Things to do

Stargazing in national parks

The National Park Service lists 41 things to do tagged “Stargazing” in 36 parks and sites. Acadia National Park has the most (5). Each listing links to the NPS page with details. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

Showing 41 of 41 listings.

ListingParkTime neededSeasonNotes
Astronomy Ranger ProgramGreat Basin National Park60-120 MinutesSpring, Summer, Fall—
El Malpais Night SkiesEl Malpais National Monument1-8 HoursYear-round—
Experience the NightGreat Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve30-300 MinutesYear-round—
Explore the Night SkyCity Of Rocks National Reserve———
Full Moon Hikes at Mount RainierMount Rainier National Park30-180 MinutesYear-roundFee
Join a Star PartyCedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park———
Look for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)Denali National Park & Preserve—Winter, Spring, Fall—
Night Skies at Cape LookoutCape Lookout National Seashore—Year-round—
Night Sky Viewing At Pinnacles National ParkPinnacles National Park—Year-round—
See the Night SkyBryce Canyon National Park—Year-roundFee
See the StarsMammoth Cave National Park—Year-round—
See the Stars in Theodore Roosevelt National ParkTheodore Roosevelt National Park—Year-round—
Star Gazing at SunriseMount Rainier National Park30-120 MinutesSummerFee
StargazeCapitol Reef National Park—Year-roundFee
Stargaze at Joyner RidgeDevils Tower National Monument—Year-round—
Stargaze at Katahdin Woods and Waters National MonumentKatahdin Woods and Waters National Monument———
Stargaze at Panorama PointArches National Park15-120 MinutesYear-round—
Stargaze at Spirit MoundLewis & Clark National Historic Trail, Missouri National Recreational River—Year-round—
Stargaze at Waterrock KnobBlue Ridge Parkway1-4 HoursSpring, Summer, Fall—
Stargaze in ShenandoahShenandoah National Park———
Stargazing at Black CanyonBlack Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park—Year-round—
Stargazing at Bryce CanyonBryce Canyon National Park—Year-round—
Stargazing at ChiricahuaChiricahua National Park—Year-round—
Stargazing at Craters of the MoonCraters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve———
Stargazing at Jordan PondAcadia National Park—Spring, Summer, Fall—
Stargazing at Joshua TreeJoshua Tree National Park—Year-round—
Stargazing at Padre IslandPadre Island National Seashore———
Stargazing at Sand BeachAcadia National Park—Spring, Summer, Fall—
Stargazing at SeawallAcadia National Park—Spring, Summer, Fall—
Stargazing at Voyageurs National ParkVoyageurs National Park—Year-roundReservation
Stargazing Events in Southeast UtahArches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Natural Bridges National Monument1-3 HoursSummer—
Stargazing in Big CypressBig Cypress National Preserve—Year-round—
Stargazing in Paradise & Stevens CanyonMount Rainier National Park1-6 HoursSpring, Summer, FallFee
Stargazing in ZionZion National Park———
Stargazing Ocean PathAcadia National Park—Spring, Summer, Fall—
Stargazing on Cadillac Mountain (Vehicle Access Limited)Acadia National Park—Spring, Summer, Fall—
Stargazing on the Natchez Trace ParkwayNatchez Trace Parkway1-4 HoursYear-round—
View the Night Sky at Capulin VolcanoCapulin Volcano National Monument30-120 MinutesYear-round—
View the Night Sky at Gulf IslandsGulf Islands National Seashore30-90 MinutesYear-round—
View the Night Sky at Split MountainDinosaur National Monument10-240 MinutesYear-round—
Watch the Northern Lights Over Voyageurs National ParkVoyageurs National Park—Year-round—

Parks with the most stargazing listings

Other activities

HikingSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingMuseum ExhibitsFront-Country HikingGuided ToursJunior Ranger ProgramScenic DrivingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPaddlingPicnickingBikingBackcountry HikingBackcountry CampingPark FilmHands-OnArts and CultureSelf-Guided Tours - Auto

Sources

  • National Park Service Data API — things to do (developer.nps.gov), snapshot of Oct 28, 2026. Listings, seasons and fees can change; confirm on nps.gov. The NPS does not endorse this site.