Montana Learning Center
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The MLC has proudly been serving students and teachers since 1984.
The Montana Learning Center inspires curiosity and empowers learners through immersive STEM experiences that connect science, nature, and discovery at Canyon Ferry Lake and beyond. The Montana Learning Center at Canyon Ferry Lake is a non-profit organization providing educational enrichment through critical thinking with the goal to inspire our next generation to do extraordinary things for the betterment of society.
06/17/2026
✨ Weather Update for Beyond the Big Sky ✨
Friday night is currently projected to bring clear skies, making it a great evening for stargazing at the Montana Learning Center!
Join us June 19th or 20th for Public Stargazing Nights featuring special guest speaker Jim Manning. The evening begins at sunset with Native Skies, Native Stories, followed by telescope viewing in MLC’s observatories with Montana Learning Center staff and volunteers from the Helena Astronomical Society.
With Friday’s forecast looking promising, now is the time to make your plans.
🎟️ Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance.
Reserve your spot today:
https://montanalearning.org/beyond-big-sky/
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06/16/2026
- 🌌 Have Planetarium, Will Travel! 🌌
Today our dome is set up at the Helena Indian Alliance as we work on an exciting collaboration with Montana Office of Public Instruction’s Mike Jetty.
We're exploring ways to weave Native star knowledge and traditional star stories into our planetarium programming, helping connect the night sky with the rich cultural perspectives that have guided people for generations. ✨
The universe is full of stories—and we're honored to learn, listen, and collaborate as we expand how those stories are shared under our dome.
⭐ Big Sky. Big Science. Big Stories.
🚀 Have Planetarium, Will Travel!
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06/15/2026
-🌟 Explore the night sky AND Southwest Montana! 🌟
Our first public stargazing nights are this Friday and Saturday, and families attending Beyond the Big Sky will receive a FREE planisphere — a $10 value — plus a free travel guide, thanks to our friends at Southwest Montana! Available while supplies last.
Don’t miss your chance to make memories under the stars. ✨
Get your tickets now before they’re gone!
https://montanalearning.org/beyond-big-sky/
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06/14/2026
✨ The MLC’s deep sky imaging telescope is tuned up, optimized, and officially back in action for the season!
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look as it locks onto the stars and captures the night sky one exposure at a time. From Montana to the Milky Way, we’re ready for another season of cosmic views, faint galaxies, glowing nebulae, and deep-sky wonders.
Clear skies and stay tuned—there’s a whole universe headed your way. 🌌🔭✨
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06/14/2026
- Where Big Sky Country comes for after dark. 🌌
New Moon = ✅
Clear Skies = ✅
Dark Skies = ✅
When the lights go down, the universe shows up. ✨
Astronomy at MLC is looking pretty stellar.
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-💎 Have you seen it yet?
The stunning 2.92-carat Montana sapphire donated by Mr. Gene Hodge is now on display at Imagine Designs Jewelry Studio in downtown Helena—and it will be there until our fundraiser on September 12!
This one-of-a-kind sapphire was personally discovered and cut by Gene, appraised at $9,500, and the winner will also receive a custom setting from Imagine Designs valued up to $3,000.
That’s a prize worth up to $12,500. 🤯
🎟️ Raffle tickets:
$5 each or 5 for $20 or 25 for $100
📍 Get yours at:
- Imagine Designs Jewelry Studio - Montana
- Montana Learning Center
- Select community events
Every ticket helps support the Montana Learning Center and the good work we do to inspire learners of all ages. Stop by Imagine Designs, see this incredible sapphire in person, and grab your chance to win something truly unforgettable. 💙
Winner announced September 12 at our annual fundraiser!
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06/11/2026
-✨ Look up. Listen in. Journey beyond the Big Sky. ✨
Join us June 19th or 20th at the Montana Learning Center for Public Stargazing Nights featuring special guest speaker Jim Manning.
Your evening begins at sunset with Native Skies, Native Stories, a captivating presentation exploring the deep connections between the night sky, culture, and the stories that have guided people for generations.
Then, step into MLC’s observatories and experience the universe through some of Montana’s largest, state-of-the-art telescopes. With guidance from Montana Learning Center staff and volunteers from the Helena Astronomical Society, you’ll get an up-close look at the wonders overhead.
🌌 Powerful stories
🔭 Incredible telescope viewing
⭐ A one-of-a-kind Montana night under the stars
Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance, so don’t wait to save your spot.
🎟️ Reserve your tickets today:
https://montanalearning.org/beyond-big-sky/
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06/10/2026
-✨ Reach for the stars—and stay seriously cozy while you do it! 🌌
The MLC Astro Hoodie celebrates everything we love about Montana Learning Center: big skies, mountain views, and unforgettable nights exploring the universe above Canyon Ferry Lake.
Made with warm, durable Gildan Heavy Blend fabric and a comfy unisex fit, it’s perfect for stargazing, campfires, classroom adventures, and everyday exploring.
🔭 Stay warm. Look up. Keep exploring.
Shop now: https://montanalearningcenter.square.site/
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-✨ What stories are written in the stars? ✨
Go Beyond the Big Sky at the Montana Learning Center on June 19 and 20 for an unforgettable evening of astronomy, culture, storytelling, and stargazing.
The night begins at sunset with Native Skies, Native Stories, presented by nationally respected astronomy educator James Manning. Discover the powerful connections between the stars above us and the stories that bring them to life.
Then, step inside MLC’s observatories and explore the universe through some of Montana’s largest, state-of-the-art telescopes. Montana Learning Center staff and volunteers from the Helena Astronomical Society will guide your journey and answer questions along the way.
🌌 Inspiring stories
🔭 Remarkable telescopes
⭐ One unforgettable Montana night
Space is limited, and tickets must be purchased online in advance.
🎟️ Learn more and reserve your tickets:
https://montanalearning.org/beyond-big-sky/
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06/09/2026
🚨 SUMMER CAMP SPOT ALERT! 🚨
A spot has just opened in our June 21–25 LEGO Robotics: Artemis Lunar Mission camp! 🌕🚀
Explore the Moon like NASA’s Artemis teams as you design, build, and program LEGO rovers to navigate the lunar surface, collect data, and complete exciting mission challenges. Campers will work together, solve engineering problems, and build coding and STEM skills along the way!
The first person to join the waitlist AND complete camper registration gets the spot—so act fast!
🔗 Sign up today and get ready for liftoff!
https://montanalearning.org/student-programs/
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7653 Canyon Ferry Road
Helena, MT
59602