Entry No. 26 — the Missoula file — filed under: after-dark

UM Star Gazing Room (Planetarium)

Tucked inside the round room of UM's Payne Family Native American Center, this small planetarium runs live Friday-evening shows for just 28 people at a time. Every show is presented in person by a department astronomer or student presenter rather than a canned recording, so the night's constellations, visible planets and upcoming celestial events get walked through in real time. The door closes at showtime and there's no late entry, which keeps the dome dark and intimate.

The move: Grab the 7 pm Friday slot, recline under the projected dome while a live astronomer traces the night's constellations, then step outside to find the real ones over campus.

📍 Before you go Public shows are Friday evenings (around 6 and 7 pm), $8/person, capped at 28 seats; no entry once the door closes, so arrive at least 5 minutes early. Schedule varies by term.

• 📍 Missoula (University District)
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Payne Family Native American Center, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812

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 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24