Makoshika State Park Buzzard Day

Buzzard Day

Join us on Saturday, June 13^th for our
20th Annual Buzzard Day Celebration!

Buzzard Day is a celebration recognizing the distinctly diverse outdoor recreational opportunities provided by the beautiful badlands of Makoshika State Park. It began as a commemoration of the Turkey Vulture’s return to Makoshika State Park, but over the years the event has evolved and grown, offering guests free entertainment as well as educational and recreational opportunities.

The most popular activities of the day are the runs. Buzzard Day boasts "Montana's Toughest 10K", a 5K, and fun runs. Plan to come early for a hearty pancake breakfast prepared by the Glendive Kiwanis. Participate in a Botany or Geology Hike and learn more about our local plants and how the badlands were formed. Stay for the Kiwanis's famous “buzzard burger” lunch. Learn about geocaching in Makoshika from the Badlands Geocachers Club. Enjoy a hot dinner before settling in for a free evening concert at Makoshika's extraordinary outdoor amphitheater!

Kids will love learning about paleontology while participating in the Dino Dig. Later they can take a ride on the BN Train.

Come to Buzzard Day at Makoshika State Park, the Beauty of the Badlands!

Games ~ Concert ~ Kite Flying ~ 10K ~ 5K ~ Fun Run ~ Kid's Run ~ Geocaching
Food ~ Geology Hike ~ Bird Walk ~ Botany Hike ~ Wagon Rides ~ Dinosaur Dig

Buzzard Day Runs

Challenge yourself in Montana’s Toughest 10K! Let the switchbacks lead you through Makoshika's rugged badlands landscape. Not sure about the 10K? Participate in the 5K or the one-mile Fun Walk/Run.

The 10K and 5K courses lead runners from the Makoshika State Park Group Use Shelter, up the winding switchbacks to a turnaround point, and then back to the Group Use Shelter.

Runners in the 10K and 5K are divided into male and female divisions. Prizes are awarded in their respective categories. Prizes are donated by sponsors and vary from year to year.

The One-Mile Fun Walk/Run is open to walkers and runners.

The Kid's Run is dedicated to kids ages ten and under. Kids may participate in this event free of charge.

The 2009 registration fee for the 10K, 5K, and Fun Walk/Run is $20.

A free Buzzard Day T-shirt and lunch ticket are given to participants who register for the 10K, 5K, and Fun Walk/Run. Because the Kid’s Run is free a t-shirt and lunch ticket are not given to participants in this event.

Individuals wishing to participate in any of the running/walking events can register online, by mail, or in person at the Makoshika State Park Visitor Center. Pre-registration is recommended to guarantee participants get their desired t-shirt size, and to avoid a wait on the morning of the event.

Participants who need to register should arrive at the Group Use Shelter no later than 8:00am. Those who have pre-registered should arrive no later than 8:30am.

All events begin at 9am at the Group Use Shelter.

2008 Run Results

Thanks to all of our 2009 sponsors!

Buzzard logo used by permission from