expedition led by Jack Horner and Bob Harmon.[5]

Wildlife

Turkey vultures, prairie falcons, and golden eagles make a home in the park.[6]

Activities and amenities

The park features a visitors center with geology and fossil displays, scenic drives, nature trails, campground, archery area, amphitheater, and picnicking facilities. Events include the annual "Buzzard Day" celebration.[2]

Panorama of part of Makoshika State Park in eastern Montana. View is to the west from the Cap Rock Trailhead.

References
  1. "Makoshika State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. "Makoshika State Park". Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  3. "Park Origin by Date". Montana State Parks. 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
  4. "Now You Know". Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. 2017. Retrieved June 13, 2018. Largest—Makoshika near Glendive, with 11,531 acres.
  5. "Makoshika State Park Management Plan". Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. December 2013. p. 2. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  6. "Makoshika State Park Brochure". Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. July 12, 2019. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.