Outdoors
Trail to the Stars!
Eastern Montana has breathtaking night skies that offer a mesmerizing display of stars and constellations and Glendive is one stop on the Trail to the Stars! Away from the city lights, the vast open spaces of this region provide the perfect backdrop for stargazing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you're camping under the stars or simply taking a moment to look up at the night sky, experience the clearest night skies in Glendive at Makoshika State Park.
Makoshika State Park
The state park encompasses badlands containing dinosaur fossils and rock from the Hell Creek Formation. It is the largest of Montana's state parks at more than 11,000 acres and over 20 miles of hiking trails. Makoshika has two disc golf courses, an archery range and multiple camping options from a yurt to a sheep wagon. The recently refurbished visitor center houses the Triceratops skull, and provides additional interpretive displays significant to the badlands. Makoshika State Park is also one of two stops in Glendive on the Montana Dinosaur Trail.
Short Pines OHV
This large area offers over 2,240 acres of public land that is open to all vehicle types. The area is open year-round but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months or after a light rain since the trails can get very dusty during dry weather conditions.
Historic Bell Street Bridge
The Bell Street Bridge stands as a symbol of the city's rich history and resilience as the oldest sell truss bridge in Montana. Constructed in 1926, this historic bridge continues to connect people on either side of the Yellowstone River. Its sturdy steel structure and classic design harken back to a bygone era, offering a glimpse into Glendive's past while remaining an integral part of its present landscape.
Archery and Gun Ranges
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks operates a rifle shooting range about 3 miles west of Glendive on Highway 200 S. It offers shooters an area to sight in their guns up to 100 yards. The range has a covered shooting area, latrine, and four different targets distances.
Makoshika State Park’s archery range located in the Southern area of the park near the Lions Club Camp. There are two courses each with 14 shooting stations with targets at different yardages and shooting difficultly. The park hosts special archery events during the summer months. The range is free to use and open to the public from May 1st (weather permitting) till weather permits.
Hunting and Fishing
The region provides excellent mule deer and antelope hunting and upland game bird and waterfowl opportunities are available. There is fishing available in ponds/reservoirs and 3 major rivers, the Missouri, Yellowstone, and Tongue which provide a unique warm water fishing experience.
Licenses Available at the following locations in Glendive:
Beer Jug (406) 377-9986 313 N Merrill Ave
Runnings (406) 377-8233 1806 N Merrill Ave
Ranch & Farm (406) 365-4711 207 Harmon St
Dino Adventures
Baisch’s Dino Digs
Guided Dinosaur Fossil Hunting in the Badlands of Eastern Montana
Join Baisch’s Dinosaur Digs, LLC for a one-of-a-kind paleontological adventure just minutes from Glendive and within view of Makoshika State Park. Explore a privately-owned ranch rich in fossils, colorful rocks, and petrified wood, located in the eroded gumbo hills of the Hell Creek Formation.
Led by experienced guides, you’ll learn how to identify, excavate, and even keep most of the fossils you discover—including triceratops, edmontosaurus, and possibly even T. rex! Tools and supplies are provided. It’s hands-on, educational fun for all ages and a chance to create unforgettable memories in Montana’s prehistoric landscape.
📧 jsbaisch@midrivers.com
📞 406-365-4133
🌐 dailydinosaurdigs.com
🎥 Watch the Experience – courtesy of @MontanasBestTV
Fossil Digs with the Glendive Dinosaur & Fossil Museum
Now open for 2025 registration!
Join us for a hands-on paleontology adventure in the Hell Creek Formation of Eastern Montana.
Choose from:
Half-Day Fossil Digs – Explore a private dig site and help uncover prehistoric treasures.
Dig & Fossil Prep Combo – Spend the morning digging and the afternoon in our museum workshop learning fossil preparation techniques—perfect for future paleontologists!
Children under 8 may not be suited for digs, and the Dig & Prep combo is generally recommended for ages 12+. Please review our Dig Checklist before registering.
🦕 Ready to dig in?
Visit glendivefossilmuseum.com to learn more and register online.
Montana Moments
Offering unique Western experiences & lodging accommodations on their eastern Montana Ranch! Breath in fresh air, quiet peace, and nature at your own pace in your own style as guests on Mahlstedt Ranch. This is your opportunity to custom make your vacation. Schedule a day of hiking, mountain biking, birding, shed hunting, training your bird dogs, or even bring your own horse to ride the hills exploring at leisure; you can do this.
Book your experience here!
On the Water!
Yellowstone River
River access points include the Glendive Boat Ramp, Black Bridge Fishing Access, Stipek Fishing Access, and Intake Fishing Access Site.
Yellowstone River Adventures offers boat tours that are done by reservation only and can be made on their website.
Black Bridge Fishing Access
Situated on the west side of the Yellowstone River take West Bell Street toward the river, the entrance is adjacent to the historic Bell Street Bridge. The Black Bridge area is a great place to walk, train your dog, and hunt for agates on the banks of the Yellowstone, so plan time for more than fishing.
Hollecker Lake
North of Glendive on Highway 16 is Hollecker Lake and it is open all seasons, has picnic areas, restrooms, offers fishing, swimming, and a life-size triceratops. There is no overnight camping allowed but is a family-friendly day use location.
Kayak rentals available at Makoshika Wellness!
Public Parks
Covered pavilion with seating, playground equipment, tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool, and basketball court
Lloyd Square Park
Penninger Park
This park runs along the Yellowstone River with seating, playground equipment and basketball courts. Penninger Park is a great places to walk your dog or have a picnic.
Our Park
Downtown park with gazebo and seating.
Our Park is beautifully lit during the holiday season!
Whipkey Park
Located near Makoshika with benches, playground equipment, baseball field, and Splash Park!
Jaycee’s West Park
Located across from Albertson’s Jaycee West Park has tennis courts, horseshoe pits, volleyball area, playground equipment and restrooms. The Brett Fitch Memorial Skate Park at this park!
Eyer Park
Located next to Reynolds Market Eyer Park functions as a soccer field, has playground equipment and the storybook walking trail around the whole park. Eyer Park is used for larger outdoor events.
