Find The Darkest Skies In Iowa For A Stargazing Adventure
The 5 Best Stargazing Spots In Iowa That Will Show Off Stunning Nighttime Skies
In the summertime, the Milky Way is high above the Northern Hemisphere, and if you plan out your night time adventure for a New Moon, you’ll have a good chance of seeing it. All you have to do is track down the darkest skies in Iowa! Here are a few of the best places to go stargazing in the Hawkeye State.
1. The Ashton Observatory
The impressive Ashton Observatory is home to the Des Moines Astronomical Society, and it's open for public nights and events on certain dates throughout the year. It's a great place to learn all about the cosmos.
2. Whiterock Conservancy
The Whiterock Conservancy hosts Night Sky programs in their star field, where you'll get to see some of the darkest skies in Iowa.
3. South-Central Iowa
According to the Dark Sky Finder, south-central Iowa along the Missouri border is where you'll find the darkest skies in the state. Pull over next to a big, open field and you'll be able to see thousands of stars lighting up the night sky.
4. Preparation Canyon State Park
The elevations of the Loess Hills offer a stunning view high above most light pollution, and you'll enjoy a broad view of the sky from Preparation Canyon State Park or Loess Hills State Forest.
5. Lake Sugema
Camp out at Lake Sugema to find some of the darkest skies in Iowa. You'll be able to spot dozens of constellations if you know where to look, so bring a sky map.
Track down these great stargazing spots in Iowa for a nighttime adventure like no other! Check out a Milky Way spotting planner and the Dark Sky Finder to plan your trip and know what to look out for. Be sure to bring a sky map, too!
Address: 0122100004, Mingo, IA 50168, USA
Address: Whiterock Conservancy, 1436 IA-141, Coon Rapids, IA 50058, USA
Address: Preparation Canyon State Park, 340th St, Moorhead, IA 51558, USA
Address: Lake Sugema, Des Moines, IA 52565, USA