13 Awe-Inspiring 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. The state even has it own Dark Skies designation: Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area. 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.
UPDATED: This post was published in 2020 and updated in April 2026 with information on closures and hours.
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Stargazing at Nebraska Dark Skies & Observatories
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. Open houses are announced on the Boswell Observatory Facebook page.
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 and are listed on their homepage.
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.
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 on their homepage (even if you don’t want details, just go look at their website in general because, holy GIFs, Batman).
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.
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. There are occasional stargazing events hosted by the Omaha Astronomical Society at the park, where they’ll bring out their telescopes and guide you in using them. Typically, it’s held by the golf range shack.
The state park is definitely a place you could spend a few days visiting, so check out everything you can do at Mahoney State Park.
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 at the Kountze Planetarium. It’s not an ideal stargazing spot, 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.
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.
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! But, they’ve applied for International Dark Sky Place designation, so it’s got to be pretty dark.
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.
UNL Student Observatory
Where: Lincoln, Neb.
Used primarily for classroom work, the observatory is open to the public only during open houses. Open houses are Wednesdays during the semester from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. They are weather-dependent, and will close if there are clouds.
Willa Cather Prairie
Where: Red Cloud, Neb.
Featuring 612 acres of Nebraska prairie, this area is prime dark-sky stargazing. They’ve applied for International Dark Sky Place designation because of it.
Nebraska 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.
