Created in 2008, this new state park and wildlife management area opens up more than 9,400 acres of hunting, hiking, and wildlife watching, as well as yellowstone river fishing. and it's only 30 miles from billings! the site contains 3,976 deeded acres and includes 5 miles of wooded yellowstone river shoreline. the acquisition also secured for public use 5,450 acres of bureau of land management (blm) and state land that had been difficult to access. currently undeveloped, the park provides an ideal spot for hiking the day away. sandstone bluffs overlook the yellowstone river while deep canyons and ponderosa pine-lined coulees dot the landscape. the area provides habitat for mourning doves, meadowlarks, mallards, canada geese, wild turkeys, pheasants, sage grouse, sharptailed grouse, hungarian partridge, mule deer, whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope, and even an occasional elk. a campground will be developed at this park in the future; anticipated opening date for the campground is 2011. for more information on yellowstone river state park, read a new piece of paradise, a 2008 montana outdoors article. visit the park from the comfort of your desk by checking out this virtual tour.