50th Anniversary for Medicine Rocks State Park

50 th Anniversary for Medicine Rocks State Park

 

Saturday dawned clear with sunshine and a slight breeze for the 50 th anniversary celebration of Medicine Rocks State Park. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in cooperation with the Ekalaka Chamber of Commerce and Custer Country celebrated the anniversary on June 2, 2007at the park which is located just north of Ekalaka, MT. The park is composed of beautiful and unique rock formations rarely found in eastern Montana. Native prairie surrounds the formations producing of abundance of flora fitting to a unique environment. Recent rains have produced an abundance of native flowers and grasses, which cover the gently rolling hills. The pristine park setting drew about 75 people from across Montana and South Dakota.  

Joe Maurier, FWP State Park Administrator from Helena, Jim Schaefer, Executive Director of Custer Country, James Walks Along, Northern Cheyenne Cultural Surveyor made presentations at the ceremony. Mr. Walks Along blessed the ceremony and gave a history of the spiritual importance of the area along while expressing gratitude for the preservation of spiritual locations like Medicine Rocks State Park.

 

Maurier presented information about the FWP State Parks system, the results of the 2007 legislature and gave folks the opportunity to express their opinions and comments concerning the parks system. Jim Schaefer of Custer Country discussed the importance of tourism as a part of the economic development puzzle for all of Montana.

 

Guest speaker, Arch Ellwein presented a living history of Theodore Roosevelt. This is the 100 th Anniversary of the administration of Theodore Roosevelt. During the late 1800’s Theodore Roosevelt camped at Medicine Rocks and commented… “All together it was as fantastically beautiful a place as I have ever seen”. According to Cathy Stewart, Parks Operations Supervisor, “The presentation was humorous, inspirational and was enjoyed by the audience. Everyone appreciated the celebration and the day was beautiful with sunshine. It could not have been a better day.”

 

-FWP-