As long as humans have existed, we’ve been fascinated with the stars. As time has gone on and civilization has progressed, light pollution has made it increasingly difficult to see the stars clearly in many parts of the world. But did you know that we have a world-class stargazing destination right here in Nebraska? It’s so far from light pollution that it’s just about the best place in the state to go for an evening of looking out into space. Viewing the night sky in Nebraska has never been so magical – come out and see!

Welcome to Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in Cherry County, Nebraska. This large park is one of Nebraska's favorite places for camping, fishing, hunting, and more.
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The park is full of wide-open spaces and clear skies that reach all the way to the ground. Its remote location will make you feel like you're a whole world away from your everyday life.
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Camping is a beloved pastime all year long out here, and it's easy to see why. The landscape is gorgeous in every season, and opportunities for fishing, boating, sightseeing, hunting, and more outdoor activities are endless.
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But one of Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area's biggest pulls is its incredibly dark nighttime sky. Being in such a remote location means that there is almost no light pollution after sunset.
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This provides unparalleled views of space. In fact, the annual Nebraska Star Party is held here because it's such a perfect place to gaze at the stars. Experienced astronomers and novice stargazers converge here in the summer to celebrate the universal joy of looking up at the heavens.
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But you don't have to attend the official party to enjoy Merritt Reservoir's incredible dark skies. Simply turn off all lights and electronic devices to let your eyes adjust to the dark, then enjoy the skyward views.
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You'll be rewarded with the spectacular sight of stars that seem to stretch on forever. While Merritt Reservoir SRA isn't an official International Dark-Sky Park, advocates have been actively pursuing the designation. Being named an official Dark-Sky Park would mean that this beautiful place would be internationally recognized as one of the best places on Earth for gazing out into space.
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Whether you’re equipped with a telescope or simply want to lie back and enjoy your connection with the universe, these views are simply unbeatable. The park is open all year round and there are campsites ranging from primitive to full hookups. A Nebraska parks pass is required to enter. Get more information about camping spots and reservations on OutdoorNebraska.gov.

If you’d like more information on the annual Nebraska Star Party, you can find it on the official website. Have you ever enjoyed stargazing at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area? What parts of the Nebraska night sky amaze you the most? Let us know all about your experiences in the comments!

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Nebraska Night Sky

Tori Jane | April 19, 2023
  1. Are there any dark-sky cities in Nebraska?

Nebraska is an excellent state for stargazing; it seems like the entire state is one giant dark sky zone, thanks to a lower-than-average population and plenty of wide, open skies. There aren’t dark sky cities in Nebraska so much as there are dark sky parks, and some of these include:  

  • Agate Fossil Beds National Monument – What's cooler than stargazing? Stargazing surrounded by archeologically rich geological wonders, that’s what.  
  • Pelican Point State Recreation Area – These idyllic 36 acres right up along the Missouri River are wonderful for dark night skies!  
  • Rock Creek Station State Recreation Area – This 40-acre campground is adjacent to Rock Creek Station State Historical Park, and the night skies here are to die for.  

Learn more about all the fascinating historical secrets there are to discover at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.   

  1. Where are some of the best places to see the night sky in Nebraska?

Our amazing state parks are some of the most amazing places for viewing the night sky in Nebraska. Almost any park will do, but there are a few that are pretty much meant for stargazing, like:  

  • Chadron State Park – This park has the special honor of having been Nebraska’s first state park, and the skies here are much the same as they were a century ago.  
  • Fort Robinson State Park- This park is no slouch, coming in at 22,000 beautiful acres. Camping under the stars out here is a heavenly experience.  
  • Indian Cave State Park – This region is perfectly untouched by man, and it offers up some of the best, clearest skies in the state.  

Learn more about the amazing state parks in Nebraska.   

  1. What are some other places to go stargazing in Nebraska?

Given Nebraska’s size and openness, obviously, the above-mentioned places are not the only ones for excellent stargazing in NE. Some other great choices for this are places such as:  

  • Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest – This 116,000-acre national forest is home to some incredibly dark skies, and as a result, plenty of awesome stargazing.  
  • Niobrara State Park – What's better than stargazing at a state park? Stargazing at a state park along the banks of the Niobrara River.  

Learn more about the Merritt Reservoir, which is another amazing place to go stargazing in Nebraska. 

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Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, NE-97 & Cedar Bay, Valentine, NE 69201, USA