Where to go stargazing around St. Louis

Where to study the night sky, from the heart of the city to state parks an hour’s drive away

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There’s something magical about gazing at the stars. Before you go, be sure to research what’s visible in the night sky and to keep in mind the lunar phases. (A stargazing app can be immensely helpful.) Find an open area free of light pollution. Prairies and state parks are good options. While these remote locations provide some of the best views of the sky, keep in mind that they might not all have designated viewing sites with equipment or staff, so you may need to bring your own binoculars or telescope. Here are 10 places to go stargazing near St. Louis, as recommended by the experts at St. Louis Astronomical Society.

ST. LOUIS CITY

Francis Park 5121 Tamm

The St. Louis Astronomical Society regularly hosts free stargazing events near Francis Park’s northeast corner, by the intersection of Tamm Avenue & Itaska Street, typically around the time of the first quarter moon of each month. The organization offers telescope viewings of such sights as the moon’s surface, as well as any visible planets. Beforehand, consider a stop at Rockwell Beer Garden.

McDonnell Planetarium 5050 Oakland, Forest Park 

OK, it’s not technically stargazing, but it’s the next best thing in the heart of the city. The iconic Gyo Obata–designed planetarium at the Saint Louis Science Center in Forest Park offers a wide range of star shows, including the new Stars Around the World, thanks to the Zeiss Universarium Mark IX Star Projector. Of course, that’s not to mention the planetarium’s other, less astronomically inclined programming, including laser light shows and yoga under the stars.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY

Stacy Park 9750 Old Bonhomme Road, Olivette

In fall 2021, the International Dark-Sky Association certified Stacy Park as an Urban Night Sky Place, a site designed to “actively promote an authentic nighttime experience in the midst of significant artificial light.” Hours are from dusk to dawn, and an open field is available for clear stargazing. Stargazers should bring binoculars, a telescope, an app for stargazing, or other astronomical viewing instruments. Be sure to follow the park’s rules to help minimize light pollution as well.

Schwartz Observatory 7809 Rosedale

Located on UMSL’s north campus, in Normandy, Schwartz Observatory houses a 16-inch Meade LX200 telescope and two portable 8" Celestron telescopes. While the facility is dedicated to astronomical research, there are free monthly open houses throughout most of the year, in which a student or volunteer can help direct the telescope, point out constellations, and answer questions. For details, call the Skywatch Hotline at 314-516-5706.

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park 800 Guy Park Drive, Wildwood

The 2,441-acre state park presents the perfect opportunity to see the wonders of nature coupled with a beautiful night sky. The field next to the monument of the park’s namesake, just east of the visitors center, is an ideal location for those hoping to observe stars and other celestial objects, such as Jupiter and Saturn. The St. Louis Astronomical Society often hosts free telescope viewings at the state park and encourages guests to bring binoculars, lawn chairs, and blankets.

ST. CHARLES COUNTY

Broemmelsiek Park 1615 Schwede, Wentzville

Among the best places in the metro area for stargazing, Broemmelsiek Park in St. Charles has a designated astronomy viewing area with 10 concrete viewing stations with electrical service to help accommodate modern telescopes. The site’s available on a first-come, first-served basis. Large groups should register ahead of time. The Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri also hosts open houses every Friday night, weather permitting.

SOUTH OF ST. LOUIS

Washington State Park 13041 State Highway 104, De Soto

The 2,157-acre state park, 45 minutes south of St. Louis, is known for its petroglyphs, trails, access to the Big River, and overlooks. After seeing the historic rock carvings, consider staying in a cabin or campsite (available by reservation from April through October and including a new platform tent site) and setting up a telescope to stargaze with minimal light pollution. Look for special stargazing events on the park’s Facebook page as well. During summer 2022, for instance, the Sips, Stars and Meteors event provided guests with a chance to watch the Perseids meteor shower, sip wine from nearby Edg-Clif Vineyard, and see the stars from Big River Day-Use Area.

Jefferson College Observatory 9873 Farm Road, Hillsboro

In Hillsboro, 45 minutes south of St. Louis, Jefferson College recently partnered with the St. Louis Astronomical Society to create an observatory site with minimal light pollution. Visitors can learn more about space from the experts during free monthly stargazing events on the first Sunday of each month. The Aim For the Stars events offer the chance to take a site tour, learn how to read a star map and use binoculars, see a meteorite exhibit and laser-guided constellation tour, and view planets and stars from the site’s 16-inch telescope.

WEST OF ST. LOUIS

Onondaga Cave State Park 7556 Highway H, Leasburg

As the park’s name implies, caves are the main draw at the 1,358-acre state park, located an hour and a half southwest of St. Louis. Tours are available of both its namesake cave and Cathedral Cave. A campground is also available by reservation, and the park hosts nature programs at its amphitheater on Saturdays from April through October. At night, the remote location makes it ideal for stargazing. One reason: It’s among the top dark sky destinations in the state. (For more noteworthy spots, check out this map.)

Meramec State Park 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan

Located an hour west of St. Louis, the 6,896-acre state park is known for its many caves, notably Fisher Cave, where you can take a tour. The park also offers a range of lodging options (cabins, motel rooms, and camp sites), as well as gear at the Fireside Store & Grill. As for stargazing, the Dent County Astronomers sometimes hosts dark sky viewing events. And before you go, be sure to check for clear skies.

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