Online registration is now open
Discover the Wonders of the Night Sky
Join us at the Nebraska Star Party for an unforgettable week of stargazing, family fun, and natural beauty at Merritt Reservoir.
Stunning Dark Skies
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the night sky at Merritt Reservoir in the Nebraska Sand hills. Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area (SRA) is certified as an International Dark Sky Park.
Family Activities
Enjoy a variety of recreational activities including swimming, tubing and boating. We also have a beginner field school and astronomy activities for kids.
About the Nebraska Star Party
Plan now to sail off on your own voyage of discovery this summer with us! The astronomical views from Merritt Reservoir’s Snake Campground are fabulous, and there are plenty of recreational opportunities to keep the entire family entertained all week long at the annual Nebraska Star Party.
For newcomers, NSP is the perfect place to become acquainted with the wonders of the heavens which can’t be seen from cities. Our unique Beginner’s Field School will show you how fun it is to explore the sky here, as well as in your own back yard when you return home, with or without a telescope.
Apart from the starry central attraction, the remote sandhills of north-central Nebraska offer a vacation full of western and natural history as well. Short day trips will take you to historical sites important to the settlement of the west. The spring-fed water and sugar sand beaches of Merritt Reservoir offer swimming, boating, and fishing. Valentine national Wildlife Refuge provides a window into the ecology of the prairie, while the nearby Niobrara River affords a cooling tube float or canoe trip through the surrounding cattle and buffalo ranching country.
A Partial List of Sponsors (see Sponsors page for more)
Event Highlights
Dark Sky Observing
Skies so dark, the Milky Way actually casts a shadow!
Beginner's Field School
Our field school is perfect for newcomers, offering sessions on how to navigate the night sky with binoculars and telescopes.
Recreational Activities
From swimming and boating to historical tours, there’s something for everyone at Merritt Reservoir.
Wildlife and Nature
Discover the rich ecology of the prairie at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy tubing or canoeing on the Niobrara River.
News, Reviews and Testimonials
“These are some of the darkest skies on the planet. It’s wonderful”
“The Milky Way is so bright here it casts shadows on the ground!”
"...there’s no comparison here. These are the darkest skies I’ve ever seen.”
Stargazers unite: Nebraska Star Party draws hundreds to Valentine
– NCN – News Channel Nebraska
This Tiny Destination in the Midwest Was Just Named the Best Astrotourism Spot in the U.S. for Its ‘Exceptionally Dark Skies’
– Travel & Leisure
Merritt Reservoir SRA certified as International Dark Sky Park
– Nebraskaland Magazine
In addition to fishing and camping, this spot in Nebraska’s Sandhills is one of the world’s darkest places.
– Atlas Obscura
Magnificently Dark
– Nebraskaland Magazine
Join the Adventure at The Nebraska Star Party!
Join us for the entire week or just a few days while you explore the beautiful Nebraska Sand hills.
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable week under the stars at Merritt Reservoir. Register to secure your spot at the Nebraska Star Party and dive into a world of astronomical wonders, family fun, and outdoor recreation.
Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a curious beginner, our event offers something for everyone.
* Online registration begins in early February and continues until the week before NSP. You can also register onsite during the star party.