StarGazing in Ohio

There’s An Astronomy Park In Ohio And It Belongs At The Top Of Your Bucket List

Located in beautiful Hocking Hills State Park, the John Glenn Astronomy Park gives Ohio explorers the perfect place to stargaze. This resplendent gem opened just a few years ago, and has quickly become a place for dreamers, wanderers, romantics — and, of course, astronomers. With little in the way of light pollution, this astronomy park provides extraordinary views of the Milky Way Galaxy, nearby planets, and other outer space marvels. This is one park you’re definitely going to want to add to your Ohio bucket list. This astronomy park in Ohio is a one-of-a-kind destination we’re lucky to have in The Buckeye State.

Let’s take a look:

Tucked away in the heart of Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park -- where light pollution is scarce -- this impressive astronomy park mesmerizes visitors and locals alike.
​

Where are the best places to go stargazing in Ohio?

The Hocking Hills astronomy park is probably the best — but you already knew that!

One hidden gem that’s perfect for stargazing is found in Butler County, at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. This hidden gem is an outdoor sculpture park that’s located in a remote area perfect for stargazing. The park regularly hosts meteor shower viewing parties and events, but you can also simply visit and take in the interstellar views on your own. And just outside of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is an absolutely splendid place to go stargazing.

What are some of the top attractions in Hocking Hills State Park?

Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio, is one of the most beloved parks in the state, and it’s easy to see why. This park is an all-around MVP, with epic waterfalls, unique rock formations, incredible hiking trails, stellar scenery, and some of the most gorgeous cabins and campsites in the state. It also makes for an excellent, inexpensive road trip for those who love the outdoors.

Must-see attractions within the Hocking Hills State Park include Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, The Rock House, Conkle’s Hollow, Upper and Lower Falls, the Sphinx Head, Ash Cave, and the Devil’s Bathtub. Of these, Ash Cave may be our favorite; the Ash Cave Trail features a .25 mile long Gorge Trail that is wheelchair accessible, as well as a .5 mile long Rim Trail. After heavy rainfall, a small stream of water flows over the cave. It’s absolutely breathtaking.

What are the most scenic places in Ohio?

Hocking Hills is easily one of the most beautiful places in Ohio, but The Buckeye State has scenic splendor everywhere you turn! Cleveland Botanical Garden features 10 acres of outdoor gardens and an 18,000 square foot glasshouse garden. It’s an ever-changing urban escape of beauty, whimsy, and wonder year-round. In Ohio’s Adams County, you’ll find the largest (and most strangely shaped) effigy mound in the world: Great Serpent Mound. The 1,348 ft. long, uniquely shaped mound depicts a snake, with an oval shape at its head, and it’s truly a sight to behold. Part of the Toledo Metroparks system, Oak Openings is Ohio’s rarest ecosystem (and one of the world’s rarest ecosystems) where rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies, and swamp forests all thrive in harmony.

Ohio is truly a stunner of a state.