Nathan Satran Photography
Some of the darkest skies on Earth sit above the rolling prairies and sculpted sandstone formations of Carter County, Montana. This three-day journey takes you to Medicine Rocks State Park—an International Dark Sky Sanctuary—alongside dinosaur museums, small-town character and stargazing sites that will recalibrate your sense of scale. Tie it all together with stops on the Montana Dinosaur Trail and the Southeast Montana Burger Trail.
Big Game Casino & Steakhouse on the Burger Trail, Baker, Cassie Solberg
Start your trip in Baker, a classic eastern Montana ranch town. Spend the afternoon getting oriented: Explore the town’s shops and grab a bite at a Burger Trail stop (multiple locations in Baker) before heading out for the evening. Baker Lake, just west of town, is a peaceful spot for a sunset stroll.
After dark, the skies around Baker are already impressively dark. Find a pullout on a county road south of town and let your eyes adjust—you’ll be amazed at what becomes visible within 20 minutes.
Overnight in Baker.
Carter County Museum, Ekalaka, Visit Southeast Montana
Head south to Ekalaka, home to the Carter County Museum, one of the finest small-town dinosaur museums in the American West and also a stop on the Montana Dinosaur Trail. The collection includes a rare Triceratops skull and other fossils pulled directly from the surrounding badlands—a fitting preview for what lies underfoot across this ancient landscape.
Have lunch in Ekalaka—another Burger Trail stop awaits—and then take a scenic drive through the Medicine Rocks area in the afternoon. The bizarre, wind-eroded sandstone formations cast long shadows as the sun gets low, and the play of light on the rock is worth lingering for.
Tonight is your main event: Medicine Rocks State Park after dark. As an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Medicine Rocks has been officially recognized as one of the world’s premier locations for stargazing. With virtually no light pollution and a horizon that stretches for miles, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye on clear nights. Bring a red flashlight, a blanket and patience—the sky rewards it.
Overnight in Medicine Rocks State Park campground or back in Baker.
Medicine Rocks State Park, Nathan Satran Photography
Rise early for a walk through the Medicine Rocks formations before the day heats up. The park has informal trails through the honeycombed sandstone, and the morning light brings out colors and textures you’ll want to photograph. Keep an eye out for wildlife—mule deer, pronghorn and a wide variety of birds that call this area home. Before you go, swing back through Baker or Ekalaka for a farewell meal and a look at local shops.
Also in the area on Montana's Trail to the Stars: Lantis Spring Campground, located southeast of Ekalaka.
