Event Phone:
4067756886
Named Montana’s Event of the Year by the Office of Tourism and Business Development, the Annual Dino Shindig takes place at the end of July. Visitors travel from all over the world to hear lectures from leading paleontologists, partake in kids activities, and dance the night away. Sign up for the field expedition to join in the second day of the event, where you can travel to one of our active fossil sites and excavate real fossils. Some discoveries even end up on display in our museum!
Members of the 2019 Shindig field expedition.
The Eighth Annual Shindig is July 25-26, 2020!
This year, the Carter County Museum is hosting a hybrid version of the Annual Dino Shindig. The museum is working closely with Carter County Public Health and following state and national guidelines to ensure the safety of our staff, community and visitors. Paleo enthusiasts of all ages can choose to attend the Dino Shindig online by signing up for the Virtual Shindig.
How is the Virtual Shindig different? It is designed to unite us all, wherever we are, in a day of interactive paleo fun and learning. This means more engagement with our speakers, special guided at home activities, and access to exclusive enhanced content through a private Facebook Group (available upon registration).
We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will provide updates about the in-person version of the Shindig as we get closer to the event. The 2020 field expedition is sold out. If you are registered for the Field Expedition and have not received an email, please sent a note to jhall@cartercountymuseum.org.
In the meantime, watch this video by Silver City Productions, LLC for highlights from the 2017 Shindig!
Video URL: https://vimeo.com/235059911
Plan Your Visit:
As you get ready for the Shindig, here’s a handy list of local lodging numbers:
Guest House Motel: 406-775-6337
Midway Motel: 406-775-6619
Beer Gulch Inn: 406-775-6258
DJ RV Park: 406-775-6753
Camping options include:
Medicine Rocks State Park is located north of Ekalaka MT at 1141 Highway 7. The 330-acre park has an elevation of 3,379 feet and LatLong coordinates of 46.04550, -104.45839. Weathering of the park’s soft sandstone rock formations provide a unique landscape filled with meaning and serenity. Visitors can witness thousands of inscriptions on the sandstone pillars dating back centuries.
Non-residents are required to pay a $6.00 day use fee (not applicable if a camping fee is paid). Out-of-state residents can purchase a Non-Resident Entrance Pass which allows free entrance on an unlimited number of visits and discounted camping fees for a year. A pass costs $35 per vehicle. The State Park Entrance Pass is valid for one year from month of issue, and are available for purchase through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Online Licensing Service or at many state parks and any FWP office.
There are 12 campsites available. Campsites are not reservable and available only on a first come, first served basis. Under primitive park regulations, residents are not required to pay a camping fee; the non-resident camping fee is $28.00 per night. All campsites are “dry” camping with no hookups; modern vault latrines are available throughout the park and water is available at the park entrance where fees may be paid.
For more information, call 406-377-6256 or by email at makoshika@mt.gov
