7 Of The Darkest Places In Kansas That Are Set Up For Stargazing
Have you been eager to experience a night filled with stargazing or do you love planning trips for the future? A stop to stargaze might be a great event to add to a road trip, especially if it includes camping. While you may find yourself searching for “stargazing near me,” quite often, we are here to help. Here are just seven of the best stargazing destinations in Kansas.
What you're seeing here is a light pollution map, where color is how much light is bleeding into the sky from homes, businesses, and cities in general. The darkest areas are the most grey!
Cross Timbers State Park is known for its forested areas, which make stargazing like looking into a window the trees made just for you. Amazing! There is excellent hiking to enjoy at this state park if you're here for a longer stay.
In the northwest, you'll find Sheridan Wildlife Area, a great spot for uncrowded sky watching. During daylight, they also have public hunting available here, too!
3. Goodman State Fishing Lake - Ness City
Goodman State Fishing Lake, Ness City, KS 67560, USA
For a fishing lake, we're glad to see that there isn't much light pollution out here. Out in the southwest Kansas area, there are not too many lights at night, just the way we like it. Goodman State Fishing Lake should definitely be on your bucket list when searching for the best stargazing near me.
4. Lovewell State Park - Webber
Lovewell State Park, 2446 250 Rd, Webber, KS 66970, USA
Lovewell State Park is another beautiful place, especially if you love the lake. There's a little bit of everything to do here, so feel free to make your stargazing stay into a weekend of camping fun.
5. Cimarron National Grassland - Westola
Cimarron National Grassland, Westola, KS 67953, USA
Next, is a beautiful area full of wildlife. Cimarron National Grassland is a grassland unique among others in our state. Though, besides the grasses, we think a great visit could be centered around the skies instead.
6. Clark State Fishing Lake - Ford
Clark State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, S Lake Rd, Ford, KS 67842, USA
Another dark zone, Clark Fishing Lake is perfect for seeing clear skies. What better than little tree cover and plenty of open road to gaze from? If you are looking for the best stargazing in Kansas, this is at the top of the list.
7. Webster State Park - Stockton
Webster State Park, 1140 10 Rd, Stockton, KS 67669, USA
With a large area to cover, the sky above Webster State Park is nice and clear provided the weather allows you to see above you. If the skies are clear, you'll have a great canvas for the Milky Way.
Check out these amazing stargazing spots in the article above and feel free to tell us about your favorite darkest sky parks in Kansas with our nomination feature.
If you not only want to enjoy stargazing near me in Kansas, but you want to stay away from the crowds, check out these 10 perfect places in Kansas for people who hate the crowds.
Address: Cross Timbers State Park, 144 KS-105, Toronto, KS 66777, USA
Address: Sheridan Wildlife Area, Quinter, KS 67752, USA
Address: Goodman State Fishing Lake, Ness City, KS 67560, USA
Address: Lovewell State Park, 2446 250 Rd, Webber, KS 66970, USA
Address: Cimarron National Grassland, Westola, KS 67953, USA
Address: Clark State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, S Lake Rd, Ford, KS 67842, USA
Address: Webster State Park, 1140 10 Rd, Stockton, KS 67669, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Stargazing Near Me
June 02, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What is one of the best state parks in Kansas to visit?
Whether you are searching for the best stargazing in Kansas or you simply want to get outdoors and spend some time in nature, there are a handful of state parks for you to consider. At only 5 acres in size, Mushroom Rock State Park is the smallest state park in Kansas, but it is also one of the most fascinating. You will find this state park located along the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway and you will know you are in the right place due to the remarkable landscapes around the park.
This state park is home to incredible and rare rock formations. These rocks are believed to have formed during the Cretaceous Period, which was 144 million to 66 million years ago. Many of these rocks look like giant mushrooms and are quite extraordinary. And if you want to capture views of as many unique formations as possible, take the short and easy 0.2-mile trail around this state park.
Where can I experience some of the best stargazing in Kansas?
The article above lists many of our favorite Kansas stargazing locations. However, Cross Timbers State Park is one destination that you definitely will not want to overlook. While the state park itself is delightful to explore, the shaded campsites with access to the lake are the perfect place to set up a base camp and they come with a variety of amenities such as modern bathrooms and showers.
Address: Cross Timbers State Park, 144 KS-105, Toronto, KS 66777, USA
Address: Sheridan Wildlife Area, Quinter, KS 67752, USA
Address: Goodman State Fishing Lake, Ness City, KS 67560, USA
Address: Lovewell State Park, 2446 250 Rd, Webber, KS 66970, USA
Address: Cimarron National Grassland, Westola, KS 67953, USA
Address: Clark State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, S Lake Rd, Ford, KS 67842, USA
Address: Webster State Park, 1140 10 Rd, Stockton, KS 67669, USA
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Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during her time here in the Sunflower State, mostly in the south central area. Clarisa is a stay-at-home mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, and has been writing anything and everything since she's held a pencil, though Kansas and fantasy novels take up most of her time.
