Ekalaka is a small western town nestled in the Russell Creek Valley of picturesque Carter County. Ekalaka is the home to Carter County Museum, housing some of the finest paleontological discoveries in the United States as well as numerous artifacts depicting the lives of Native Americans and the early settlers of Carter County. Nearby Medicine Rocks State park feature soft sandstone rock formations with a Swiss cheese look.
Double Feature Program Presented by Carter County Geological Society Lecture Series
Ekalaka, MT
May 7
Ijkalaka Russell & Lulu Harmon with Dr. Sabre Moore:
In the late 1800s, two Indigenous women settled in what would become Carter County, Montana with their Caucasian husbands. One is Lulu Harmon, whose mother was a mediator and cultural transmitter between the Lakota people and the U. S. government during the treaty era. The other is Ijkalaka Russell, a Lakota woman for whom the town of Ekalaka is named, and, along with her husband David, the first to file a homestead claim in the area. The two women were close friends and conversed often in their shared Lakota language. Their stories provide a local connection to wider discussions of the resilience of Indigenous peoples during this time of great social, economic, and environmental change.
Celebrating 100 Years of 306 N. Main with Drs. Sabre Moore & Nathan Carroll:
In 1926, construction began on the Enberg Garage by local stonemason Nick Folack and the keystone was laid in June of that year. The Carter County Geological Society purchased the building in 1975 and remodeled it, building a tower and arches within the structure. Stones from deteriorating homesteads were donated, along with petrified wood from local ranches, including those of Pat LaBree, Richard Malmquist, and circus owner Paul Ringling. A local carpenter, Rankin Dean, joined then museum director Marshall Lambert, Science students, and other community members in remodeling the building, which was completed in 1984. The museum remains in that building today and, in the words of former trustee Vivian Castleberry, “provide[s], as well, an interesting and beautiful introduction to your county seat and home town.”
Presented by Carter County Geological Society Lecture Series
Free and Open to the Public
Montana teachers can earn 1 or more continuing education credits for attending each program
June 3, 10, 17, 24 & July 8, 15, 29
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Join us at Carter County Museum on Wednesdays this summer at 6 p.m. for yoga led by Ekalaka's resident Yogi, Melissa Schwede!
Field Trip: Opechee Orchids & Orchards with Kurt Hansen & Dr. Nathan Carroll
Ekalaka, MT
Jun 4
Join us at the Carter County Museum for a field trip to Opechee Park! Participants will go on a short, guided hike to view rare orchids native to the area, and learn about Jack Kinsey’s orchard. Several of the apple trees you will see are now in the Carter County Heritage Garden!
Please meet at the museum at 5:30 p.m. Plan on bringing your own 4WD transport or carpooling.
Presented by Carter County Geological Society Lecture Series
Free and Open to the Public
Montana teachers can earn 1 or more continuing education credits for attending each program
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)
MT Shakespeare in the Parks: The Merchant of Venice
Ekalaka, MT
Jul 1
FREE Event!
The Merchant of Venice explores justice, mercy, prejudice, and the longing to belong in a divided world. As Bassanio seeks Portia’s hand and Antonio enters a dangerous bond with Shylock, the young Jessica risks everything to leave her father’s house in search of love and freedom. Through romance and courtroom drama, Shakespeare examines the cost of exclusion and the transformative power of mercy.
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.
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. Talks and kid’s activities on July 25 are $10 for adults and $7 for kids (under 13). They will go on sale in-person at the Carter County Museum on July 26.
The Annual Dino Shindig Auction includes a silent auction that runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Elizabeth Lutheran Church (where the talks are located). The Live Auction will begin after the talks at 4:30 p.m.
Extend your stay and join us on Thursday, July 23 at Medicine Rocks State Park for Sunset Yoga at 8 p.m. a Bat Walk at 9 p.m. and Dinosaurs & Dark Skies at 10 p.m. (Free admission).
Only in Ekalaka can you attend an event with dinosaurs and cowboys on the same day! Head to the Ekalaka Track and Arena for a ranch rodeo and match bronc ride featuring the famous Tooke Bucking Horses.
T. rex had a bite that could crush steel. Spinosaurs had claws as long as your torso. They lived at different times, on different continents, but everyone wants to know…Who would win in a fight? It’s the question on the mind of every kid (and a lot of grown-ups) when they visit a museum or watch a dinosaur movie. We all have our ideas, but find out who the scientists would put their money on during the 14th Annual Dino Shindig! We’re pulling fighters from all of prehistory, represented by an expert panel of leading paleontologists: (TBA). Hosted by Rextooth Studios. Free admission.
Registered participants should meet at the museum at 8:30 a.m. to sign waivers and receive their field assignment. Please bring your own lunch, a hat, hiking shoes, a water bottle, and plenty of bug spray and sunscreen. The museum will provide digging tools and snacks for participants. A limited number of vegetarian options will be provided. Tickets go on sale in January.
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)
