Look up…because you never know what you might discover when it gets dark outside at the John Glenn Astronomy Park. John Glenn Astronomy Park is a Bortle 4 dark sky area that is free and open to the public 7 days a week. On the weekends, volunteers bring the night sky to life inspiring visitors to look up and see the fascinating objects orbiting above them. Named after astronaut John Glenn, one of Ohio’s famous natives, the park is a tribute to this first American who orbited the moon in 1962. Unfortunately, John Glenn passed away in 2017 the year before the park opened in 2018. Although he wasn’t alive to see the grand opening, his name will live on in Logan, Ohio. This unique astro experience is made possible as a project of the Friends of Hocking Hills State Park, which is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the park and the surrounding areas. It was this group who raised the $1.1 million dollars needed to make this place a reality. On Fridays and Saturdays, volunteers share their knowledge so we can better understand the universe that surrounds us. Although the programs on Fridays and Saturdays (weather permitting) are free, you are asked to obtain a parking pass at no cost on the the John Glenn Astronomy Park website. The night we were there, they were expecting 300 attendees. It was going to be a busy night. During the park’s weekend star gazing programs, volunteers pull out their large telescopes so the public can see up close the planets and nebulas that are miles and miles away in deep space. When you look up toward the night’s sky, it’s weird to think you are really taking in a glimpse of the past due to how light travels. Located just a few miles from the Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center, this place is fun, family friendly, and a bit quirky; great for those who have an interest in the night sky.

OMG!!!! Bring you blanket or lawn chair for the beautiful moment, We was very excited when we got there at the place. This my first time and see Milky Way and have opportunity to take a pictures of it. I know it too much noise but I still love to see and to me it very beautiful and I’m about practicing more 📸

I visited for the historic 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing! Unfortunately, my experience was ruined upon arrival. The parking staff were THE most rude, and unprofessional individuals I have ever experienced in the entire Hocking Hills. This includes every other Natural or Historical landmark or location I have visited in the United States, and I’ve visited many places. I recommend utilizing their shuttle, or your experience may be demolished. I apologize, to the utmost, to the Columbus Observatory Group. The members of that group had gladly, and unselfishly, offered the use of their telescopes, along with their knowledge, for free, for the public! The members of the Astronomy Group were amazingly incredible!!! In spite of their efforts, the management and volunteers of John Glenn did not appreciate the value of them, due to the disrespect they provided the public who chose to attend. I never wish for another family to be stereotyped or profiled to the extent that mine was. The actions and response of the staff were, in the nicest way I can possibly say, illegal, irresponsible, and racist.

The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because it wasn't what I was expecting. I thought the park had more to offer like a planetarium and observatory. Even a visitor center to offer information or programs would of been awesome. I imagine and understand that it would take away from the main attraction and appeal which is the night sky. More buildings equal more lights. The appeal of this park is the low light pollution. It is very hard to find at night if you are not familiar with the Hocking Hills area. The roads are very dark with steep hills that have a lot of turns and curves. I suggest visiting during the day first or while it's still light to see to scout out the area. Also, 4 wheel drive in the winter months is recommended. You have to bring your own telescope or astronomy binoculars if you so desire. No rentals. Covid-19 has limited the amount of vehicles and people allowed in the park. Social distancing is encouraged. If you understand that its just a great place to view the night sky without light pollution, its a wonderful place to do just that. We don't have a lot of places anymore to view the night sky.

Folding chairs, blankets, and red/UV flash lights are a must. Our visit was the first time I've been able to see the dust cloud of the Milky Way in Ohio with the naked eye. It becomes quite crowded during the programs, but would be perfect on non-program days for telescope owners.

It's a wonderful place to sit and star gaze, the scenery while waiting for the sun to set is gorgeous too.

First time ever going very interesting and thank you for the volunteers look threw ur guys telescopes

Beautifully low light pollution. Went to see the Neowise comet and there was around 40-50 people there with every level of telescope set up. This was a clear Friday in the summer. Definitely suggest going if the stars align

Great day trip destination. Frankly not much to see, this is a swing by and take a look type of attraction .. not a let's hang out there all day type of place. If you are an astronomy buff, bring your own telescope at night you will probably get more enjoyment from the visit. There is a playground behind the astronomy park. Although it doesn't seen affiliated with the John Glenn attraction. The playground is part of the state park adjacent to the John Glenn park. Point being if you have kids they might enjoy the playground while you make a visit. It's a very short walk to the playground from the John Glenn Park, in fact you can see it from the parking lot. Be advised I found cell phone coverage to be intermittent in the Hocking Hills area, ie made Google Maps unreliable sometimes. If you are unfamiliar with area maybe a good idea to print directions out as a back up. Yes an actual paper map ! lol

Nice

Somewhat disappointed. We thought there would more things of interest. Maybe better on a clear night.

I decided to give a 2 star review for one reason. They did not even let you in the park do to the fact that their was a 30 car limit due to corona. Ok, seems reasonable until you realize how many cars their are. Maybe 15. They said you needed some kind of permit there to park. Something you did not need from a week before. I asked if I could sit in the lot away from their and stay in the car. He said no. So we had to go back after driving an hour in a half. Also lacks signs to get there. You WILL lose your signal on your way up there and back down. Add in no signs telling you how to get there is a strong chance you will get lost if you aren’t Used in driving in the middle of nowhere.

This place is fenominal!

Beautiful place

Beautiful view of sky! If you go, bring a red flashlight or use a red light app instead of the flashlight on your phone.

Great for star gazing.

Really cool. Felt bad for blinding everyone with my headlights. Definitely will go back when Covid stops ruining everything. But social distancing is pretty easy here.

Loved it

Great place for stargazing with friends and family. Its very far from any city or village so has very less light pollution. We went on a partial cloudy night and were able to spot many satellites, ISS, planets, milky way and nebulas. Only con for this place is it lacks proper directions which needs to be improved otherwise this is one of the underrated stargazing places in Midwest. My recommendation plan early setup your tent and telescope before sunlight goes down and plan to stay till early morning to get the ultimate experience of stargazing!

Great place to use your scope

Beautiful dark sky for seeing stara

Nothing going on during our visit but a very good place to stop by to explore astronomy or to explain little astronomy facts to kids. We will definitely go back during a program and write more relevant review on this. But definitely looks like it worth a visit for stars viewing or anything sky related.

This was a wonderful place to visit and if you have not seen the night sky away from the city lights, you really need to get here. There are numerous telescopes set up by others, and many are willing to let you see through them. There was a speaker who did a fantastic job talking about fascinating things about the night sky. Highly recommend that you bring a red light as that is the only light that will not diminish one's night vision.

Couldn't see any stars because of the clouds but this was really cool to see otherwise. 10/10 park, lots of room to stargaze 🥰

Visited for the perseid meteor shower and had a wonderful time. The crowd made it so much fun to experience with so many others. Highly recommend visiting for meteor showers and planet viewing or just general stargazing.

Had a great time! The sun went down and the sky show started. The Milky Way was easily viewable with the unaided eye. Was able to see Saturn through volunteer's and local astronomy member's telescopes. Brought my telescope and was able to see more than I can at home. Volunteers were very helpful and informative to all guests young and old some from as far as Wisconsin. They answered any question about the nig ht sky and were able to use laser pointers to show you where and what is up there! Shout out to Wanda who is one of the many volunteers. Planning on returning someday.

I really enjoyed it. Our Scout troop 236 went there and the volunteer helped identify stars and planets

This observatory is really nice, although we couldn't utilize the telescopes at the facility, it was a perfect night to catch some awesome views of the stars. It's best to make sure you get a parking pass, they fill up fast. The volunteer staff is kind and courteous on top of being very knowledgeable. I am under the impression once COVID settles down the observatory will commence with their programs, my husband and I will definitely be back.

Great stop, very open. I like the idea of window for different seasons. Biggest drawback was messes people left behind and stealing the sign in sheet

We can't wait to visit with our telescope. The story of the plaza is very cool!

Bring your own telescope or be sure to go during an event when their telescope inn open. Just a viewing plaza. Signed up for tickets and nothing going on. (That should be more clear at the signup.) Lots of donor info around the plaza. Could be much improved with tips/poctures of what you can see with the naked eye.

Great new park space. If you're viewing with the naked eye or setting up your telescope, you'll see lots of stars, planets, and satellites!! Join fellow stargazers for a beautiful view of our galaxy.

Very nice park to observe the sky, even kids enjoyed a lot. Went to see the Moon and Mars conjunction and could see the glimpse of Milkyway before the moonrise.

This park offers a spectacular view of the night sky. We went to watch the meteor shower, but unfortunately had to leave before it peaked. But being a city dweller, we don't get to see the night sky at it's best like you can at John Glen. For the first time ever, I got to see the Milky Way with my naked eyes as well as a few meteors. My adult daughter and pre-teen son were with me, and they both thought it was pretty cool. I think astronomy could be a new hobby for us. We will definitely go back. We need to go when there is still daylight to checkout the plaza and sundial.

Interesting place. For night time star watching.

Very interesting place.

Lovely park with beautiful views of the sky on a clear night.

Good place for kids. We went there because there were so many people at camp grounds and it relatively open area.

Hard to find a sign of parking lot as the load was too dark. However, experience of seeing stars and milkyway was so great. Thousands of stars were right above my head.

May have been neat but it was all closed down. It would have been nice to have a staff member at least explain some things. We literally just sat on the concrete listen to the kids gripe so we left.

A cool place to check out if you are in the Old Mans Cave area. Not a whole lot to see during Covid and programs on hold. Place has a cool building that roof slides and opens an observatory to the open skies. Place still needs some sprucing up, still has some construction punch out items that need completed. *Note: GPS directions can mis-direct you to this location.

Wonderful place to view the stars! Plenty of space and you'll likely find some good photographers.

Was there to photograph the Milky Way, unfortunately the humidity caused light pollution. Also water kept forming on my lenses.

Awesome Place. Never imagined it is gonna be that good.

Need someone to guide you through the exhibits

The park is new and quite lovely. I've never seen anything like it, however at the time of this visit the telescope had been removed due to covid which was a huge let down. In normal times I'm sure it's a blast.

Very well set-up and maintained area. The park was easy to find. Lots of space to lay out a blanket and set up equipment. Communication on events and restrictions was clearly communicated via the website and Facebook page.

Beautiful, clear night. Hoping my star photos work out. Great park and just a few minutes from Hocking Hills State Park Campground.