Ekalaka is the seat of government for Carter County, and located in southeastern Montana. Ekalaka is part of the Montana Dinosaur Trail, and home to the Carter County Museum, known for its dinosaur collections. The town was founded by David Harrison Russell on the edge of his ranch, and named for Russell’s Sioux wife, Ijkalaka. Tradition has it that a man named Carter became bogged down on the edge of Russell’s ranch in the spring of 1885, and decided to open a saloon there, saying, “Anyplace is a good place to open a saloon.” His establishment became a trade center for cattle and sheep ranchers. Carter later built structures to house hunters and freight workers who ran the local freight line, and then other businesses sprang up in the surrounding area. Ekalaka is located at the intersection of Highways 7 and 323, and not very near any other towns. Willard is northeast of Akalaka, and Ridgeway is to the south. Both the North Dakota and South Dakota borders are east of town.
Recommended Resources
The weekend event allows disabled hunters to participate in hunting, using the Livingston Ranch, near Ekalaka, Montana as a base. An outline of the program is put forward, along with photographs, a promotional video, contact data, and instructions for those who would like to contribute.
http://www.beavercreekrendezvous.com/
Originally built as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, the rustic campground is maintained as a community service for large groups, and cabin bunks are available for individual hunters during hunting season. Directions, amenities, and features of the Ekalaka camp are outlined.
http://www.campneedmore.org/
Carter County Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is a non-profit membership organization made up of businesses in Carter County, and headquartered in the county seat of Ekalaka, Montana. Organizational policies, the benefits of membership, and a meeting schedule are posted, along with a guide to area events and businesses.
http://www.cartercountychamberofcommerce.com/
Established in 1936, and operated by the Carter County Geological Society, a non-profit organization, the oldest portion of the museum was built in 1926 as an automotive garage, which was added to in the 1970s. Its location, membership policies, schedules, and an overview of its exhibits are presented.
http://www.cartercountymuseum.com/
Created in 1917, Carter County was named for US Senator Thomas Henry Carter. The official county web site offers directions, hours of operation and contacts for the county’s administrative offices and departments, as well as a guide to county facilities, services, and attractions.
http://www.cartercountymt.info/
Offering a K-12th grade curriculum, the public school district operates Ekalaka Elementary School and Carter County High School, both in Ekalaka, Montana. General information about the district, campus locations, school schedules, and announcements are posted to the site.
http://www.ekalaka.net/
Featuring five guest accommodations, the hotel is located on North Main Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Photographs of the facility are provided, along with directions, an overview of its features and services, and contact data.
http://www.ekalakaguesthouse.com/
Offering guided archery and rifle hunts for elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, and antelope, the guide service’s hunting camps are located near Ekalaka, in southeastern Montana. The accommodations are highlighted, and its hunting packages are featured.
http://www.jjguide.com/
The non-denominational Christian camp is located on 720 acres in the Custer National Forest, southeast of Ekalaka, Montana. Camp and retreat schedules, camper forms, photographs, and employment opportunities are highlighted.
http://www.ter.org/
