Facility Rentals
Our Story
Rent the Facility
Astronomy Program

The Setting
The Montana Learning Center, located at Canyon Ferry Lake, boasts a picturesque setting for retreats, meetings, conferences, and kids’ camps. The lakeside setting is ideal for exploring Montana’s biology and geology. Our awe-inspiring views, beautiful skies, and low light pollution make the Center a perfect setting for the largest public-use telescope in the state.

The Location
Located thirty miles from Helena, MT, the Montana Learning Center is the perfect location for teaching, learning, and experiencing the outdoors. It is uniquely equipped for groups interested in science, mathematics, and teaching. We also serve as a retreat center for integrated studies and all curriculum groups.
Meetings and Lodging at Montana Learning Center
The Montana Learning Center is a perfect location for peaceful and productive retreats. Historic cottages built in the late 1940s give guests and students spaces for meeting, learning, and sleeping. The comfortable and peaceful setting accommodates approximately 100, with shared spaces and private rooms. View a pdf map of our quaint and cozy campus to see the possibilities.
Guests check-in at the Office Cottage. This space has a small conference table that accommodates meetings for 8 people and a business center.
An emergency phone is available at the Office Cottage. Verizon Wireless Internet is available onsite.

ONe of our student spaces for learning
Fall colors on campus
Meeting Space
The Blue Classroom Cottage is used as a classroom for up to 25-30 people with an LCD projector and Verizon Wireless Internet.
Cost per day: $200
The Green Classroom Cottage is used as a classroom for up to 20-25 people with Verizon Wireless Internet.
Cost per day: $150
The Tan Classroom Cottage is used as a classroom for up to 12-15 people.
Cost per day: $100
Dining
Students relax and refuel at the Dining Hall. There is a full-service kitchen and dining area inside and a large covered patio in front. The kitchen is licensed by the State of Montana. There is dining space for thirty people inside and several more outside in warm weather. The view is spectacular any time of the year. Meals are provided for $35 per person per day, or you can bring your own food and beverages.
Cost per day: $250
Lodging
The Dorm Cottages include cottages that have been converted into dorms. One bedroom has two single beds, the other bedroom has two bunk beds, and the living room has three bunk beds. Each dorm has a full bathroom and can sleep up to 12 people.
Cost: $49 per night, per person. This does not include daily housekeeping service.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Montana K-12 school groups can stay at the MLC for $25 per child, per night and $35 per adult, per night.
Astronomy
The lakeside setting is ideal for exploring Montana’s dark skies. The Center has on offer the largest public-use telescope in the state. View our Astronomy page for more about star parties or to learn about renting one of our two available telescopes.
Bunk style lodging