A Little-Known Montana State Park Perfect for a Quiet Escape

If you wish to spend time outdoors, there’s no place greater than Montana. The Treasure State is not only home to 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. It is also a little-known Montana state park where you can experience some peace outdoors. It's the perfect place for a quiet escape outdoors.

Why This Montana State Park Is So Underrated

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 offers something to everyone, especially photographers and history buffs.

This Montana state park covers approximately 330 acres and is best known for its unique sandstone formations 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 in 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.

What You’ll Experience When You Visit

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. This is an easy and family-friendly journey, and one of our favorite ways to capture the scenery that this quiet park in Montana is known for. Just remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection, and leave your pups at home—they aren't allowed on this trail.

There is also a small campground with eight individual campsites and one group campsite. The individual campsites are available on a first-come, first-served 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.

What to Know Before You Go

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.

However, if you do plan to visit in the summer, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website for information on summer events, including ranger walks and dark sky activities. Medicine Rocks State Park, including its campground, is open all year. Day use hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. A day-use fee is required, as well as camping fees.

There are some truly beautiful, underrated Montana parks, and Medicine Rocks is on that list. It's the definition of a hidden gem—a place where you can escape the hustle of daily life and enjoy a quiet, peaceful day outdoors. Whether you plan to visit for a few hours or spend a few nights, you won't regret the views. It's an escape you deserve.