These stargazing experiences offer breathtaking views of the Kansas night sky
When Matt and Laura Cunningham moved out of the suburbs, the couple quickly discovered the vantage point of their new home—high on a hill with no interference from city lights or neighboring farmsteads—was the perfect setting for gazing at the night sky in all its brilliance. It is here they opened Cedar Crest Lodge, a cozy 11-room bed and breakfast located on 111 acres in rural Pleasanton.
After guests commented that “The stars just jump out of the sky” and “I can’t remember the last time I saw the Milky Way,” the Cunninghams created the Stargazer package. Depending on accommodating weather, this amenity can be added to any room, any night of the week.
“The stars at night are just incredible out here; we don’t have any real light pollution,” Matt says. “When we bought the place about 25 years ago, every night for three months we would just sit outside and look at the stars.”
With the package, guests can access an app (either on their personal device or an iPad provided by the inn) to help them identify planets and constellations while relaxing on a quilted blanket, provided by the lodge, under the night sky. The package also includes fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, a thermos of homemade hot cocoa, and breakfast service in your room the next morning.
“People like the app because it helps them out when they’re not sure if they’re looking at the Big Dipper or the Little Dipper,” Matt says. “But there’s so much to look at, you can pick out a lot of the constellations on your own.”
Ardent stargazers may bring their own telescope to get a closer look at the sky, as telescopes are an especially great way to view the Perseid meteor shower, an annual display of as many as 100 meteors appearing per hour that peaks in mid-August. Other guests can simply delight in gazing at the beautiful night sky.
“Most people just want to enjoy it and relax,” Matt says. “It’s quiet and peaceful. We have 111 acres and no neighbors. You hear frogs and birds, and that’s about it.”
Cedar Crest Lodge also offers an outdoor pool, hot tub and sauna, spa services, farm-fresh dining, and walking trails among trees and ponds.
The amazing celestial view is a bonus that Matt and Laura continue to appreciate.
“We still sit out and look at the stars at night,” Matt says. “There are millions.”
Star Party
Fall River State Park, Toronto
The Kansas Astronomical Observers will present an educational program about planets, moons, stars, constellations, nebulas and more on August 23 at the 23rd Annual Fall River Star Party. This star-studded event will take place at the Casner Creek Campgrounds in the Fredonia Bay Area near Fall River. Rangers will turn out the park lights to allow for dark sky viewing, and visitors will be asked to avoid using white light from phones, flashlights and car headlights. Park vehicle permits are required, and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and bug spray.
Open Park Night
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, Oakley
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park near Oakley typically offers not one, but two night-sky watching events each year. No reservations are required for the open park night, which offers amazing views of the Milky Way and the Perseid meteor shower. However, visitors must stay on the park’s trails and overlooks or remain in the parking lot. Off-trail access is available to those with reservations for the park’s off-trail photo excursion, led by park staff. If there are clear skies, participants will get the chance to photograph meteors and other nighttime subjects. Because the moon’s phases influence the timing of these events, the dates are not determined until four to five weeks in advance; check the website calendar for up-to-date information.
