Makoshika — the name comes from a Lakota phrase meaning “bad land” or “bad spirits.” The Lakota knew what they were describing: 11,500 acres of eroded sandstone badlands in shades of buff, orange, and gray, full of the bones of Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops.
Montana’s largest state park sits right at the edge of Glendive, 40 miles from the North Dakota border. Most travelers drive past it on I-94. That’s a serious mistake.
TL;DR
- Glendive (~4,700) is the largest city in far eastern Montana, sitting on the Yellowstone River near the North Dakota border.
- Home to Makoshika State Park — Montana’s largest state park at 11,538 acres — a genuine badlands with T. rex and Triceratops fossil sites.
- Part of the Montana Dinosaur Trail — the most concentrated dinosaur fossil region in the country.
- Best for: I-94 road trippers, dinosaur enthusiasts, families, anyone wanting eastern Montana’s badlands scenery without crowds.
- Very low competition in search — an excellent SEO opportunity.
Glendive at a Glance
| Population (2020) | ~4,700 |
|---|---|
| County | Dawson County (county seat) |
| Region | Eastern Montana (Missouri River Country) |
| Elevation | 2,069 ft |
| Location on I-94 | Exit 215 (westbound) |
| Distance to Miles City | ~75 miles (~1 hour) |
| Distance to Bismarck, ND | ~220 miles (~3 hours) |
| Best for | Makoshika badlands, dinosaur trail, I-94 road trips, families |
What Makes Glendive Different
Glendive exists at the intersection of two geological stories. The Yellowstone River — the longest undammed river in the lower 48 — cuts through town heading northeast toward its confluence with the Missouri.
The badlands of Makoshika rise from the city’s edge, carved by millions of years of erosion from the same sediment layers that preserved the fossils of animals that lived here 66 million years ago.
Ten dinosaur species have been recovered from Makoshika alone. The Glendive Dinosaur & Fossil Museum in town holds one of the most significant local dinosaur fossil collections in the state — T. rex, triceratops, edmontosaurus, all found within miles of where you’re standing.
The town itself is a working eastern Montana agricultural and energy city — not a tourist town. That authenticity is part of the appeal. You’re here for the badlands and the bones.
For broader trip context, see my Montana cities and towns hub.
The Top 10 Things to Do in Glendive
1. Makoshika State Park
Drive the 7-mile main road through the badlands, hike the Diane Gabriel Trail (a steep 0.7-mile climb to the remains of a dinosaur fossil with sweeping views), and explore the visitor center with its triceratops skull exhibit. The Buzzard Day Festival (second Saturday in June) brings 5K races, disc golf tournaments, and family events in the park. Plan at least 3 hours. Admission $8/vehicle.
2. Glendive Dinosaur & Fossil Museum
One of the better local dinosaur collections in Montana — full skeletons, fossil specimens, and educational exhibits on the Cretaceous ecosystem that once covered eastern Montana. Downtown location.
3. Frontier Gateway Museum
Regional history museum covering eastern Montana’s homestead era, Indigenous history, and the development of the I-94 corridor.
4. Disc Golf at Makoshika
The park has two disc golf courses, including Makoshika Buccaneer Flats — rated the #1 disc golf course in Montana by UDisc app users. 18 holes through badlands terrain.
5. Yellowstone River Fishing
Walleye, channel catfish, and smallmouth bass are the eastern Montana Yellowstone specialties — different fishing from the trout-focused western rivers. Paddlefish snagging below Intake Dam (spring season only) is a unique eastern Montana tradition.
6. Paddlefish Snagging at Intake Diversion Dam
About 17 miles north of Glendive near Intake, the Yellowstone’s spring paddlefish run draws anglers from across the region. Paddlefish — prehistoric, filter-feeding relatives of sturgeon — are snag-fished during their spring migration. Season and regulations change yearly; check Montana FWP.
7. “Yellowstone Caviar” (Paddlefish Roe)
A uniquely Glendive food item — the roe harvested from paddlefish is processed into a locally prized caviar. During paddlefish season, the Glendive Chamber of Commerce offers the caviar for sale. Available nowhere else in Montana.
8. Makoshika Scenic Drive at Sunrise or Sunset
The badlands change dramatically with the light. Early morning or late evening light turns the formations gold and pink. One of eastern Montana’s most photogenic experiences.
9. Bell Street Bridge Historic Walk
The historic Bell Street Bridge over the Yellowstone River has been converted to a pedestrian span. Good views of the river and the edge of the badlands.
10. Cross Country Brewing
Glendive’s local craft brewery — a surprisingly solid taproom in a small eastern Montana city. Good place to end a day in the badlands.
Where to Stay
| Hotel | Vibe | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Express Glendive | Modern chain, pool | $130–200 | Most travelers |
| Comfort Inn Glendive | Reliable chain | $120–180 | Most travelers |
| La Quinta Inn Glendive | Budget chain | $100–160 | Budget |
| Makoshika Campground | In the park, basic | $15–30 | Campers |
| Makoshika Yurt/Tipi | Unique park accommodation | $40–60 | Families wanting adventure |
Glendive is one of Montana’s most affordable overnight cities.
Where to Eat
- The Gust Hauf — classic sports bar since 1965, brick-oven pizza and local microbrews
- Bloom & Vine Coffeehouse — breakfast, lunch, and wine bar in the historic Greenhouse building
- Jordan Steakhouse — steaks and standards
- Yellowstone River Pizza — reliable pizza
- Cross Country Brewing — craft beer
Getting There
Glendive sits directly on I-94 at the eastern end of Montana.
From Miles City: 75 miles west, about 1 hour.
From Bismarck, ND: 220 miles west, about 3 hours.
By plane: Dawson Community Airport (GDV) has limited service. Billings (BIL) is the practical air option, about 220 miles west.
What Glendive Unlocks
Montana Dinosaur Trail
Glendive anchors the eastern end of the Montana Dinosaur Trail — a network of 14 institutions across the state with major dinosaur collections. The trail continues west through Miles City (Carter County Museum), Jordan (Garfield County Museum), Havre, and Bozeman (Museum of the Rockies).
Miles City (1 hour west)
Cowboy Capital, Bucking Horse Sale. See Miles City guide.
North Dakota Badlands (3 hours)
Theodore Roosevelt National Park starts about 100 miles east in North Dakota.
When to Visit
Summer (June–August) is peak — all park facilities open, Buzzard Day festival in June, paddlefish season in spring.
Fall (September–October) is excellent — fewer crowds, cooler temperatures for hiking.
Winter is cold and very quiet. The park stays open but visitor center hours are reduced.
Spring (April–May) is paddlefish snagging season at Intake.
Personal Tips
Go to Makoshika in the early morning or evening. The midday heat in summer is intense at lower elevations. Early light is better for photography and dramatically cooler for hiking.
The disc golf courses are a sleeper activity. Even non-disc-golfers enjoy Buccaneer Flats — the badlands terrain is otherworldly.
Try the Yellowstone Caviar if it’s available. It’s genuinely good and completely unique to this region. Not widely available outside of paddlefish season.
Makoshika campground books ahead. Only 15 sites, and summer weekends fill. Reserve at stateparks.mt.gov.
Glendive Quick Facts
| Founded | 1880 (Northern Pacific Railroad) |
|---|---|
| Named for | Glendive Creek (origin disputed) |
| Makoshika State Park | Montana’s largest state park, 11,538 acres |
| Dinosaur species found in Makoshika | 10+ species |
| Average summer high | 91°F (hottest in Montana) |
| Average winter low | 4°F |
Conclusion
Glendive is the place you stop expecting to spend a night and end up spending two. Makoshika delivers genuine badlands drama without the crowds of South Dakota’s Badlands National Park. The dinosaur fossil context is real and pervasive. And the paddlefish caviar is unlike anything else in Montana.
Have a Glendive question? Drop it in the comments — I read every one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glendive, Montana worth visiting?
Yes — Glendive is worth visiting primarily for Makoshika State Park, Montana’s largest state park and a genuine badlands with 10+ dinosaur species including T. rex and Triceratops found within park boundaries. The Glendive Dinosaur & Fossil Museum, paddlefish snagging at Intake Dam, and the unique Yellowstone Caviar experience make Glendive one of eastern Montana’s most rewarding stops.
What is Makoshika State Park?
Makoshika State Park is Montana’s largest state park at 11,538 acres, located on the outskirts of Glendive. The park features dramatic badlands formations carved from Cretaceous-era sedimentary rock, hiking trails, disc golf, a campground, and a visitor center with a triceratops skull on display. Ten dinosaur species have been found in the park including T. rex and Triceratops.
How far is Glendive from Miles City?
Glendive is approximately 75 miles east of Miles City on I-94 — about a 1-hour drive. Together they form the two main stops for eastern Montana I-94 travelers.
What is paddlefish snagging near Glendive?
Paddlefish are prehistoric, filter-feeding fish related to sturgeon that migrate up the Yellowstone River each spring. During the legal snagging season (typically April–May), anglers use large weighted hooks to snag the fish during their migration below Intake Diversion Dam about 17 miles north of Glendive. Paddlefish harvested by permit can yield roe processed into the locally famous “Yellowstone Caviar.”
What is the Montana Dinosaur Trail?
The Montana Dinosaur Trail is a network of 14 museums and fossil sites across Montana that together form one of the world’s most concentrated dinosaur fossil destinations. Glendive anchors the eastern end of the trail; the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman anchors the west. Participants can get a passport stamped at each institution.
How hot does Glendive get in summer?
Glendive is one of the hottest cities in Montana in summer, with average July highs of 91°F and occasional peaks above 105°F. Plan outdoor activities at Makoshika for early morning or evening in summer.
