The Montana State Parks Foundation is publishing a weekly showcase of Montana State Parks’ 55 properties. 

This week’s story takes travelers to Medicine Rocks State Park, a series of natural rock formations considered sacred by local Native American tribes. 

The park is located along Highway 7 in eastern Montana among rolling hills and prairie. Sandstone pillars, caves archways and towers rise out of the plains with small patches of pine forest in some areas.

The features were formed around 60 million years ago when the Great Plains were covered by an immense inland sea. The edges of the sea were swamp-like and forested with a shallow river that cut through carrying sediment from the forming Rocky Mountains. Portions of this sediment was deposited along the path of the river creating sandbars.

Over the years the sandbars turned to sandstone where wind, water and temperature extremes took their toll. The stronger materials stayed while the less resistant material was eroded away. The rock that was able to withstand millions of years of erosion now makes up the odd formations found at Medicine Rocks State Park.

Those looking to enjoy the park overnight will find 12 campsites nestled among the Swiss cheese-like rock formations. But be sure to arrive early as all of these sites are first come, first served.

Things to do