Five Nebraska spots to satisfy your inner astronomer

Five Nebraska spots to satisfy your inner astronomer

You came for the daytime show, The Great American Eclipse, now comes see Nebraska’s sky at night. Wide-open spaces and minimal city lights make Nebraska a top destination for seeing the stars. Photo: Merritt Reservoir

1. Merritt Reservoir, Valentine, Nebraska

At Merritt Reservoir in north-central Nebraska is home to the annual Star Party. This 3,000-acre body of water is in the midst of the Sandhills and a prime spot to explore the sky.

2. Double R Guest Ranch, Mullen, Nebraska

The Double R Guest Ranch is also in the Sandhills, miles away from just about anything. Here, rent a cabin and view some of the darkest skies in the state.

3. Bootleg Brewers, Taylor, Nebraska

Another Sandhills oasis, Bootleg Brewery is a spot where you can not only find a great beer, but also a sky full of stars on a clear night.

4. University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History and Mueller Planetarium, Lincoln, Nebraska

View the stars on the big screen, University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History and Mueller Planetarium is the home to a 360-degree full dome theater, Archie (The largest Columbian mammoth fossil in the world) and much more.

5. Boswell Observatory, Crete, Nebraska

Boswell Observatory is the oldest extant building on Doane's campus. Built in 1883, the observatory is still functional, and sky-viewing is held regularly through the original, 8-inch equatorial telescope.

Want to learn more about great Nebraska destinations?
Check out No eclipse glasses needed to view these Nebraska marvels