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.
Sweet Innovation: The Billings Great Western Sugar Factory with Lauren Hunley
Ekalaka
Dec 10
In 1906, a group of Billings investors opened one of the largest sugar refining companies in the country. The Sugar Factory's long history has driven community development, neighborhood diversity and economic expansion. Learn how this surprising industry helped drive Billing's growth and regional impact.
Lauren E. Hunley has spent nearly 20 years in the museum field. Earning her Master of Arts in Learning & Visitor Services in Museums and Galleries through Leicester University in England, she’s worked for both small museums and national museum service organizations. She is the author of 101 Museum Programs on a Shoestring Budget and has presented at numerous museum conferences. She is currently the Community Historian at the Western Heritage Center in Billings, Montana, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Mountain-Plains Museums Association.
Please note: This is a hybrid event presented in partnership with the Western Heritage Center -- participants may choose to attend in-person at the museum or register online via Zoom at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UwNdDw37SkOmrdrqGwAGkA
Montana teachers may earn 1 hour of continuing education credits for attending this event.
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 24 are $10 for adults and $7 for kids (under 13). They will go on sale in-person at the Carter County Museum on July 24.
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 22 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).
Friday, July 23, 2027
Art Workshop
10 a.m. - Noon
Join us at the Central Schoolhouse Gallery at the Carter County Museum for an art workshop with artist Jenn Hall Tooke.
Cost is $15 per person and pre-registration at the museum is required. Includes all materials and two hours instruction. Contact us to reserve your spot.
Sister Museum SCIFriday
1 - 3 p.m.
Join us for our annual Sister Museum SCIFriday with Museum of the Rockies! Part of the 15th Annual Dino Shindig festivities, this event will include an activity led by the MOR team and CCM's Museum Educator.
Free admission, all ages welcome.
SATURDAY, July 24, 2027
Prehistoric Fight Night
411 East Cleveland Street, Ekalaka MT 59324
T. Rex had a bit 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 grownups) 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 15th Annual Dino Shindig! 2027 contenders TBA
Hosted by Rextooth Studios. Free admission.
SUNDAY, July 25, 2027 AT 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
Science & Cultural History Gathering
Free Admission
The Science & Cultural History Gathering takes place at Medicine Rocks State Park Group Use Area. This year the Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming will have activities for kids throughout the event.
• 10 a.m. Nature Hike with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
• 11 - 1 p.m. TBA
• 1 p.m. Microsite fossil activity
SUNDAY, July 25, 2027 AT 7:30 A.M. TO 5 P.M.
Fossil Field Expedition
Carter County Museum
Tickets for the 2027 Fossil Field Expedition will go on sale in January.
• Registered participants should meet at the museum at 7:30 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 sun screen. The museum will provide digging tools and snacks for participants. A limited number of vegetarian options will be provided.
Please Note:
• We are excavating fossils on BLM, Forest Service, and private lands. As such, dogs and other animals are not allowed. Participants may not remove any material for personal or commercial purposes. The privilege to dig on private and public land is granted only for the duration of this single experience and participants may not return to the property without receiving permission from the owner. Violations of this will be considered trespassing and/or theft and will be subject to penalty under the law.
Join us for the third annual Shindig Ranch Rodeo and Match Bronc Ride! This year's activities include a Pony Express Race, wild cow milking, branding and the Trifecta (steer loading, range doctoring, and stray gathering). Events followed by a match bronc ride featuring local bucking horses from the legendary Tooke bloodlines.
$5 Admission
