Dark Sky Parks
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve Astronomy Pad
Okeechobee, FloridaBortle 2 Best in Winter
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
The dedicated astronomy observing area within Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, the Astronomy Pad is a purpose-built dark sky observing facility with red-light-only restrictions, fire-free zones, and telescope-friendly surfaces. Florida's flat prairie terrain gives a 360-degree horizon with no obstructions, and Bortle 2 conditions make this one of the best observing sites in the southeastern United States. Under optimal conditions the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye and deep-sky objects are accessible with a modest telescope.
What's here
On the map
What to bring
Our picks for a good night under the stars.
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