There’s An Astronomy Park In Ohio And It Belongs At The Top Of Your Bucket List

Located in beautiful Hocking Hills State Park, the John Glenn Astronomy Park gives Ohio explorers the perfect place to stargaze. This hidden gem in Ohio opened just a few years ago, and has quickly become a place for dreamers, wanderers, romantics -- and, of course, astronomers. With little in the way of light pollution, this astronomy park provides extraordinary views of the Milky Way Galaxy, nearby planets, and other outer space marvels. This is one park you're definitely going to want to add to your Ohio bucket list. This astronomy park in Ohio is a one-of-a-kind destination we're lucky to have in The Buckeye State. On a crisp winter day, I visited this astronomy park in Ohio with my husband, and we were in awe of its beauty and unique design -- not to mention the big, starry skies above it!

Tucked away in the heart of Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park -- where light pollution is scarce -- this impressive astronomy park mesmerizes visitors and locals alike.

This $1 million project was funded entirely by donations, which says a lot about Ohio's deep love for all things related to space.

In fact, Ohio has produced more astronauts than any other state, with Buckeye State explorers logging more than 22,000 hours in space.

Just outside of Cleveland, Ohioans can visit the First Flight Lunar Module, a half-size scale model of the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing Module, the first vehicle to take humans to the surface of the moon. In short, Ohioans love all things outer space.

Director of the project and designer Brad Hoehne created the park to inspire visitors with both the night sky and the sun.

Careful details were included in the design of the park, including 24 marks along the perimeter of the plaza, representing each hour of the day.

The park features giant "slots" on the perimeter, which are designed to catch the rising and setting sun on the equinoxes (spring and fall) and the solstices (summer and winter).

A beam of light casts resplendently upon the sphere and the middle of the plaza.

Seeing these original blueprints in action is truly marvelous.

Additionally, there's an observatory in the park, where visitors can stargaze, spot planets, and more via two large telescopes.

Pictured above is one of the park's telescopes, built by Mark Vanderaar of the Richland Astronomical Society.

Other fun features of the park include an interactive sundial that, if you follow the instructions just right, shows you how to tell time - no Apple watch needed!

The John Glenn Astronomy Park is an absolutely incredible place to visit. The stargazing here is truly sublime.

To learn more about The John Glenn Astronomy Park, including upcoming events, visit the official John Glenn Astronomy Park Facebook page.

Did you know about this astronomy park in Ohio? Have you visited it yet? Where is your favorite place to stargaze in Ohio? Let us know in the comments below!

And for more unique parks in Ohio, check out our previous article: 11 Underrated Ohio Parks That Will Bring Out The Adventurer In You.