Entry No. 59 — the Fort Collins file — filed under: after-dark

Little Thompson Observatory

An all-volunteer community observatory on the east grounds of Berthoud High School, near the running track, open free to the public on the third Friday of nearly every month (closed in July for maintenance). Each Public Star Night opens with a guest-speaker presentation on a current astronomy topic, then, weather permitting, visitors gather at the dome's big telescopes — including an 18-inch and a 24-inch — for hands-on views of the night sky. Founded in 1994 and run entirely by volunteers, it asks for no reservations and no admission.

The move: Show up on a third-Friday Public Star Night, sit through the sky tour, then take turns at the eyepiece of the big 18-inch telescope to catch whatever planet or nebula is up that month.

📍 Before you go Third Friday of the month (no July session); weather-permitting and unheated, so dress warm. No reservations needed.

• 📍 Berthoud
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 850 Spartan Ave, Berthoud, CO 80513

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

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

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

last checked: 2026-06-23