Carter County Museum
Photo courtesy: Shirley White
Photo courtesy: Medicine Rocks State Park
Bucking Horse
Photo courtesy: Brice Lambert
The name Ekalaka comes from Ijkalaka, the Oglala Sioux wife of David H. Russell, the first white settler in the area. She was the daughter of Eagle Man. For more information contact Carter County Chamber of Commerce
In Ekalaka you will find Carter County Museum, the first county museum in Montana, and Montana's first stop on the Montana Dinosaur Trail. In addition to many dinosaur fossil exhibits, it has Native American, early settler, and veteran's artifacts.
The second weekend in August the city welcomes visitors to the Carter County Days of '85 Fair and Rodeo, Bump-n-Run, Firemen's barbecue, Made in Carter County vendor sales, and free city dances. At one time Ekalaka was known as the Bucking Horse Capital of the World. A famous line of Tooke bucking horses is being re-established and growing. That title may return!
When leaving town, be sure to stop at Medicine Rocks State Park, 12 miles north of Ekalaka. This park features 320 acres of interesting eroded sandstone sculptures that were considered places of religious significance by Native Americans. There are campgrounds with picnic tables, water, toilet facilities, and free admission.
Chalk Buttes, Long Pines, and Ekalaka Hills near Ekalaka are Custer National Forest lands that provide excellent hunting for mule deer, whitetail deer, and wild turkeys. Long Pines is noted for the Capitol Rock National Natural Landmark. This area is known for having a very high density of nesting raptors.
