; Skip to Content

13 awesome places for stargazing in Nebraska

Space tourism, stargazing, and the search for dark skies are all reasons for people to travel. Now, they’re reasons for people to travel to Nebraska. In 2022, Nebraska got its first Dark Skies designation: Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

UPDATED: This post was published in 2020 and updated in September 2022.

Read on for information about the three sites that are nominated for Dark Sky Places, as well as some other fantastic stargazing spots in Nebraska.

Stargazing at Nebraska Dark Skies & Observatories

1. Behlen Observatory

Where: Mead, Neb.

The Behlen Observatory has a massive 30-inch Cassegrain reflector telescope. Several public night are held each year, allowing the public a chance to use the 30-inch telescope as well as several smaller ones.

A telescope at night

2. Boswell Observatory

Where: Crete, Neb.

Built in 1883, this is a still-functioning observatory on the campus of Doane University. Sky-viewing is held regularly through the original, 8-inch equatorial telescope. It may not be open to the public, though. Follow the Boswell Observatory Facebook page for updates.

3. Branched Oak Observatory

Where: Raymond, Neb.

Located about 20 miles northwest of Lincoln, this is a convenient astronomy park for stargazing. Once or twice a month, the Branched Oak Observatory is open to the general public and students of astronomy. With the help of local astronomers, a variety of telescopes are set up. These events are free.

Woman and a telescope

4. Double R Guest Ranch

Where: Mullen, Neb.

Being located in the Sandhills has its perks. For Double R Guest Ranch, the perks are wide-open spaces that are prime for star viewing. The ranch has cabins for overnight stays.

If you’re considering going to the Nebraska Star Party, this ranch is about 20 miles from Merritt Reservoir.

5. Honey Creek Observatory

Where: O’Neill, Neb.

This observatory has a 17.5-inch fork-mounted equatorial Newtonian reflector. There are free scheduled events planned at the observatory. Get the details here (and just check out the website in general because, holy GIFs, Batman).

6. Hyde Memorial Observatory

Where: Lincoln, Neb.

There are three telescopes available for viewing, as well as free astronomy presentations every Saturday night. Stay up to date by following Hyde’s Facebook page.

7. Mahoney State Park

Where: Asland, Neb.

It’s hard to find a great stargazing zone near Omaha or Lincoln, but Mahoney State Park will get you close enough. On a clear night, major constellations should be visible to the naked eye, but a telescope is recommended. This is definitely a place you could spend a few days visiting, so check out everything you can do at Mahoney State Park.

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

8. Mallory Kountze Planetarium

Where: Omaha, Neb.

While this is primarily a planetarium located on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, there are occasional roof-top stargazing events. They’re not ideal, being in the middle of a city, but they’re educational. An astronomer is usually on hand after the planetarium shows to answer any questions. See what public shows are planned here.

9. Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area

Where: Valentine, Neb. (well, about 26 miles southwest of Valentine to be exact)

Without a doubt, Merritt Reservoir ranks tops for stargazing in the state. In the fall of 2022, it was recognized by the International Dark Sky Places Program. Founded in 2001, the program to encourage communities, parks and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.

Flat prairie (well, mostly flat…it is the Sandhills) is a big draw for stargazers. Located far from major cities and light pollution, Merritt is host to one of the country’s best star parties each year the Nebraska Star Party.

The night sky at the Nebraska Star Party at Merritt Reservoir SRA
Photo courtesy Nebraska Tourism

Looking for overnight accommodations? Check out the lodging options for Valentine, Neb., on Booking.com.

10. Niobrara National Scenic River* 

Where: Valentine, Neb.

Like Merritt Reservoir, the Niobrara River offers a light pollution-free zone for looking at the Milky Way. I’ve only canoed the river in the daytime. It has never dawned on me that it would be the ideal stargazing spot at night!

The horizon over a bridge spanning the Niobrara National Scenic River in Nebraska. At night it's good for prime stargazing.

11. Sachtleben Observatory

Where: Hastings, Neb.

This observatory, located on the campus of Hastings College, houses 14-, 10- and two 8-inch reflecting telescopes. Sachtleben Observatory is open to the public for free astronomy presentations and night sky viewings two Saturdays per month, weather permitting.

See the next available dates at hastings.edu.

12. Willa Cather Prairie*

Where: Red Cloud, Neb.

Featuring 612 acres of Nebraska prairie, this area is prime dark-sky stargazing.

Tip: Who’s Willa Cather? Glad you asked! Read about her in this post about Nebraska authors.

Willa Cather Memorial Prairie by day. At night, it's a good site for stargazing.
Photo courtesy Nebraska Tourism

* Has applied for International Dark Sky Place designation.

Stargazing events

New to stargazing? Me too. I’m glad there are events out there to introduce beginners to astronomy with a good deal of fun activities thrown into the weekend. The biggie for us in Nebraska is the annual Nebraska Star Party held each August. It’s ranked as one of the top stop parties in the U.S.

A view of the night sky in Nebraska near Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area.
Photo courtesy Nebraska Tourism

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.