Entry No. 21 — the Washington, D.C. file — filed under: observatory

Turner Farm Observatory (Analemma Society)

A working county park with equestrian rings and a picnic pavilion also hides a locked observatory compound that only opens for scheduled astronomy nights — the volunteer amateur astronomers of the Analemma Society run it for Fairfax County, and there's no walking up unannounced; the observatory zone stays closed to everyone except registered program-goers.

The move: Register in advance for a night sky tour or planetary session, then, if you want more time under the stars afterward, get a Night Viewing Permit and keep stargazing from the parking lot until you're ready to leave.

• 📍 Great Falls, VA
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA 22066

Hours: Added 2026-07-19 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: fairfaxcounty.gov · Official site · wtop.com

last checked: 2026-07-19