As an authentic small-town experience right on the I-94 corridor, Glendive, Montana, is something special. A great option for an overnight stay or to just revel in the town’s laid-back and genuine charm, there’s always something to do in Glendive.
Explore further with our guide to the Gate City. From top places to stay, elevated day trips, go-to restaurants, and more, one stop in town and you’ll be planning your next visit in no time.
Glendive at a Glance: With an authentic small-town vibe that leans on its railroad town heritage and proximity to the badlands, Glendive, Montana offers an unhurried, small-town pace with the promise of genuine interactions and connections. With plenty for dinosaur and paleontology enthusiasts, anglers, and dark sky stargazers, Glendive is an I-94 stopover spot with easy access to Makoshika State Park, the Yellowstone River and the Merrill Avenue Historic District.
Things to Do in Glendive, MT: Eat, Sleep & Explore
Sitting where the badlands meet the Yellowstone River, Glendive has built a quiet reputation as one of eastern Montana’s most rewarding stops. Dinosaur fossils, OHV trails, a nationally recognized historic downtown, and some genuinely great food; it’s a lot for a town of 5,000.
From hotels in Glendive to favorite eateries, attractions and beyond, here are our top picks for hikers and fossil hunters, road trippers, anyone who appreciates a genuinely good burger, and others exploring the scenic I-94 corridor.
Check-In to These Hotels and Motels
Glendive has a handful of solid overnight options that put you close to everything. Makoshika, the Historic District, and the Yellowstone River are all within easy reach from either of these picks.
Yellowstone River Inn
Super-convenient to the I-94, the Yellowstone River Inn is an ideal basecamp. You’ll find amenities such as a bar, casino, 24-hour restaurant, and free parking, along with clean rooms, flat-screen TVs, and proximity to Dawson County fairgrounds, Makoshika State Park, and Short Pines OHV Park.
La Quinta Inn & Suites
As one of the top-rated hotels in Glendive, the La Quinta has a lot to live up to. And it does, with comfy accommodations for travelers looking to explore Glendive’s unique draws, Makoshika State Park, Yellowstone River, and the historic downtown, among others, as well as those seeking the beauty and serenity of the nearby Yellowstone River, Merrill Avenue Historic District, and the Bell Street Bridge. An on-site restaurant, fitness center, and spa ensure that whatever your final destination, your stay here will be peaceful, restorative, and stimulating.
Badlands & Open Trails: Getting Outside in Glendive
Glendive sits at the edge of some of the most dramatic landscapes in eastern Montana. Montana’s largest state park is right outside downtown, and the surrounding badlands, river bottoms, and open BLM land give you options from a casual afternoon walk to a full day in the dirt.
Makoshika State Park
As Montana’s largest state park, Makoshika, a variant spelling of a Lakota phrase meaning “bad land,” is a must-see attraction just minutes from downtown Glendive. Along with scenic drives, fossils, hiking, and camping, the park also offers special events throughout the year, including Montana Shakespeare in the Park at the outdoor amphitheater and the famous Buzzard Day festival, held on the second Saturday in June every year.
Short Pines OHV Recreation Area
With some 2,800 acres of trails, this sprawling recreational site is a haven for off-roaders of every description. Whether you’re on a four-wheeler, a sport-utility vehicle, or a motorcycle, the vast array of trails crisscrossing the landscape gives plenty of options for an easy ride or a steep challenge.
The Short Pines OHV Recreation Area is 10 miles from downtown Glendive, so you can hit the trails to your heart’s content before sitting down to a filling dinner and a restful night, then starting all over again the next day. No wonder visiting Short Pines is consistently rated one of the top things to do in Glendive.
Shop the Historic District & Grab a Bite
Once you’re done on the trails, downtown Glendive is the natural next stop. The Merrill Avenue Historic District is flat, walkable, and lined with local shops, while a local burger spot can quell your cravings after a long hike.
Merrill Avenue Historic District
Hearkening back to Glendive’s roots as a steamboat landing on the Yellowstone River, the modern-day downtown features a nationally recognized historic site. Featuring 28 buildings offering a glimpse into life in the Old West, the Merrill Ave Historic District is easily walkable and highlights the very best of Glendive shopping. Treasure hunters will find local handicrafts, agates and fossils, Western wear, and more.
Frosty’s Burgers
Serving simple, home-cooked burgers and snacks for over 60 years, Frosty’s is a true go-to in Glendive. From no-frills cheeseburgers to loaded toppings, the focus is on classics done right. Sample the milkshakes, malts, flies, onion rings, and other tastes of yesteryear.
Craving something different? Head to our in-depth Glendive restaurant guide for more good eats in town.
Include Seed of Life in Your Glendive Adventures
Glendive sits at a strategic stopping point on many roadtrippers’ maps, making it an ideal place to stock up before continuing your journey through Eastern Montana or heading west toward Billings. Wherever you’re headed, you’re close to Montana-grown cannabis in the Gate City.
Our Glendive dispensary sits close to downtown, Frosty’s, Makoshika, and other top Montana attractions. You’ll find ample free parking, an on-site ATM, and a thoughtful team on hand to provide local guidance. We’re open from 9am–7:50pm daily.
Cannabis in Glendive: Laws & I-94 Travel Tips
Glendive is a small town in the best sense: genuinely welcoming and community-minded. Cannabis is legal here for adults 21+, and locals are used to travelers stopping in, but it’s worth keeping small-town norms in mind. Public consumption isn’t permitted anywhere in Montana, and in a town of 5,000, a little discretion goes a long way.
If you’re continuing east on I-94, the North Dakota border is just miles away; note that carrying cannabis across state lines is prohibited under federal law, regardless of destination. A few other things to keep in mind before you go:
- Bring valid ID (21+). We accept driver’s licenses, US ID cards, Military IDs, Tribal IDs, and passports.
- Plan ahead for remote stretches. Options get sparse quickly heading east or into the backcountry.
- Never drive impaired, especially on long, rural highway stretches.
- Store cannabis securely and out of reach while traveling.
- Public consumption is not allowed, so keep it to private property with the owner’s permission.
Not sure where to start? Our budtenders are happy to help with beginner-friendly formats and travel-friendly options. Visit our guide to shopping for cannabis in Montana for more, and confirm the current rules for out-of-state guests before your visit, since laws can change quickly.
Ready to Roll? Start Planning Your Glendive Trip
Seed of Life got its start in Montana, and Glendive holds a special place in that story. We’re proud to be part of this community and glad to be a useful stop for the road-trippers, fossil hunters, and river-day planners passing through.
Planning a slow afternoon in the Historic District? A tincture might be the right call. Heading out to Makoshika or the OHV trails? Our team can point you toward something that fits. Stop in, ask questions, and we’ll take it from there. If your route continues west, we’ve got multiple locations across Montana along the way.
FAQ: Visiting Glendive, Montana
Glendive offers a respected food scene, with popular favorites such as Frosty’s Burgers, Gust Hauf brewpub, Yellowstone River Inn, and Fitzerellis for Mexican food.
Yes! Some of the best camping options in Glendive include sites at Makoshika State Park, the Glendive KOA, and the Green Valley RV Campground. The area is known for its badlands, offering opportunities for both developed RV sites and dispersed camping on BLM properties.
Yes. Tourists and visitors to Montana can purchase legally from licensed dispensaries, provided they’re 21+ and have a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport). Be aware that transporting cannabis across state lines—for instance into nearby North Dakota—is prohibited under federal law.
Yes! Makoshika is Montana’s largest state park, a must-see attraction just minutes from downtown Glendive, Montana. It’s packed with scenic drives, fossils, hiking trails, camping sites, and an outdoor amphitheater, and it hosts special events throughout the year, including Montana Shakespeare in the Park, Friday night campfire programs, and Buzzard Day.
The distance from Glendive to Billings is roughly 200 miles along I-94. If you’re traveling that way, hit up shopping opportunities and restaurants in Glendive to stock up before you hit the road. Out-of-state visitors 21+ may purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries in Montana, provided they show a current government-issued ID.
