BEST STARGAZING IN THE UNIVERSE STARGAZING Branched Oak Observatory Raymond Examine the night sky with astronomers, look through telescopes, touch meteorites and even speak with astronauts on the International Space Station. Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area Indian Cave State Park Shubert Shubert’s Indian Cave State Park boasts a Bortle Class 3 dark-sky rating, and is a popular stop on the informal Nebraska astronomy trail. Near Valentine An International Dark Sky Park, Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area is home to the annual Nebraska Star Party. Join fellow stargazers for a week of astronomical fun late each summer. Walgren Lake State Recreation Area Willa Cather Memorial Prairie Hay Springs In the secluded prairie of Northwest Nebraska, this recreation area is the perfect spot to take in the stars on a tranquil camping adventure. Red Cloud The 612-acre, never-been-plowed Willa Cather Memorial Prairie offers unobstructed views perfect for sunrises, sunsets and dark skies. Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area Long Pine State Recreation Area Hemingford Another stop on the Nebraska astronomy trail: Go birding or fishing by day and gaze upon a blanket of stars at night. Long Pine Long Pine State Recreation Area’s Sandhills locale has very little light pollution, making it another prime destination for dark-sky viewing. Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area Kimball Head south to Oliver Reservoir just outside of Kimball. Here, you’ll find fishing, free camping and sprawling views of the night sky. Find more of Nebraska’s best stargazing spots on the Nebraska astronomy trail. MERRITT RESERVOIR STATE RECREATION AREA JEFF COLHOUN The Official 2026 Nebraska State Travel Guide 21
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide Nebraska 2026 Official State Travel Guide: Page 21
