Dark Sky Activities
Come experience the skies of Glacier in person.
Logan Pass Star Parties
Come experience Glacier’s unusually dark skies by joining rangers, astronomers, and members of the Big Sky Astronomy Club to look through telescopes into the depths of the universe. This event is held at the Logan Pass Visitor Center, which provides views of Glacier’s darkest skies. Only offered several times per year, Logan Pass Star Parties are among the most popular events Glacier has to offer. Viewing times go from 10 PM to after midnight.
Admission ticket only. Tickets ($5 per vehicle) can be purchased at the Apgar or St. Mary visitor centers starting the day before the star party. In case of inclement weather, the star party will be held the following night. Check at the visitor centers or on Glacier National Park’s social media accounts for more information.
Image source: GlacierNPS, NPS.gov
Half The Park Happens After Dark
Join a park astronomer for a tour of the heavens and learn about why protecting dark skies is so important to all life on our planet. This program explains the importance of dark skies to Native American cultures, the National Park Service, researchers, and wildlife. Held at the St. Mary Visitor Center, you will go on a laser-guided constellation tour and learn about the concept of distance in space. You will also get the opportunity to look through a variety of telescopes, including the park’s 20-inch observatory telescope. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Viewing times go from sundown to 12:30 am.
Offered on clear skies only. To ensure best night sky viewing, please arrive before viewing time. Bring a coat and chair for each member of your party.
Image Source: GlacierNPS
Glacier’s Night Sky Astronomy
Join a park astronomer and peer into the mysteries of the night sky. Learn about basic astronomy, partake in a guided sky tour of Native American and Greek constellations, and look at the night sky through telescopes and astronomical binoculars. Depending on the night, the Northern Lights may even be visible. Viewing times go from 10 PM to midnight.
Attendees may leave early, if desired. Dependent on weather and sky conditions.
Image Source: GlacierNPS
Calendar of Dark Sky Activities
Events run from late June to early September, weather permitting.