Dark Sky Events
April 13-20, 2026
International Dark Sky Week
Free Admission
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).
June 15 2026 at 7 p.m.
Sunset NAture Hike
Free Admission
Medicine Rocks State Park, Night Sky Area, 1141 MT-7 Ekalaka MT 59324
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 stick around for a bat walk and stargazing on this new moon evening!
Please note: There will be a bat walk following the hike at 8:30 p.m.
(Co-hosted with Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks and the U.S. National Forest Service)
THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2026 AT 10 P.M.
Dinosaurs & Dark Skies
Free Admission
Medicine Rocks State Park, Night Sky Area, 1141 MT-7 Ekalaka MT 59324
As part of the festivities leading up to the Carter County Museum's 14th Annual Dino Shindig, Dinosaurs & Dark Skies invites visitors to Medicine Rocks State Park (Montana's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary) for a night of stargazing and fossil phosphorescence. Join us at the Night Sky Trail and bring a folding chair and warm clothing. We will provide telescopes and red-light flashlights for wayfinding.
There will be a Bat Walk preceding the event at 9 p.m.
(Co-hosted with Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 2026 AT 9 P.M.
BAt Walk
Free Admission
Medicine Rocks State Park, Night Sky Area, 1141 MT-7 Ekalaka MT 59324
Join Carter County Museum and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for a fun and educational night focused on Montana's native bats! We will start the evening with an introduction to bats, their natural history, and behavior. Afterward, we will put our new knowledge to the test using bat detection equipment as we look for bats along the Night Sky Trail at Medicine Rocks State Park! Meetup will begin at the Night Sky Trail parking lot at 8:30 p.m. We will then head to the viewing area to begin our bat walk. All ages are welcome! No cost to join; donations appreciated. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, flashlights, bug-spray, and snacks. Bat detectors will be provided.
(Co-hosted with Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks)