If you’re searching for a new and unique experience in eastern Montana, look no further than our local events and programs, offered by the following locations (plus all of these places warrant a daytime visit themselves!):

American Prairie National Discovery Center
302 W Main Street, Lewistown
406-585-4600
Website

Carter County Museum
306 N. Main Street, Ekalaka
406-775-6886
Website

Fort Peck Interpretive Center
157 Yellowstone Road, Fort Peck
406-526-3493 | 406-526-3411
Website

Huntley Project Museum
770 Railroad Hwy, Huntley
406-348-2533
Website

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
342 Ulm-Vaughn Road, Ulm
406-454-5840
Website

WHAT'S ON THE HORIZON:

Add a Stargazing Event or Program to our Events Calendar.

International Dark Sky Week

As the repository for archaeological and paleontological material for Medicine Rocks State Park, Montana's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary, we are proud to participate in International Dark Sky Week 2026. International Dark Sky Week is a worldwide celebration of the night. From the darkness needed for a good night’s sleep to the activities, healthy ecosystems, and wildlife biodiversity, enhancing science and exploration, preserving cultural knowledge, and so much more. With artificial light at night increasing, dark skies worldwide are quickly fading—disrupting nocturnal habitats, diminishing our view of the stars, and changing our relationship to the night. We invite you to join us as we discover the night together, exploring its importance and the actions we can take to protect dark skies. Events will include an Instagram series on dark sky education, and a pop-up exhibit about Medicine Rocks State Park and the Dark Sky Association at the museum (open during regular hours).

Website

Details

Apr 13 - Apr 20
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
1141 MT-7

Sunset Nature Hike at Medicine Rocks State Park

Join us at the Night Sky Trail for a hike featuring geology, native plants, and wildlife of Medicine Rocks State Park. Led by Carter County Museum Curator Dr. Nathan Carroll and U.S. National Forest Service Ranger Kurt Hansen, this hike will cover easy to moderate terrain and total 2 miles round-trip. Be sure to wear bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, and close-toed/hiking shoes. After the hike, feel free to stay in the park and stargaze on this beautiful, new moon evening! (Co-hosted with Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks and the U.S. National Forest Service)

Website

Details

Jun 15
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
1141 MT-7

Sunset Yoga at Medicine Rocks State Park

Join us at Medicine Rocks State Park at the Night Sky Viewing Area for Sunset Yoga led by Ekalaka's resident Yogi, Melissa Schwede! This event proceeds Dinosaurs & Dark Skies, so plan on sticking around for a bat walk at 9 p.m. and stargazing to follow! This is also part of the festivities leading up to the Annual Dino Shindig.

Website

Details

Jul 23
8:00 PM - 8:45 PM
1141 MT-7

Dinosaurs & Dark Skies

- 8 p.m. Sunset Yoga - 9 p.m. Bat Walk - 10 p.m. Guided Stargazing

Website

Details

Jul 23
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
1141 MT-7

Stargazing with Montana Learning Center

Join the Carter County Museum and the Montana Learning Center (Helena) at Medicine Rocks State Park for a stargazing program brought to you by Ryan Hannahoe. Ryan first became involved with the Montana Learning Center in 2013 as a member of the summer camp staff. Eventually he joined the board of directors. Ryan has been Montana Learning Center’s executive director since the fall of 2016. Ryan worked as a science teacher in Clancy, Montana, until 2019, went he went full-time with the Center. Teaching science has been his profession for the past seven years. Getting students and teachers excited about science is something Ryan enjoys. He feels lucky to have had several mentors throughout his career and now wants to share the knowledge and expertise he has with others. According to Ryan, “it is vitally important to inspire and mentor the next generation to become critical thinkers and learn about the natural world around them.” (Co-hosted with the Montana Learning Center and Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks)

Website