South Dakota’s wide horizons and low light pollution make it a good place to look up. Whether you’re a casual stargazer or planning a visit with a group, the state’s mix of park, campus, and community observatories offers easy access to impressive night skies.
There are 4 Observatories in South Dakota, ranging from Badlands Observatory, which operates near a remote dark-sky area, to South Dakota State University Observatory on a campus with outreach programs. For each site you’ll find below the City, Coordinates (lat,long), Telescope aperture (mm) & access so you can compare locations and visiting options — you’ll find those details below.
Can the public visit these observatories?
Many are open to the public for scheduled star parties or by appointment, but access varies: some are outreach-focused and welcome walk-ins, while others require advance booking or are limited to university events. Check each observatory’s website or contact them directly for current visiting hours and any fees.
When are South Dakota skies best for observing?
Late fall through early spring often brings clearer, steadier nights and lower humidity, improving seeing; summer gives warmer evenings but more haze and thunderstorms. For specific targets and events, consult local forecasts and the observatory’s calendar before you go.
Observatories in South Dakota
| Name | City | Coordinates (lat,long) | Telescope aperture (mm) & access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Badlands Observatory | Wall | 43.99,-102.27 | 686 mm; Public visits by appointment |
| Black Hills State Observatory | Spearfish | 44.49,-103.86 | 305 mm; Public open nights |
| South Dakota School of Mines Observatory | Rapid City | 44.08,-103.23 | 305 mm; Campus public nights |
| South Dakota State University Observatory | Brookings | 44.30,-96.79 | 254 mm; Public nights scheduled |
Images and Descriptions
Badlands Observatory
Badlands Observatory is a private research and public-observing facility near Badlands National Park, known for asteroid work and clear dark skies. Its large 27-inch telescope supports research and scheduled public nights by appointment for visitors and educators.
Black Hills State Observatory
Black Hills State University’s observatory on the Spearfish campus hosts teaching and community observing. It offers a classroom-linked telescope, regular open nights, and great views of the dark-mountain skies, ideal for students, families, and beginning stargazers.
South Dakota School of Mines Observatory
The South Dakota School of Mines observatory supports undergraduate instruction and public outreach in Rapid City. Scheduled observing sessions and class labs use a mid-sized telescope; visitors enjoy views of planetary and deep-sky objects under Black Hills skies.
South Dakota State University Observatory
South Dakota State University’s observatory serves students and the Brookings community with scheduled public nights and course observations. The facility’s small research telescope is used for undergraduate projects and family-friendly stargazing evenings.
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