When the sun sets in Montana, we turn our eyes to the sky to take in a true wonder: the cosmos. Our clear, dark skies offer unparalleled views of the stars, with the Milky Way stretching across the endless horizon. When conditions are just right, the aurora borealis graces the sky with its vibrant lights. Here, we share some of our favorite places to look up and be amazed by stars and our galaxy.
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For even more places to enjoy Montana’s dark skies, visit Montana’s Trail to the Stars, which gives details on more than 45 great spots for stargazing across Eastern Montana.
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Use a night sky chart to determine the best time of night to check out the stars in your location. You can see a lot with the naked eye, so there’s no need for a telescope or binoculars. We recommend a handheld star chart, which allows you to see what stars are visible for that place and time. This is where a red-light flashlight comes in handy. You can also download a stargazing app, like SkyView, but it’s not recommended, given that your eyes should be adjusted to the dark and not looking at a screen. Bring a chair and a blanket, and wear layers — Montana’s nighttime temps are much cooler than daytime temps, even in the summer.
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Explore Eastern Montana’s fascinating badlands by day (including Montana’s largest state park) and renowned dark skies by night. This trip also includes water recreation at Fort Peck Lake, plus museums and friendly small towns along the way.
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In 2020, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) designated this 330-acre state park in Southeast Montana a Dark Sky Sanctuary, defined as “the most remote (and often darkest) places in the world whose conservation state is most fragile.” Translation: Medicine Rocks State Park is a stargazing haven.
