Amateur astronomers, outdoor enthusiasts and curious explorers alike have long enjoyed the activity of stargazing. Iowa offers a diverse array of prime stargazing spots – from serene rural landscapes to designated dark-sky areas – for those seeking a cosmic escape.
Outdoor Viewing
Eden Valley Wildlife Refuge, Baldwin
Located along the banks of Baldwin's Bear Creek, Eden Valley’s 200+ acres boast everything from amazing hiking opportunities to incredible night skies. The surrounding limestone bluffs and forest hills ensure complete darkness once night falls. Bring your telescope or binoculars and take in 360-degree views of the sky and its many stars and galaxies from one the observation platform’s three levels.
Whiterock Conservancy, Coon Rapids
Claiming to have the darkest skies in Iowa, Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids is a star gazer’s paradise. The park makes it a point to keep light pollution as low as possible and hosts various events throughout the year to introduce visitors to the starry skies. Join the Ames Area Amateur Astronomers at their annual Star Party in August, where they give a short presentation before letting participants look through various telescopes. If the weather is clear, you can admire different galaxies, nebulas and stars that are millions of light years away. Or, visit the Starfield Campground and pitch a tent for amazing nighttime views.
Nine Eagles State Park, Davis City
Nine Eagles State Park is the highest rated place for star gazing in Iowa. It received a level two rating on the International Dark-Sky Association’s Bortle Scale, with level one being the best based on remoteness of a location and its light pollution. Stop by the Davis City park once the sun sets and spend the evening relaxing on a blanket to admire some of the clearest skies around.
Annett Nature Center and Park, Indianola
Spend an evening admire the stars at Annett Nature Center and Park. Though the nature center closes in the evening, the park is open 24/7, year-round and features hundreds of acres to explore beneath the starry sky in Indianola. Park in the main lot and make the short hike out to the 30-foot observation tower for the best views, day and night.
Preparation Canyon State Park, Moorhead
A popular hiking destination by day, nightfall turns Preparation Canyon State Park into one of Iowa’s best stargazing destinations. Located on 344 acres of Iowa’s famously untouched Loess Hills near Moorhead, a nighttime visit or camping adventure ensures never-ending views of the darkest skies. In the summertime, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll see the Milky Way from atop the hills.
Echo Valley State Park, West Union
Echo Valley State Park's upper campground is an excellent location for stargazing. This area sits above the beautiful limestone bluff and provides a perfect opening in the trees to see into the great beyond. This West Union park also sits in a very rural area with almost no light pollution. Many hobbyists choose this site annually to set up their telescopes and cameras for research and recreational photography.
Planetariums / Observatories
Sanford Museum & Planetarium, Cherokee
To learn even more about the stars that fill the sky, stop by the Sanford Museum and Planetarium in Cherokee. It features exhibits on astronomy and has a public planetarium, where free programs are held every Sunday and Wednesday at 4 p.m. The programs use the Sci Dome projector to explore a variety of topics, including a night sky program about solar systems, galaxies and constellations that are visible in Iowa.
Ashton Observatory, Mingo
Spend a night looking at the stars with Ashton Observatory’s public nights. Offered every Saturday, April through October, the free event invites guests to stargaze through the large telescopes with guidance on how to find constellations and planets. Once a month, the Mingo event also includes a classroom program.
Drake Municipal Observatory, Des Moines
Located on the grounds of Des Moines’ Waveland Golf Course, the Drake Municipal Observatory hosts public educational lectures surrounding the night sky for free each fall, spring and summer term. You’ll learn how to look through a telescope, how planets are monitored, how to spot constellations and more.
Science Center of Iowa, Des Moines
Take the whole family to the Science Center of Iowa’s star parties to learn all about the world’s celestial wonders. Hear from stargazing guides as they explain the science behind the sky’s many sights, such as colorful double stars, star clusters, meteor showers and more. Then, join them in admiring Des Moines' night sky through a high-powered telescope. Each event has a unique focus.
Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center, Ely
The Eastern Iowa Observatory boasts two permanent telescopes and several portable telescopes. Attend one of at least a dozen observatory’s public events throughout the year in Ely, each featuring a guest speaker followed by celestial viewings with Cedar Amateur Astronomers members available to answer questions.
Norris Corson Family Planetarium, Waterloo
Part of the Grout Museum of History & Science, the Norris Corson Family Planetarium has been a Waterloo staple since 1956. The planetarium was completely remodeled in 2021to add a 4K projector, sound system and more. Now, it offers daily shows year-round; tickets must be purchased in advance.
