The Lanphier Observatory
Public Stargazing and Constellation Lessons
A clear night provides the perfect setting for a star-filled sky, made even more visible by our 14″ Celestron Telescope in the Lanphier Observatory. You’ll see plenty of heavenly objects in bright, brilliant detail, and learn from Norm Wheeler, our local authority and guide, and Leelanau faculty member, Elizabeth Wolterink.
SUMMER SCHEDULE 2025 — from 10-midnight (weather permitting)
– Wednesday, JUNE 25
– Thursday, JUNE 26
– Wednesday, JUNE 25
– Thursday, JUNE 26
– Thursday, JUNE 26
– Wednesday, JULY 2
– Thursday, JULY 3
– Wednesday, JULY 9
– Thursday, JULY 10
– Wednesday, JULY 16
– Thursday, JULY 17
– Wednesday, JULY 30
– Thursday, JULY 31
– Wednesday, AUGUST 6
– Wednesday, AUGUST 13
– Thursday, AUGUST 14
– Wednesday, AUGUST 20
– Thursday, AUGUST 21
Admission: Adults $5 Students $4
Visitors may park in any Leelanau School lot and walk down the scenic boardwalk, across the Crystal River, to the Lanphier Observatory or adventurous types may walk in from the beach. The Lanphier Observatory is easily visible to passersby, being tucked just between the Lake Michigan shore and the trees.