Observatories in North Dakota | High Point Scientific

Observatories are home to some of the biggest and most impressive telescopes in the world. As many amateur astronomers know, there are numerous ways to experience the night sky beyond looking through a telescope in your own backyard. North Dakota has impressive observatories that offer a wide variety of star parties, tours, and observatory programs that will expand your knowledge of astronomy and your love of the night sky, whether you are new to astronomy or have been in the hobby for years.

For your convenience, we have compiled an alphabetical list of observatories in North Dakota that offer programs for the public.

Disclaimer: This information was collected from the observatories’ websites in September 2024. Some information may be subject to change if the websites are updated. If interested in visiting one of the listed observatories, please contact the observatory for the latest information before you visit.

Minot State University Observatory

The Minot State University Observatory was established in 1967 and relocated to north of the amphitheater in 1988. It is located in Minot, North Dakota and is owned and operated by Minot State University.

Telescopes

The observatory houses a 16-inch diameter Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. The observatory also boasts several smaller telescopes, which are used out in the field.

Visiting

The MSU Observatory can be contacted at 701-858-3078 to find out more about visiting hours for the public.

Image Credit: Minot State University

University of North Dakota Space Studies Observatory

This observatory, located in Emerado, North Dakota, is part of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences located within the University of North Dakota.

Telescopes

The telescopes available at UND Space Studies Observatory are two 40cm Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes featuring a PL16803 Finger Lakes camera as well as Alta Apogee U9000 camera and many various filters.