This cache lies along the Ma-ak-oti trail, the second of Cross Ranch State Park's two main trails. The trailhead is only a short walk from the River Peoples' Visitors' Center located near the park entrance. The park is open daily until sunset, and there is a required daily admittance fee of $5. Please stop into the Visitors' Center to pay the admittance fee and pick up trail maps if you'd like to. (Also check out our Learning Tree interpretive exhibits while you're there!)
The Ma-ak-oti runs through land that used to serve as winter homes for both Sioux and Hidatsa tribes at various times in its history. The land surrounding the trail has also been shaped tremendously by the river changing rapidly from Missouri River Floodplain to cottonwood forest to upland prairie in the span of a few hundred yards. The trail has also been augmented by some beautiful examples of modern human engineering including a 30 foot suspension bridge. While hiking this trail, be aware of the steep, hand-rail-less stair cases that need to be climed to reach the cache, which may be a challenge for younger children.