The Darkest Skies
in Nebraska
Access the definitive rankings of the top 10 National Park Service Champions and International Dark Sky Parks in Nebraska. Explore our comprehensive directory of 34 Nebraska cities to find the perfect dark sky spot with verified scientific data.
National Park Service Reports
The darkest verified spots in the state. Pro Tip: Dark sky reports reveal their best details through precision optics.
Carnegie Hill
Agate Fossil Beds NM
Local Relevance
For observers in Nebraska, Carnegie Hill serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Carnegie Hill in Agate Fossil Beds NM on 7/16/2006. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.91 SQM."
Merritt Reservoir
Nebraska Star Party
Local Relevance
For observers in Nebraska, Merritt Reservoir serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Merritt Reservoir in Nebraska Star Party on 8/10/2010. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.8 SQM."
Monument Overlook
Sand Creek Massacre NHS
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Monument Overlook provide Nebraska residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Low extinction night, super bright zodical light, Gegenshein visible. Airglow visible beween 4-5. Earlier sets had bright zodiacal and gegenshein. 21.67 SQM. Bortle 2 possible without the direct glare."
Norden Bridge
Niobrara NSR
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Norden Bridge provide Nebraska residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Milky Way was bright and detaield, visible almost horizon to horizon. Only one light dome visible from Valentine, NE but it was very small and extremely faint."
Heritage Center
Homestead NM
Local Relevance
For observers in Nebraska, Heritage Center serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Heritage Center in Homestead NM on 9/27/2005. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.37 SQM."
VC
Homestead National Monument
Local Relevance
For observers in Nebraska, VC serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"20.5 SQM at zenith. M33 naked eye."
Summit Scotts Bluff National Monument
Scotts Bluff NM
Local Relevance
For observers in Nebraska, Summit Scotts Bluff National Monument serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Clear sky in general; only 1% of cloud coverage (near the horizon). Visibility during daytime is roughly 150 miles."
Certified Dark Sky Parks
International Dark Sky Association certified locations. Visiting a park? Don't forget a red-light flashlight to preserve the dark.
Jackson Lake State Park
This park is an “Oasis in the Plains,” for swimming, boating, fishing and waterskiing. But that’s not all…
Official Details →Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area (SRA) is situated in the north-central portion of the state of Nebraska, United States – a region known for its vast…
Official Details →Thousand Hills State Park
Thousand Hills State Park is situated in northeast Missouri just a few miles west of the city of Kirksville. The park consists of 3,086 acres with Forest Lake…
Official Details →Gearing Up for Nebraska Nights
"Because Nebraska contains multiple distinct climate zones, ensure your observation kit includes flexible thermal management and multi-stage dew protection."
The Nebraska Field Kit
Every dedicated Nebraska enthusiast eventually curates a setup that can scale from suburban driveways to the most isolated dark sites in the state.
Browse Cities
Find detailed scientific reports for 34 unique locations across Nebraska.