Entry No. 74 — the Wichita file — filed under: after-dark

Fall River Star Party

Each late August the Kansas Astronomical Observers host their annual star party at Fall River State Park, one of the darkest accessible sites within reach of Wichita. Park rangers literally cut the lights for true dark-sky viewing and ask everyone to kill white light from phones, flashlights, and headlights. After a presentation, the public tours the night sky through members' telescopes - planets, moons, nebulae, and the Milky Way overhead.

The move: Drive out for the August star party, lay back in lawn chairs under blackout-dark skies, and take turns at the club's big telescopes as a ranger keeps the whole campground lights-out.

📍 Before you go Once-a-year event in late August; free but a Kansas park vehicle permit is required. Bring lawn chairs, bug spray, and red-light flashlights only. About 100 miles east of Wichita.

• 📍 Toronto (Fall River State Park)
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Casner Creek / Fredonia Bay Area, Fall River State Park, Toronto, KS 66777

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