{"id":15610,"date":"2020-08-14T15:38:39","date_gmt":"2020-08-14T20:38:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitmo.com\/articles\/stargazing-missouris-heavenly-show\/"},"modified":"2026-05-28T15:24:53","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T20:24:53","slug":"stargazing-missouris-heavenly-show","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/articles\/stargazing-missouris-heavenly-show","title":{"rendered":"Stargazing in Missouri: A Heavenly Show"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Take in the breathtaking beauty of one of nature\u2019s inspiring sights \u2013 the night sky. Missouri is an ideal spot for stargazing, offering the perfect combination of open skies, an abundance of public land and \u2013 of course \u2013 darkness. The darker it is, the more you can see. And the more you can see, the more you can experience a connection with the cosmos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Stargaze<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wide Open Spaces<\/h3>\n\n\n
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For the darkest skies, head to the more rural parts of Missouri. Look for locations that are fairly isolated but do not have too much forest cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Missouri state parks<\/a>, conservation areas<\/a> and national forests provide access to thousands of acres of public land in the Show-Me State. Some areas close at dusk while others close later in the evening, so be sure to check the hours of operation when planning a stargazing trip. Areas that offer overnight accommodations are a good option because you have access to view the sky all night long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dan Zarlenga, a staff member at the Missouri Department of Conservation and an amateur astronomer, recommends spending the night<\/a> when stargazing so you don\u2019t have to drive home in the wee hours of the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find dark skies and a variety of overnight accommodations at dozens of Missouri State Parks. Echo Bluff State Park<\/a> near the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in south central Missouri and Roaring River State Park<\/a> in southwest Missouri offer a lodge, cabins and a campground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to traditional campsites, Table Rock State Park<\/a> near Branson and Pomme De Terre State Park<\/a> in central Missouri have yurts, and Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park<\/a> in southeast Missouri and Mark Twain State Park<\/a> in the northeast part of the state have camper cabins available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a more remote and rustic experience, set up camp in the Mark Twain National Forest<\/a> in the southeastern part of Missouri or at one of the 300 Conservation Areas<\/a> located throughout the state that offer camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2024, Thousand Hills State Park<\/a>, located in Kirksville, became the first Missouri state park to be DarkSky International certified<\/a> as an Urban Night Sky Place. Find more information about the darkest spots in Missouri on the International Dark-Sky Association \u2013 Missouri Chapter website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stargazing Near Kansas City and St. Louis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While Missouri has plenty of wilderness for viewing the night sky, you don\u2019t have to venture far from the state\u2019s biggest cities to find stargazing opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dark sky locations located less than an hour north of Kansas City include Big Lake State Park<\/a>, Weston Bend State Park<\/a>, and Lewis and Clark State Park<\/a>. All three parks have campgrounds. Big Lake State Park also offers camper cabins, including two that are handicap accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take in the stars just an hour from St. Louis at Hawn State Park<\/a>, Cuivre River State Park<\/a> and Meramec State Park<\/a>. Camping is available at all three parks. Meramec State Park also has cabins. In Wentzville, Broemmelsiek Park offers a designated astronomy viewing area with special viewing platforms designed for telescopes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glamping Under the Stars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If glamping is more your style, there are a variety of unique places to stay. The Embers Branson<\/a> offers both cabins and deluxe canvas tents. For those seeking views of the heavens, book their stargazer tent. This Bell Tent has transparent roof panels, is heated and cooled and boasts a king-size bed so you can watch the stars as you drift off.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Magic Tipi Retreat<\/a> \u2013 located near Park Hills, just over an hour south of St. Louis \u2013 is nestled in the woods, yet only minutes from town. The tipi sits on a wooden deck complete with a picnic table, barbecue grill and fire pit. Inside, you\u2019ll find a queen-size bed. A private bath house a short walk away offers hot showers. Candles, firewood and ingredients for s\u2019mores are provided so campers can create an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Time to Stargaze<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A bright moon can wash out the stars even in remote areas, so when planning your trip you’ll want to take into consideration the moonrise and moonset as well as the phases of the moon. The best time to view the stars is from an hour after sunset to an hour before dawn on a day that is close to the new moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best time of year to catch the splendor of the Milky Way is a moon-free summer night. The hazy mass of light is created by the combined glow of millions of stars outlining the Milky Way galaxy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gear Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When heading out to gaze at the stars, bring a flashlight to help you find your away around in the dark, and make sure your phone is fully charged. (Keep in mind that cell service can be spotty in some of the more remote areas of the state.) Wear sturdy shoes in case you need to hike a bit, and dress for the weather. During cooler months, wearing layers can help ward off the night chill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are planning to camp, be sure to pack a tent, sleeping bag and other camping gear.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Missouri is the perfect spot for your next stargazing adventure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Stargazing Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Missouri State Parks and local astronomy organizations – including the St. Louis Astronomical Society, the Kansas City Astronomical Society and the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri – host special stargazing events throughout the year at locations across the state. Attending an event is a great way to learn more about the stars and how to use a telescope. Check out the organizations\u2019 websites for upcoming events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starscape Photography<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re planning to photograph the stars, Missouri Division of Tourism photographer Aaron Fuhrman offers these basic tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n