For many travelers, a trip to beautiful and inviting Jackson Hole, Wyoming is an experience planned exclusively in the name of land-based fun. From world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter to opportunities to take wildlife tours or hike and bike your way to adventure in the warm weather months of the year, there’s a lot to discover under your feet in Jackson Hole. That said, Jackson Hole just happens to also be a place where you can connect with the cosmos as well! This is never more true than for those adventurers who set aside time on their itineraries to visit the Snow King Observatory & Planetarium while they’re in town.
A One-of-a-Kind Place to Explore the Universe
The Snow King Observatory & Planetarium is truly a one-of-a-kind stop on the map, having earned the title as the only mountaintop planetarium and observatory in the country. Here, the wonders of the cosmos come to life as you explore the skies overhead from your place 8,000 feet above the ground. This destination features a state-of-the-art facility for guests to visit packed with interactive multimedia experiences, live presentations, and astronomical displays too. It’s a hub of opportunity and learning for those who have long been passionate about exploring the universe and novice stargazers alike. A highlight of a trip this way is the 8-meter planetarium which allows visitors to virtually travel through space and time. Programming at the planetarium rotates daily, weekly, and monthly to ensure every visit is a unique experience from start to finish.
More to Enjoy On-Site at the Snow King Observatory & Planetarium
When you decide to enjoy time with family and friends at the Snow King Observatory & Planetarium, you’ll want to make sure to check out the telescope. This impressive Planewave telescope offers up a vast view of stars, galaxies, nebulae, planets, and more. Afterward, you’ll want to take your seat in the planetarium theater that can accommodate 37 guests at a time. Shows here feature films that dive into the intricacies of everything from black holes to galaxy clusters but no matter what’s playing, you’re sure to leave the theater inspired to learn more. The Snow King Observatory & Planetarium is also a place where you can visit “Science on a Sphere.” This is an interactive globe that gives guests an opportunity to visualize planet Earth in its entirety. You can zoom in on ocean currents, review historical earthquake data, or stare at the planet from a brand-new and inspiring perspective.
Expand on Your Experience
While a standard visit to the Snow King Observatory & Planetarium is already exciting, there are always options to expand on the fun and learning further. Nighttime visits can be booked with special tickets in the wintertime and include a ride up the Snow King Gondola to view the surrounding mountains, skies, and stars after dark. This is paired with time on the observatory deck offering up access to telescopes, cosmic cameras, and guides who are happy to point out amazing things overhead you might otherwise overlook. This is a limited ticket experience, so it’s always a good idea to book your place in advance.
Yet another way to expand your observatory and planetarium fun in the summer is to pair your entrance ticket with a concert ticket too. King Concerts & The Stars is a summer series that gives observatory guests options to enjoy a live concert in tandem with their visit. You can use your pre-concert observatory ticket up to two hours before showtime, giving you plenty of opportunities to hit the highlights before the entertainment gets underway.
Plan Your Visit
The Snow King Observatory & Planetarium is located at 100 East Snow King Avenue and tickets can be purchased online in advance of your visit. A standard adult day ticket without a scenic gondola ride included starts at $35 per person while the addition of a gondola ride boosts the ticket price to $60 per adult. Student ticket pricing begins at $25 while visitors 5 and under can enjoy the observatory and planetarium for free. If you’re planning to visit with a group, you’ll want to reach out to observatory and planetarium staff in advance as they offer special discounts depending on how many you’re touring alongside.
Book Your Jackson Hole Adventure in Style Today
When you’re ready to experience the beauty, wonder, and fun waiting for you in Jackson Hole, make sure your next trip this way includes luxurious accommodations booked through Abode Jackson Hole. Our collection of property options is designed to inspire no matter what your travel plans entail. While we handle the details, you’ll be free to focus on the fun ahead. At Abode Jackson Hole, we wouldn’t have it any other way for our valued guests. Reach out today to learn more about our property options available and to get your next vacation underway soon!
