Iowa’s communities mix small-town charm with curious, science-minded visitors, and planetariums are a fun way to explore the sky without leaving the state. Whether near a university campus or tucked into a local arts center, these venues offer shows, school programs, and occasional special events that make stargazing accessible year-round.
There are 8 Planetariums in Iowa, ranging from Dahl’s Chainsaw Art Planetarium to Star Theater. For each, you’ll find below the City,Address,Admission (USD) so you can quickly compare locations and prices before you go — you’ll find the full list and details below.
How can I confirm showtimes and ticket prices for a specific planetarium in Iowa?
Most planetariums post showtimes and ticket info on their official websites or social media; if that’s not available, calling the venue is best. The table below includes Admission (USD) as a starting point, but hours and prices can change seasonally or for special events, so double-check before traveling.
Are any of these planetariums suitable for school groups or young children?
Yes — community and smaller planetariums often offer tailored programs for kids and school groups, while university venues may provide more technical shows and field-trip options; contact the venue in advance for group rates, accessibility details, and age-appropriate programming.
Planetariums in Iowa
| Name | City | Address | Admission (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Theater | Des Moines | 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Science Center of Iowa, Des Moines, IA 50309 | 15 |
| Norris Planetarium | Waterloo | 503 South Street, Grout Museum District, Waterloo, IA 50701 | 14 |
| Putnam Museum Giant Screen | Davenport | 1717 W 12th St, Putnam Museum & Science Center, Davenport, IA 52804 | 10 |
| John Deere Planetarium | Cedar Falls | 102 Begeman Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614 | Free |
| Sanford Museum Planetarium | Cherokee | 117 E Willow St, Sanford Museum, Cherokee, IA 51012 | Free |
| Loras College Planetarium | Dubuque | 1450 Alta Vista St, Hennessy Hall, Loras College, Dubuque, IA 52001 | Free |
| Kirkwood Linn Hall Planetarium | Cedar Rapids | 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Linn Hall, Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 | Free |
| Dahl’s Chainsaw Art Planetarium | Keystone | 100 Main St, Keystone, IA 52249 | 10 |
Images and Descriptions
Star Theater
Located in the Science Center of Iowa, this impressive 50-foot dome planetarium uses an advanced digital system for stunning visuals. It presents live star talks and full-dome films, making it a major destination for astronomy lovers.
Norris Planetarium
Located in the Grout Museum, this planetarium features a 40-foot dome seating over 60 guests. It offers a mix of live and pre-recorded shows for school groups and the public, utilizing a classic Spitz star projector.
Putnam Museum Giant Screen
While primarily a giant screen theater, the Putnam shows immersive, domed films about space and science. It’s a great option for seeing large-format documentaries on astronomy and natural history on its six-story screen inside the museum.
John Deere Planetarium
Housed at the University of Northern Iowa, this 30-foot dome planetarium seats 50 people. It serves university students and offers free public shows during the academic year, featuring a GOTO Chronos hybrid projection system.
Sanford Museum Planetarium
As Iowa’s first planetarium, this historic venue features a 30-foot dome and a vintage Spitz A3P projector. It offers free public shows on Sunday afternoons, making astronomy accessible to the entire community in an intimate setting.
Loras College Planetarium
This cozy college planetarium provides an intimate learning environment for students and the public. It hosts free community shows, perfect for a detailed look at the constellations and current celestial events in a small group setting.
Kirkwood Linn Hall Planetarium
Primarily an educational tool for Kirkwood Community College students, this 24-foot dome planetarium also opens for public events. Its digital system provides a modern, immersive experience for learning about astronomy in a classroom-like setting.
Dahl’s Chainsaw Art Planetarium
Perhaps Iowa’s most unique astronomy venue, this tiny 12-foot dome is inside a chainsaw art museum. It offers a quirky and personal star show for just a few visitors at a time as part of the museum tour.
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