Where to See the Milky Way in Nebraska
“There’s nothing in Nebraska.” So said someone who had never been there.
The state tends to get a bad rap when compared to its more well-known and well-visited neighbors. And while this is a slightly unfair categorization, it’s not entirely wrong. There are no sprawling metropolises or Michelin star restaurants. No major league sports teams or even an international airport. But that’s only one kind of nothing. If you like natural wonders, Nebraska has a whole lotta something. For stargazers, Nebraska is a veritable paradise. I got the chance to experience this paradise firsthand, and it was nothing short of spectacular.
It’s precisely because there’s “nothing in Nebraska” that it’s the perfect place for dark sky viewing. The wide open spaces and quiet solitude of the Great Plains minimize light pollution, clearing the way for the celestial realm to shine. There are several places around the state to get amazing views of the stars and Milky Way, but one stands out from the rest.
Northern Nebraska is particularly devoid of light pollution, and I had the chance to spend a night in total darkness at the Merritt Reservoir. Not only is the lake a great spot for fishing, boating, and camping, but it was also designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2022. More than 20 miles from the nearest town, the reservoir feels remote and secluded—exactly what you want for stargazing. It sounds cliche, but seeing the stars like this—so close and so bright and so many—felt like a rare and necessary moment of disconnection with modern life.
And even in total darkness, you won’t be alone. Avid stargazers come from all over the world to enjoy this phenomenon; there’s even an annual Nebraska Star Party at the reservoir where enthusiasts can observe, photograph, and enjoy the night sky together.
While it takes a little bit of luck to catch the perfect night sky, just keep an eye on the radar and the lunar calendar to ensure you’re getting the best conditions possible (clear sky, no moon). And afterward, when you hear someone say there’s nothing in Nebraska, just smile, nod and respond, “Exactly.”
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