Stargaze in serenity at Nebraska’s first & only official International Dark Sky Park, Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area.
In the heart of north-central Nebraska’s Sandhills is a place so dark that the Milky Way can actually cast shadows.
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area is a coveted destination for sun-drenched fishing and boating adventures on an 11-mile-long lake, as well as spectacular sunset views along 44 miles of sugar-sand shoreline. It’s when night falls, though, that the excitement really starts at this dark sky park located in a narrow valley along the Snake River.
Ready to see just how dark nights at Merritt Reservoir can get? Read on to discover everything you need to know for your next star-studded excursion.
Before you go, note that you need a Nebraska state park permit to enter this area. Nebraska-plated vehicles may enter for about $7 a day, while residents of other states pay about $14. You can purchase your park entry permit at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
What’s an International Dark Sky Park?
In 2022, the International Dark-Sky Association (now DarkSky International) designated Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area an International Dark Sky Park. Its sky readings even met the stricter standards for a Dark Sky Sanctuary, DarkSky’s highest tier.
International Dark Sky Parks are publicly or privately owned conservation sites that meet a few criteria: First, they must have exceptional starry nights, free of light pollution, so the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. Next, the site must be legally protected, and its managers must provide the public with nighttime access. Finally, the park’s owners must commit to outreach efforts to educate the public about the importance of restoring dark skies from light pollution.
In the case of Merritt Reservoir, night sky quality surveys repeatedly show an exceptionally dark nocturnal environment, and opportunities for the public to experience its starry glory abound: Night sky education and interpretation programs are available to all through the Wildlife Education Program, while additional programs highlighting astrotourism and regional threats to night sky quality are currently in development thanks to a partnership among the Nebraska Tourism Commission, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the Nebraska Star Party Planning Committee, and other local non-profits.
Through its designations, DarkSky International aims to educate parkgoers about the need to preserve the night sky as a natural resource. Its sites help land management agencies achieve conservation in the long term, while encouraging tourism, bolstering local economies, and, of course, connecting humans to the awe-inspiring wonders of the night sky.
What to do at the dark sky park
When planning a trip to a dark sky park like Merritt Reservoir, the most important considerations are time and weather. To maximize stargazing visibility, consult a lunar calendar and aim to arrive around the new moon when the skies are darkest. While stargazing is a year-round activity, most aficionados prefer visiting Merritt Reservoir in spring, autumn, or winter. Summertime’s warm nights can be tempting, yet the season’s unpredictable weather patterns and shorter nights have the potential to wreak havoc on your stargazing plans. Finally, check the forecast more than once before your planned arrival—rain or thick cloud cover can reduce visibility. To be extra safe, consult Clear Sky Charts to make sure the forecast is fit for astronomical observing.
While some stargazers relish the serene solitude only a dark sky park can provide, others like to socialize while they stare up at the sky. If the latter sounds more like your style, plan your visit during the annual Nebraska Star Party.
Every summer for the last three decades, Merritt Reservoir has hosted the Nebraska Star Party, an event that brings together professional and amateur astronomers to share their love of light pollution-free skies. This annual event is scheduled to coincide with the new moon each July or August. The next Nebraska Star Party will be held August 1-6, 2027.
So what exactly happens during a star party? Those who are new to astronomy can attend a Beginner’s Field School, an immersive, three-day program that teaches astronomical skills over a series of two-hour classes. By the end of the program, students will test their knowledge under Merritt’s starry skies. Meanwhile, seasoned pros will search for the perfect shot to enter the Nebraska Star Party Astro-Photography Contest. With categories like wide-field shots, solar system subjects, deep sky images, and “taken at the Nebraska Star Party,” several stargazers will take home wins. Astronomers of all levels can also test their skills in a series of observational challenges, where they’ll try to observe every object on a list of points of interest.
Merritt Reservoir also offers plenty of activities for sun-filled days. The reservoir itself offers some of Nebraska’s best opportunities for fishing and boating. Anglers reel in abundant walleye, crappie, and white bass, while lunker catfish can be spotted in the Snake River arm. Modern fish-cleaning stations let fishermen prepare their catch for dinner that same evening. The reservoir also has five public boat ramps (at the Powder Horn, Fisherman’s Boat Ramp, Cedar Bay, Beed’s Landing, and Snake River areas), making an afternoon cruise on the water a worry-free breeze.
What to bring for stargazing excursions
Any stargazing excursion requires the right equipment. The good news is you don’t need a professional-grade telescope to view the Milky Way—according to the folks at Nebraska Star Party, a reasonably priced pair of binoculars will do the trick. They suggest binoculars labeled 7 × 50 as a good place to start.
Other items to consider include a red-light flashlight, which will illuminate your immediate surroundings while preserving your night vision. As Visit Nebraska reports, letting your eyes relax in complete darkness for about 20 minutes will help you see the night sky in all its glimmering detail. Avoid using your cell phone, as your eyes may take up to a half hour to readjust after bright white or blue light.
Newcomers to astronomy may benefit from bringing a planisphere, an educational tool that identifies stars and constellations. To achieve ultimate viewing comfort, bring a portable reclining chair, or consider a sleeping pad with a neck pillow for ergonomic support. No matter the time of year you’re stargazing at Merritt Reservoir, prepare for cool nights by bringing layered clothing and blankets.
Finally, a warm beverage is a great idea to keep you nice and toasty, and even caffeinated, ahead of a long night of gazing up at the stars. If you forget something essential, Merritt Trading Post is a concession stand that provides basic necessities, as well as hunting and fishing licenses, park entry permits, boat rentals, and fuel.
