The name of Montana’s largest state park derives from the Lakota phrase meaning ‘bad earth’ or ‘bad spirit’, relating to the harsh and inhospitable conditions of Montana’s eastern badlands. But life has been known to thrive in what is now Makoshika State Park; aside from the juniper and pine scrub that peppers its rocky landscape today, dinosaurs once roamed here.

At the park’s visitor centre, you’ll find the fossilised remains of tyrannosaurus rex, triceratops and even more prehistoric creatures. As well as archaeological wonders, Makoshika is laced with nature trails, scenic driving routes and campsites. An open-air theatre hosts an annual Shakespeare festival too.

Marvellous Montana: the best places to visit in the Treasure State