Ashton Observatory (Des Moines Astronomical Society) — After Dark & Night Sky in Des Moines

Entry No. 75 — the Des Moines file — filed under: after-dark

Ashton Observatory (Des Moines Astronomical Society)

A volunteer-run county-park observatory with two domes, a 16-inch Newtonian reflector and a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, sitting under genuinely dark Jasper County skies about 20 minutes northeast of the city. Public nights run free every Saturday April through October (skipping the first Saturday of the month), starting around sunset or 8:00 p.m. On the 2nd and 4th Saturdays an 8:00 p.m. classroom program runs first; other nights go straight to the telescopes. Weather permitting, you peer at the Moon, planets, and bright nebulae through the big glass, and you can bring your own scope to set up on the dark field.

The move: Drive out on a clear Saturday night, sit through the 8 p.m. sky talk, then take turns at the eyepiece of the 16-inch reflector hunting for Saturn's rings and a nebula or two.

📍 Before you go Free; public nights are Saturdays April-Oct (not the first Saturday of the month), lecture at 8 p.m., viewing after dark if skies are clear. Bring bug spray and a red flashlight.

Where: 8755 W 122nd St N, Ashton Wildwood County Park, Mingo, IA 50168

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

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Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23