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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.

Merritt Reservoir

Merritt Reservoir

Merritt Reservoir, Valentine

United States

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.

Double R Guest Ranch

Double R Guest Ranch

Double R Guest Ranch, Mullen

United States

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.

Bootleg Brewers, Taylor, Nebraska
Bootleg Brewers, Taylor

United States

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.

Mueller Planetarium

Mueller Planetarium

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

United States

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.

Boswell Observatory

Boswell Observatory

Boswell Observatory, Crete

United States

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.