Bruneau Dunes State Park Observatory

On the opposite bank of the Snake River, not far south of Mountain Home is a dune system boasting the largest single-structured dune in all of North America.nnThis monster rises 470 feet above the surrounding landscape, while the 4,800-acre park is a magnet for outdoor recreation.nnTo protect this delicate environment, no motorized vehicles are allowed on the dunes, but you can go camping, climbing, sandboarding and sledding and take hikes and horseback rides around the dunes.nnThe giant main dune is also footed by a lake that abounds with bluegill, so don’t forget your rod.nnThe night skies are dazzling in this unpopulated part of Idaho, and on Fridays and Saturdays, mid-March through mid-October there’s an astronomical observatory with a telescope that the public can use.

Although our interests were a bit different, this would be a good place to bring a family for an afternoon, or even in overnight stay in the campground or cabins. We were in the area and were curious on what Bruneau dunes was all about, so we stopped and looked around, it was pretty and interesting. We were most impressed with the lunch we had at the Bruneau One stop Cafe a few miles away.

I've been to some of the nation's top observatories including Kitt Peak and hands down my best viewing was at Bruneau Sand Dunes!nnCheck the calendar for moon and clouds, they have a site to check before you go. Spend an afternoon hiking up or sand boarding down (rentals onsite) and around the sand dunes.nnBook a campsite so you don't have to drive back after, although it's only 1 hr 15 min from Boise.nnLastly don't forget to do your part to protect the very rare dark sky we are privileged to have, and under constant threat.

This place is amazing!!! However I have a couple of visitor tips.n1) Purchase a red light in advance. It is super dark out there. The blacklights they sell are for viewing scorpions. The blacklights will ruin the night vision of other guests. Astronomers will thank you for not blinding us.n2) If you're into astronomy go a little later and wait for the family crowd to go down to view the big telescope.n3) Bring a telescope and a chair, you won't regret it!!!!

Great place to look at stars