12 of the Best Stargazing Spots in Ohio To Take Your Kids To

The universe is full of wonders and sights that will amaze you. The closest thing to reaching those astonishing stars is to gaze upon their beauty, and Ohio just so happens to be the best place to do it. This might be why Ohio is ranked as one of the top 5 states astronauts are raised.

Some may not have realized that stargazing has a wonderful effect on one’s health and overall well-being. Stargazing is similar to meditating, and it is a way to escape from everyday problems by enjoying the magnificence of the heavens. There are many other benefits of stargazing, which you can learn from below.

Benefits of Stargazing

The universe is mysterious and vast, so there is always something amazing to experience. Stargazing can easily spark your creativity while helping to free you of all distractions from the day.

Research has shown that prolonged exposure to artificial light worsens sleep quality, which can cause anxiety and depression. However, with stargazing, you will easily escape the phones, the saturated schedules, and the monotony of sitting in front of a screen all day.

Stargazing is a way to realize how we are all insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Truly embracing nature becomes a humbling moment, which promotes an unselfish and positive mindset. But, stargazing isn’t as simple as it may seem.

You need to find the perfect spot free of light pollution to stargaze. Dark skies are a necessity for stargazing, and after sunset in autumn and spring is the ideal time to stargaze with your children. These are 12 of the best stargazing spots in Ohio.

John Glenn Astronomy Park

Located in Southeast Ohio, smack-dab in the heart of Hocking Hills, is the John Glenn Astronomy Park, the first stop for stargazers. Having “astronomy” in the name shows just how important space is to this park. The John Glenn Astronomy Park is quite possibly the best place to educate your children on the complexity of space.

With the 28-inch telescope, you can view the sun, stars, and moon. This astronomy park offers visitors various programs to get involved with, including their guided stargazing programs—the fine folks at John Glenn Astronomy Park love drawing in science lovers to explore the milky way.

Burr Oak State Park

If you want to be secluded on your stargazing journey, Burr Oak State Park is your place. With over 2,593 acres of wooded hills and valley farms, Burr Oak has become one of the best spots for stargazing.

This state park is a beautiful spot because there is little light pollution, being that their are less than 2,000 residents in this village. Without a doubt, you will have your moment of peace as you gaze upon the stars and explore space and your mind all at once. This area is calm, serene, and beautiful, much like the stars.

Observatory Park (Montville)

In 2011, the International Dark-Sky Association granted the Observatory Park in Montville Township silver-tier status as a dark-sky park. Out of the 36 dark-sky parks in the nation, this observatory park is one of them and the only one in the state.

The Park District is trying to reduce light pollution in the area. To do this, the organization has gone above and beyond to teach the community how to diminish their light footprint. As a result, stargazers can bring their telescope and gaze at the sky, while relaxing with their children.

Stonelick State Park

Another dark-sky area you can visit in Ohio is the Stonelick State Park. Initially, this 1,058-acre park was a wildlife area but has become a stargazing destination for space lovers. The park is even a common destination for the Cincinnati Astronomical Society and the Friends of the Observatory.

You can be sure to explore the skies here and relieve any stress you have because of the serenity offered by this area’s overall peaceful vibes. Stonelick State Park is such a great place to view the sky that The Cincinnati Observatory hosts a free viewing on clear nights once a month.

Cincinnati Observatory Center

Speaking of the Cincinnati Observatory Center, this is another great spot to visit when stargazing. This Observatory Center is the oldest public observatory in the nation and is even known as the birthplace of American Astronomy. You can gaze at the stars through their telescopes and even get a history lesson while you are at it.

The dedicated team at the Cincinnati Observatory Center is ready to maintain the integrity of the 19th-century observatory. They seek to educate and inspire their community about astronomy and science. To further promote atstrological education, the organization holds public events every Thursday and Friday, consisting of a short presentation, a tour, and a chance to peer through their historic telescopes.

NASA Glenn Research Center

In Cleveland, you can visit the NASA Glenn Research Center, another spot for learning about space. Visiting this research center is a treat for anyone interested in stars and space. The team at this research center designs and develops technology that advances NASA’s space exploration mission.

The NASA Glenn Research Center probably isn’t the best place to stargaze, but it will be a wonderful visit for children looking to discover how space exploration technology is developed. This will be an eye-opening experience for anyone mildly interested in anything space and can further develop their love for stargazing.

Wayne National Forest

The next best place to stargaze is at the only national forest in Ohio, Wayne National Forest. This forest sits in the Appalachian foothills of southeast Ohio and offers incredible views of the stars. The Lamping Homestead Recreation Area and the Marietta District in Monroe County offer the best and darkest sites in the forest.

Besides stargazing, you can fish, hike, bike, and more. There are six campsites, a fishing pond, and a mountain biking trail to explore. In addition, you can enjoy the Burr Oak State Park within this forest. As mentioned earlier, this state park has very limited light pollution, making it a premium location to enjoy an immaculate stargazing experience.

Strouds Run State Park

The Appalachian foothills are another excellent spot for your family to stargaze. Strouds Run is a 2,000-acre state park with stunning scenery, making it worth the trip alone. The varied landscape makes picnicking, hunting, and hiking possible. Certain areas within the forest are over a century old and have no signs of human disturbance.

Stroud Run is a fair distance away from the light pollution of Columbus. So, stargazers can enjoy the dark skies as they gaze upon the constellations. This is a perfect campground to visit when seeking to gaze up at the stars. In addition, the site is open throughout the year.

Dillon State Park

Dillon State Park is a beloved park for stargazers, wildlife enthusiasts, and even tennis players. There is no shortage of activities to experience when visiting Dillon State Park, including its offerings to help you embrace the beauty of nature. Visitors from all over love to venture through the wooded hills and the fun activities they can participate through the day. This includes sunbathing, kayaking, and even hiking.

But when the sun sets and the nighttime arrives, you can stargaze at the park’s observation deck until your heart is content. There have been space events held on this observation deck for years, and you can join in on the fun. You’ll see the patterns among the stars and spot the constellations.

Furthermore, this area is also used for astronomy programs. So, you and your children will have the same viewpoint as astronomers. Your family will be able to gaze up at the stars and enjoy the vast benefits of stargazing to its fullest.

Cowan Lake State Park

Cowan is another great spot if you want peace of mind as you stargaze. The landscape spans over 1,775 acres, and the scenery is astonishing. There are many secluded areas at the Cowan Lake State Park where your family can stargaze together.

You can continue the fun in the daytime. Enjoy the hiking experience with many trails ready to traverse. A fishing pier offers the opportunity to snag a largemouth bass or catfish. There is a campground to prepare you for any activities.

SciDome Planetarium

Exploration of the stars awaits you and your family at the SciDome Planetarium. 

The Works launched the SciDome Planetarium creating an otherworldly experience for visitors. This is where you can adventure through the cosmos with the state-of-the-art 4K digital projection.

This projection creates breathtaking views of the sky and geological features of our own planet. You can journey to mars and the remainder of the solar system and much more. Learn more about the SciDome at The Works.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the best spots to stargaze in Ohio, without a doubt. Five places within the park will be perfect for stargazing. At this park, you can be sure to view the northern lights, lunar eclipses, and meteor showers, and you can’t forget the magnificent stars.

The Pine Hollow allows you to view the northern lights, while the Oak Hill Picnic area allows you to view meteor showers. There are many other spots for viewing even more dazzling spectacles. Check out the Cuyahoga Valley website to see all the things you can do with your kids.

Conclusion

Ohio is undoubtedly one of the best states for stargazing. Multiple spots throughout the state showcase how stunning space can be. Some of these locations even go out of their way to ensure visitors can enjoy the cosmos by lobbying to lower light pollution and offering to educate the public on its harmful effects. In addition to a beautiful display, other benefits of stargazing include stress relief, sleep-quality, and an overall better outlook on life. 

If stargazing is on your agenda, visiting any of the parks and observatories previously mentioned here will satisfy even the most extreme space enthusiasts. An incredible experience with your children awaits when you set out to stake your claim at one of the best stargazing spots in Ohio.