If you're visiting Central Oregon, make time for the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver—a must-see for stargazers, science lovers, and curious minds of all ages. Operated by the not-for-profit Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory (SNCO), this remarkable facility offers hands-on access to the largest public-use telescope collection in the U.S. and a wide range of engaging astronomy programs.

Recommended For

  • Astronomy and space enthusiasts
  • Families and school groups looking for interactive science learning
  • Nature and science travelers visiting Central Oregon
  • Night-sky photographers and telescope hobbyists

What to Expect

  • Explore 11 powerful telescopes donated by astronomy experts and collectors
  • Join guided day and night sky viewings with helpful volunteers
  • Enjoy a 30-minute educational presentation before each viewing, held in the open-air amphitheater or Pozzi Education Building
  • View the cosmos from multiple vantage points:
    • Rooftop deck – for daytime and evening views
    • Ground level – for hands-on telescopes
    • Dome telescopes – for detailed observations of monthly celestial changes

Special Programs

  • Daytime Solar Viewing: Use filtered telescopes to observe sunspots and solar flares—offered in summer and select spring/fall dates
  • Nighttime Viewing: Use Dobsonian telescopes with expert-led constellation tours via green laser—best in winter and fall
  • After-Hours Deep Field: Ideal for experienced stargazers, these late-night sessions explore distant galaxies and nebulae

Educational & Family Experiences

  • Sign up for seasonal family workshops: Rocketry Wednesdays, Rover Thursdays, Advanced Rocketry Fridays
  • Join benchmark science classes like Solar Observation and Earth’s Place in the Solar System
  • Participate in school outreach programs and local science fairs

Additional Attractions

  • Sunriver Nature Center: Meet native animals, explore botanical trails, and view the largest meteorite collection in the Northwest
  • Oregon Science Store: Browse telescopes, space-themed toys, and science kits—try out equipment before you buy
  • Second Tern Thrift Store: Shop for jewelry, tools, and household goods; all proceeds support observatory programs

Telescopes & Technology

  • Features scopes by Astro Tech, Explore Scientific, Celestron, and Lunt
  • Public-use telescopes are operated with help from trained volunteers

Location & Contact

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Plan Your Trip