Glendive, Montana Vacations

Frontier Fossils, Dinosaur Bones, and and Great Montana Lodging

by Michele Kadison

A Montana Vacation to Glendive gives you the opportunity to discover the ancient archeology of this area, in the form of dinosaur bones, while enjoying some of the best Montana scenery.

With its abundant ranches and grain farms, Glendive sits between the Yellowstone River and the badlands right at the edge of eastern Montana and western North Dakota and only three miles southeast of the gorgeous Makoshika State Park.

With 11,531 acres of rock formations created by time, the Makoshika State Park is a must for anyone wishing to forget about city life.  Take the abundant nature trails, a scenic drive, or go camping with the family.  The park offers picnic sites and an archery range for those of you yearning to pick up some bows and arrows.  As a famous preserve for Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops dinosaur remains, the park’s exhibits are also well worth exploring.  You can also visit the Glendive Visitor’s Center to see a real Triceratops skull as well as many interesting fossil displays.

Glendive’s Frontier Gateway Museum is another must-see with its dino fossils, farm machinery, blacksmith tools, and Native American artifacts.  Glendive is known for is agates, especially Montana moss agates which are found in gravel beds, creek bottoms, and along the banks of the Yellowstone River that runs through the town.  Visit the Best Western Jordan Inn to see their agate display and then take a guided rock hound boat tour to learn about the history of agates in the region.

When in town, take a self-guided walking tour of the downtown Glendive Historic District where you will see beautifully preserved architecture from yesteryear.  Many buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  You can find brochures at the Glendive Chamber of Commerce.

The Bell Street Bridge, built in 1894 and destroyed by an 1899 ice jam, is an important local landmark to visit.  Rebuilt during the years 1924 and 1926, the bridge is one of the longest of its kind in the state.  If you are planning your vacation travel for September, make sure to go to Glendive for the annual celebration that commemorates the Bell Street Bridge.

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