Entry No. 25 — the Missoula file — filed under: after-dark

Blue Mountain Observatory

High on a 6,300-foot peak southwest of town, the University of Montana keeps a 16-inch Cassegrain reflector — built in 1970 and bolted to a permanent mount inside a dome — and on a handful of summer nights student and faculty astronomers point it at planets, nebulae, star clusters and distant galaxies for the public. Sessions start late (10:30 pm in June, creeping earlier toward 8:30 by September) because true darkness comes slow in Montana summers, and the whole thing gets refunded and canceled if clouds, smoke or fire move in. The 45-to-60-minute drive up a dirt road and the thin mountain air are part of the deal.

The move: Snag two tickets for a Friday open house, pack warm layers and a thermos, and wind up the mountain to take turns at the eyepiece on Saturn or a galaxy millions of light-years out.

📍 Before you go Limited summer dates only; all attendees must buy a ticket via GrizTix (~$10, or $25 for small-group limited sessions); canceled and refunded for clouds/smoke. Check Facebook or voicemail (406-243-2073) before driving up.

• 📍 Missoula (Blue Mountain)
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Blue Mountain Lookout Road, Missoula, MT (6,300 ft elevation, ~45-60 min up a dirt road from downtown)

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3

last checked: 2026-06-24