Observatories to Visit in South Dakota

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. South 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 South Dakota that offer programs for the public.

Disclaimer: This information was collected from the observatories’ websites in September 2025. 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.

Badlands Observatory

This observatory, located in Quinn, South Dakota and is a privately owned facility dedicated to astronomical research and education.

Telescopes

The featured telescopes at Badlands Observatory include a 26” Newtonian Reflector, a Seestar S50, four Dobsonian reflector telescopes (one 8”, two 10”, and a 16”), an 8” Celestron NexStar Schmidt-Cassegrain, an 11” Celestron CPC1100 Schmidt-Cassegrain, a 10” Orion Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope and a Vixen tripod-mounted astronomy binocular.

Visiting

This observatory offers either a Dark Sky Tour or a Bright Moon Tour (by special request) depending on the phase and rise time of the Moon on the night reserved. Badlands also offers special programming from time to time that may include free public events. The cost to visit the observatory for nighttime tours is $35.00 per person 10 years and older and reservations should be made online ahead of time.

Image Credit: Badlands Observatory

Hidden Valley Observatory

Hidden Valley Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by Black Hills Astronomical Society. Located just outside Rapid City, South Dakota.

Telescopes

This observatory currently houses a 12” Meade telescope which has been their main telescope since 1965.

Visiting

The observatory holds scheduled Public Star Parties that are free and open to the public. The events are held “weather permitting” and the schedule can be found here.