DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN ROAD TRIP
The Stargazing States
Wyoming - Nebraska
Stops on this Route:
- Casper Planetarium
- Grand Teton National Park
- Vedauwoo Campground
- Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland
- Wind River Range
- Yellowstone National Park
- Big Horn Medicine Wheel
- Devils Tower National Monument
- Wyoming Stargazing Office
- Carhenge
- Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area
- Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area
- Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
- Hyde Observatory
What to drive:
Make the most of your US road trip with something from our American Collection:
The Stargazing States
Stop 1: Casper Planetarium 1/14
Kick off your trip in Wyoming with some suitably spacefaring inspiration at the Casper Planetarium. Here you’ll find a range of displays dedicated to our neighbours in the solar system, as well as learning about the processes involved in the magnificent birth of a star. Don’t miss out on the chance to look to the heavens through the powerful telescope, where you can also learn how to identify the constellations.
The Stargazing States
Stop 2: Grand Teton National Park 2/14
During the day, Grand Teton National Park is a popular destination for mountaineering, hiking, biking and finishing. But as the darkness draws in, this 310,000-acre park offers awe-inspiring views of the Milky Way and even more constellations. If you’re visiting on a particularly clear night, then you may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the sky’s reflection in the alpine lakes below.
The Stargazing States
Stop 3: Vedauwoo Campground 3/14
At an altitude of 8,000 feet, Vedado is a secluded rocky oasis located near the I-80, offering recreational opportunities that range from fishing to climbing and much more. Visitors can also discover some of the clearest skies in Southwest Wyoming, perfect for catching a glimpse of the galaxy above. The Vedado campground is a particularly popular camping spot for stargazers in the area, offering uninterrupted views of the night sky.
The Stargazing States
Stop 4: Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland 4/14
Such is the size and ecological diversity within the National Forest that in a matter of hours you could go from snowy peaks to shortgrass prairies along the very same handful of trails. Everywhere you go within the forest brings something new and exciting to explore – and don’t worry, there are a whole host of spots to set up camp, lie back and admire the dotted night’s sky in peace. It’s the perfect place to start reconnecting with nature.
The Stargazing States
Stop 5: Wind River Range 5/14
The Wind River Range is a mountain range located in the Rocky Mountains of West Wyoming. With clear summer skies and a high altitude of 5,000 – 13,000 feet, The Wind River Range is a popular hotspot for astronomers and space enthusiasts like. There are also plenty of wonderful hiking opportunities by day, towering above breath-taking alpine meadows and forests studded with over 2,300 lakes and ponds.
The Stargazing States
Stop 6: Yellowstone National Park 6/14
Not only is Yellowstone one of the United States’ very best spots for stargazing, there’s also a whole host of natural features worth exploring amid its 3,500 square miles of wonder. Within fascinating petrified forests and sweeping canyon views, you’ll have no trouble picking out a scenic spot to set up camp and enjoy the views of the heavens above. Take time to seek out the park’s natural wonders including the Caldera – the epicentre of the entire country's volcanic activity.
The Stargazing States
Stop 7: Big Horn Medicine Wheel 7/14
Wyoming’s Medicine Mountain is one of the state’s most imposing natural landmarks, but at its summit lies an artefact dating all the way back to the Native American settlers. An 80-foot formation of stones is arranged into a wheel with spokes running from the outer circle to the smaller one – known as the cairn – at its centre. Using this so-called ‘medicine wheel’ they were able to pinpoint the sun’s location, and other bright stars in the sky around the summer solstice.
The Stargazing States
Stop 8: Devils Tower National Monument 8/14
This mystical rock formation is possibly best known for its appearance in sci-fi classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind, but even non-film buffs can’t fail to be astonished by an encounter with this Wyoming wonder. Devils Tower rises more than 1,000 feet above the Belle Fourche River, and is formed from igneous rock thought to have first emerged from the earth 40 million years ago. If you’re brave enough, the views of the night sky from the top of the tower are out of this world.
The Stargazing States
Stop 9: Wyoming Stargazing Office 9/14
Wyoming Stargazing is an educational and non-profit organization based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They offer weekly stargazing events and private tours all year-round, beginning just one hour after sunset at the Stilton parking lot in Jackson Hole. Throughout the tour, the experienced astronomers will teach you about the planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies that are currently visible in the night sky. You’ll also get the chance to fire away any of your burning questions about the Cosmos.
The Stargazing States
Stop 10: Carhenge 10/14
Three miles north of Alliance, Nebraska you’ll find a bizarre tribute to an iconic British landmark. A circle of cars has been laid here in a similar formation to the foreboding Salisbury stones; some stand on their rear ends while others are laid across on top. Whether an audacious art project or some mysterious ode to consumerism, this unique construction is well worth a look – particularly on a clear night to add some stargazing to the spiritual mix.
The Stargazing States
Stop 11: Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area 11/14
The welcoming waters of Lake McConaughy await as you head further into scenic Nebraska. Take a boat out onto the lake and enjoy some exploration, or break out the fishing tackle and try to catch a hearty meal. Along with the campgrounds for stargazing, there’s a wide selection of B&Bs and hotels across town, as well as plenty to do. Check out Ogallala’s Petrified Wood Gallery, complete with ancient woods and fossils as well as Native American arrowheads and artefacts.
The Stargazing States
Stop 12: Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area 12/14
Located in Nebraska’s beautiful sandhills, there’s no shortage of activities at Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area. During the day, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, camping and hiking. Come night, this wildlife haven is one of the best places to stargaze. It covers more than 11,000 acres and the dark skies offer unobstructed views of the Cosmos. The area also contains a 10-mile long, 3-mile-wide lake, offering insta-worthy photo opportunities of the starry sky reflected on the water.
The Stargazing States
Stop 13: Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum 13/14
One of the United States’ key installations during the days of the Cold War, this facility has been preserved to tell its story through a variety of exhibits and attractions. As well as a huge collection of historic military aircraft and missiles, the museum features spacecraft from the Apollo test flights and a cockpit that trained astronauts for missions on Space Shuttle Atlantis. There’s also an interactive exhibition that will immerse you in the modern day search for black holes.
The Stargazing States
Stop 14: Hyde Observatory 14/14
End your journey through the stars by gazing into deep space at the Hyde Observatory. If you think you’ve seen it all, think again. With a trio of powerful telescopes offering views of comets, meteors and planets as far away as Saturn, who knows what spectacular cosmic delights will pass before your eyes? The observatory also boasts a revolving range of programmes and events covering everything from the Juno probe orbiting Jupiter to the mythology and science behind star patterns.
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