My Favorite Park in Montana Is a Little-Known Paradise for Photographe…

If you wish to spend time outdoors, there’s no place greater than Montana. The Treasure State is home to not only breathtaking national parks but also state parks that amaze and inspire. While many of these outdoor destinations draw in quite a crowd, I love Medicine Rocks State Park, a place full of history, natural wonder, recreational activities, and beautiful yet unique scenery.

Medicine Rocks State Park is located in eastern Montana, approximately 25 miles from the town of Baker. It isn’t a large park, but it has something to offer everyone, especially photographers and history buffs.

This Montana state park is approximately 330 acres and is best known for its unique sandstone rock formations that are covered in holes of all sizes. The landscape here is truly unique and much different than many other parks that dot the state, but everywhere you turn, it’s picturesque. Visit during a sunrise or sunset when the sky is filled with fiery colors and you may enjoy a scene that you will be dreaming about for days.

And the scenery in this area isn’t anything new; it has been inspiring individuals for years. This area was once a sacred site for several Native American tribes, such as the Northern Cheyenne and Sioux, and several ceremonies took place here. Native Americans also traveled to the area to gather medicinal plants such as alum root and prickly pears. Events and stories were recorded by the Native Americans into the sandstone, giving us a glimpse into a time long ago. These petroglyphs are continually being studied and are just one of the reasons that this park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Medicine Rocks State Park is not a large state park, but there is still a long list of activities to enjoy. Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal outdoors, or hike the short and sweet Sunset Loop Trail, a flat loop trail that is just over 0.5 miles and takes you around these remarkable and unique rock formations.

There is also a small campground with eight individual campsites and one group campsite. The individual campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, while the group site can be reserved. If possible, I strongly recommend you stay the night and spend some time staring at the starry show above you. Medicine Rocks State Park is a certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary and home to some of the best stargazing in Montana.

While this Montana park creates the perfect escape for outdoor lovers and history buffs, it is truly a photographer’s paradise. You may not spot the mountain scenes and the breathtaking geysers that you’ll find in the state’s national parks, but Medicine Rocks State Park is home to unusual scenery that will impress no matter what time of year you visit.

Medicine Rocks State Park, including its campground, is open all year. Day use hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can learn more about the amenities and services available on the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website. And if there is a lesser-known, smaller state park in Montana that you love to visit, let me know by filling out this nomination form. I’d love to hear from you and check out your recommendation.