Jutting up to the sky in the rolling grass and pine-covered hills of southeastern Montana are the pockmarked knobs of Medicine Rocks State Park.
This was our hiking stop between Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Devil’s Tower National Monument.
This summer, I am detailing our road trip to the Dakotas and Mount Rushmore as a series for a family adventure you might want to do!
About the Name Medicine Rocks
As the name implies, this site was one of Big Medicine, where Native American hunting parties conjured up magical spirits that helped to increase courage, strength, and good luck. Found here are prehistoric tools and weapons. Local Northern Cheyenne historians say that Native people visited this place to collect medicinal plants. Sioux tribes named these rocks Inyan-ok-la-ka or Rock with a Hole in It. On some of the rocks, you can find petroglyphs. Although, these are hard to see with more recent graffiti.
How the Rocks Came to Be
Sixty million years ago this area was tropical with an inland sea. Later, shallow streams cut through this area filled with sediments from the emerging Rocky Mountains. Some of these sediments formed sand bars. Medicine Rocks represent the fossilized river channel of these ancient streams.
Dalton Trail
The .8-mile out and back Dalton Trail goes from the first picnic area to the second picnic area passing by many large rock formations in the park.
A sign at the start explains the formation of the sandstone rocks.
Starting the trail we passed by some smaller outcroppings that my son Andrew could climb around.
Then we came to some larger outcroppings. One had foot and handholds that you could use to go up to a small cave.
Another outcropping had a double opening that you could look through.
Many were pockmarked with many holes through them.
A sign explained about frontier life here and the branding of the different cattle that roam in the distant farms.
We spent a lot of time along the trail checking out the different types of rocks and exploring these strange monoliths out on the plains.
After hiking here we drove further down the road.
Second Picnic area on the Dalton Trail
The second picnic area is listed on the map as the Dalton one.
Around this picnic area were ones that you could climb up to and one that had a hole that you could walk through and my son enjoyed that.
At the end of this one, you can slide down through a narrow path. Be careful in doing this since you can only walk one foot in front of the other.
We found one that looked like a bird (main blog photo) and wandered this area for a bit.
Sunset Loop
This .6 mile trail is at the back of the park.
At the start of the trail is a sign talking about Native American life here.
This trail leads to more groups of large rocks and was also fun to explore.
North Rock Trail
We did not have time to explore this .6-mile out and back trail. The rock formations were at the front and then towards the back of the trail.
Final Thoughts on Medicine Rocks State Park
You could spend a lot of time here checking out the different rock formations heading up into them or going through the holes. My son loved them.
Although, this is probably only worth the drive if you are going between Devil’s Tower National Monument and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
It is out in the middle of nowhere so bring food and water with you.
Be sure to watch out for rattlesnakes, although we didn’t see any here.
DETAILS
Drive From Rough Riders Hotel in Medora: Make a right onto Pacific Avenue and then exit onto Interstate 94 going west. In Montana take Exit 241 and make a left onto Log Cabin Road where you will pass by the Wibaux County Visitor’s Center.
We stopped here to obtain a map and learn about the area. Next, make a right onto Old Highway 10 and then a left onto Montana Highway 7. After going through the town of Baker, Montana, look for the entrance to the park on the righthand side of the road.
Drive From St. Louis: Take Interstate 70 west to downtown Kansas City then head north on Interstate 29. In Sioux Falls take exit 84 and go west onto Interstate 90. Then take exit 23 onto South Dakota Highway 34 and go north to Belle Fourche. Make a right onto U.S. Highway 85 then and left onto U.S. Highway 212. In Alzada, Montana make a right onto Montana Highway 323, and then in Ekalaka make a right onto Montana Highway 7 and look for the state park on the left.
Hours: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. and camping is available
Fees: Done on your own and placed in an envelope near the information board near the entrance to the park. The fee for non-residents per vehicle is $8 and free for Montana residents.
Address:
Next Stop: Devil’s Tower National Monument!
EARLIER SITES ALONG THE TRIP
Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit has cannonball-shaped rocks and brightly colored rock formations coupled with the Little Missouri River.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park: South Unit
Take in the views of eroded canyons and see prairie dogs and wild stallions at Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Painted Canyon
Panoramic canyon views and hiking trails are found at Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s Painted Canyon Visitor’s Center.
Seeing Mount Rushmore and Exploring the Black Hills
Staring up at the iconic presidents carved in stone was a day at Mount Rushmore National Memorial about 30 minutes south of Rapid City, S.D. Mount Rushmore National Memorial features 60-foot sculptures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the memorial covers 1.278.45 acres and sits 5,725 feet above sea level.
Badlands National Park: East Side Hiking
In Badlands National Park you can see unusual rock formations and canyons with vibrant colors and plenty of hiking trails to explore.
Badlands National Park: West Side Hiking
At Badlands National Park we took short hikes along the Loop Road checking out fossils and going up into the Badlands along a trail. We also stopped at the many overlooks for different views of the canyons and spires we drove by.
Discovering the Sioux Falls Waterfall
Seeing a waterfall at sunset in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was part of our first night on our summer trip to the Dakotas and Mount Rushmore.
Driving to the Highest Point in Iowa
Surrounded by cornfields on a windswept hill stands Hawkeye Point, the highest natural point in Iowa at 1,670 feet.
