One-Day Itinerary
If these ancient beasts are what pique your interest, consider spending a day in Glendive. Begin your morning with a trip to Makoshika State Park where you can learn how the Montana badlands looked 65 million years ago at the visitor center. Here you will be introduced to the area’s earlier residents, from Tyrannosaurus Rex to the Woolly Mammoth, and learn about the techniques Paleontologists use to find, remove, and protect the ancient fossils found in the park. After touring the visitor center, take a drive on the scenic road through the park to the top of the plateau for an excellent view of the badlands and the heart of Makoshika. When you are done exploring, head back to town and visit the Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum just off I-94 at exit 215. This museum offers a slightly different take on the origin and life of the dinosaur. It displays more complete dinosaur skeletons than any other museum in Montana and presents the fossils from a Creationist perspective.
Two-Day Itinerary
Spend your first day as described above then add another day with hands-on fossil hunting. Contact the Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum or Baisch’s Dinosaur Digs – half and full day excursions are available.