Dawson County: Badlands, Bridges and History

Explore Dawson County through a variety of themes: the Badlands, bridge building, dinosaurs and regional history. At Makoshika State Park, pines and junipers shape the Badlands formations. The Late Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation is exposed throughout the park. Here, a striking landscape and a clearly identified chapter of Earth’s history sit side by side.

Landscape and Earth’s History

Nature and geology enthusiasts will find tangible points of interest at Makoshika State Park: the formations shaped by pines and junipers, and the Late Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation. The geological context adds to the view of the landscape without requiring a single type of experience to take center stage. As you plan your trip, you can combine this focus with the museum and history themes featured elsewhere.

Museums, Art and History

The Frontier Gateway Museum’s exhibits span the period from prehistory through the 20th century. The museum includes, among other things, two country stores, a blacksmith shop, a log cabin and a restored country schoolhouse. The various buildings give the themes concrete examples and complement the broad historical scope with a range of workplaces and everyday settings. A talking trail provides information via interpretive signs, a mobile app or by phone. As digital access options may change, check them before your trip.

DCAU/The Gallery features a different artist or artwork each month. Its exhibition program offers a different focus from the historical collections. The Gallery also provides space for art and craft classes. If you plan a visit, you can ask about the current exhibition in advance.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Kiosk provides information about Clark on the Yellowstone River in 1806. Other topics include historical information about cattle drives, camps of Indigenous peoples and the railroad’s influence on the development of eastern Montana. The focus therefore extends beyond a single historical episode to include a range of regional history topics.

Dinosaurs, Bridges and Outdoor Activities

In Glendive, there are two stops on the Montana Dinosaur Trail. The Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum features more than 23 life-size dinosaur and fossil exhibits; the number may change as exhibits are added. The museum also offers full-day and half-day fossil digs in the Badlands near Glendive. They are open to individuals, families and small groups. Participants can learn about, identify, collect and interpret fossils from a biblical creationist perspective. Check reservations and participation requirements in advance.

The Historic Bell Street Bridge is a 1,300-foot steel truss structure and serves as a pedestrian and bicycle route over the Yellowstone River. Its length, construction and use together offer a concrete look at the structure. Those who cross the river on foot or by bike encounter the bridge both as a historic structure and as a route over the Yellowstone River.

The Glendive Short Pines Open OHV Area covers 2,800 acres. It has trails for off-highway vehicles, as well as opportunities for rockhounding, wildlife viewing and camping. The activities appeal to different interests, so they can be considered a distinct focus alongside museums and cultural offerings. Check current conditions and restrictions on site before setting out.

Water and Practical Trip Planning

Hollecker Lake is a day-use area managed by Dawson County Public Works where fishing and swimming are possible. Along the Yellowstone River, you can walk and look for agates in the Black Bridge area. As river conditions can vary, take the current situation into account when planning. These water and riverbank activities offer a different focus from visiting exhibitions or historic sites.

Dawson County Airport offers fuel, parking, hangars, a passenger terminal with a lounge, a shuttle service, public phones, restrooms and camping facilities. As airport services may change, check the information relevant to your trip in advance.

When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to first sort out the experiences you’re looking for: landscape and geology, museums and history, water activities or outdoor pursuits. These interests can guide your search for a location without assuming a particular accommodation or its amenities.

Discover more destinations: Richey, Park, Phillips County, Lewis And Clark, Valley County, Flathead and Gallatin.

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