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. Vermont 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 Vermont that offer programs for the public.
Disclaimer: This information was collected from the observatories’ websites in July 2026. 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.
Northern Skies Observatory
Northern Skies Observatory (NSO) was built in 2012 and is located in Peacham, Vermont, approximately 20 miles northeast of Montpelier.
Telescopes
The featured telescope at the Northern Skies Observatory is a Robotically controlled, 17" PlaneWave Corrected Dahl-Kirkham reflector on an XF2 Fork Mount from Astrometrics.
Visiting
This observatory holds monthly star parties and open houses, dependent on the moon and the weather. The schedule for these events is available on their website, and admission is free.
Image Credit: Northeast Kingdom Astronomy Foundation
Stellafane Observatory
The Stellafane Observatory was founded in 1920 by Russell W. Porter and became a National Historic Landmark in 1989. The Observatory stands at an elevation of 1270 feet on an exposed shoulder of a hill in Springfield, Vermont. The Stellafane complex contains both the original clubhouse of the first organized group of amateur telescope makers in the country, the Springfield Telescope Makers Inc., and the first large optical telescope built and owned by that kind of amateur society.
Telescopes
The original site (Stellafane West) includes Porter's uniquely designed Turret Telescope, a 12-inch f/17 Newtonian reflector built in 1930. Stellafane East includes the more recent McGregor Observatory, built between 1986-1991, which boasts a 13-inch Schupmann telescope, the Breuning Domed Observatory built in the early 2000s.
Visiting
This observatory holds scheduled Public Nights as well as conventions and many other events throughout the year. The schedule for these events can be found on the website with more information on admission.
Image Credit: Stellafane Observatory
Interested in finding an observatory or planetarium in your state? Check out our Astronomy Hub!
