Look Up!
The Charles and Kathryn Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow features a PlaneWave CDK17 telescope on an L-Series 500 mount in an automated dome as well as two mounts for smaller telescopes outside the dome. The observatory, located on the meadow at the center of the arboretum at Hawthorn Hollow, hosts daytime and nighttime field trips & classes, scout merit badge workshops as well as star parties and astrophotography projects. Please send inquiries or requests for events to:
observatory@hawthornhollow.org
Upcoming Events
Wednesday Under the Stars
January 7 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pmThrough the Lens
January 8 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pmSmall Eyes Under the Skies
January 9 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pmWednesday Under the Stars
January 14 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pmSmall Eyes Under the Skies
January 16 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Small Eyes Under the Skies January 2026
Fridays, (4:30pm – 6:00 pm)
Join us for a captivating evening of exploration at The Heide Observatory with our family-friendly event, “Small Eyes Under the Skies.”
Together, we’ll journey through a scaled model of our solar system across the meadow—an interactive outdoor adventure that reveals the incredible sizes and distances of our celestial neighbors. After our trek, enjoy a breathtaking telescope viewing session, where you’ll witness planets, star clusters, and other cosmic wonders up close.
🌟 Space is limited, so reserve your tickets early for this stellar experience!
Weather and Attendance Information
In the event of cloud cover greater than 40% or if fewer tickets are sold than needed to support staffing, the event may be rescheduled.
You’ll receive a confirmation or reschedule notice by email at least 24 hours before the event.
If you haven’t heard from us by then—or would like faster weather updates—please email your number to the observatory team for personal text notifications about your event, and remember to check your spam folder if you have not received a confirmation for emails.
What to Bring
Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for our outdoor “walk through the solar system.” The activity takes place in the open field, so layers and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Through the Lens January 2026
Thursdays, (5:30 pm – 7:30 pm)
An Evening of Deep Sky Discovery at The Heide Observatory
Experience the awe and wonder of the cosmos at “Through the Lens,” an immersive night of stargazing at The Heide Observatory.
Step inside the observatory dome to peer through our powerful 17-inch telescope, where you’ll take turns exploring binary stars, distant planets, shimmering galaxies, and other celestial marvels.
While you await your turn inside, enjoy an outdoor guided sky tour led by our knowledgeable astronomy staff. Beneath the open sky, you’ll learn to recognize constellations, trace the paths of planets, and connect your observations through the telescope to the grand panorama of the night sky above.
🌟 Tickets are limited, so reserve early for this unforgettable journey through the universe.
Weather and Attendance Information
This program is weather-dependent. In the event of cloud cover greater than 40% or if ticket sales are too low to fund event staffing, the session will be rescheduled.
Participants will receive a confirmation or reschedule email at least 24 hours before the event.
If you have not heard from us prior to the event, please check your spam or promotions folder for messages from the observatory.
What to Bring
Please dress for evening outdoor weather, as part of the program takes place outside under the stars. Warm layers and comfortable footwear are recommended.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Wednesdays Under the Stars January 2026
Wednesdays, (5:30 pm – 7:30 pm)
A Relaxing Evening of Stargazing at The Heide Observatory
Unwind beneath the night sky at “Wednesday Under the Stars,” a tranquil and inspiring experience hosted at The Heide Observatory.
Recline in one of our zero-gravity chairs with your favorite beverage in hand and prepare for an unforgettable journey across the cosmos. Our astronomy guides will lead you on a laser-assisted tour of the heavens—revealing brilliant stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and other celestial wonders.
As you gaze upward, discover the stories, science, and hidden connections that bring these cosmic objects to life. Sit back, relax, and savor the magic of the universe in this one-of-a-kind evening under the stars.
🌟 Space is limited, so reserve your tickets early for this peaceful night of discovery and wonder.
Confirmation and Communication
Within 24 hours of purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email verifying your reservation.
If your confirmation has not arrived or if your contact email differs from the one used at checkout, please reach out to observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Weather and Attendance Information
This program is weather-dependent. In the event of cloud cover greater than 40% or if ticket sales are too low to fund event staffing, the program will be rescheduled.
Participants will receive an email notification at least 24 hours before the event regarding any schedule changes.
What to Bring
Please dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather. We recommend layers and comfortable clothing for an evening of relaxed stargazing.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Quadrantid Meteor Mingle January 2026
Saturday, January 3 (1:00 am – 3:00 am)
The Quadrantid meteor shower is one of the most active showers of the year but peaks in a narrow six-hour window. The radiant of the Quadrantid meteor shower, the point in the sky from which all of its meteors appear to originate, lies in the constellation Boötes. The meteors of this shower are described as “lacking consistent trains but often producing fireballs.”
Come join us for the first active early morning meteor shower of the new year!
This event is weather-dependent and will be canceled by e-mail 24 hours before the scheduled start time in the event of a cloud cover forecast greater than 40%.
Dress appropriately for lying still in nighttime cold outdoor weather. Warm beverages, many-layered clothing, and sleeping bags are all well-advised.
Questions? Feel free to contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org
Purchase tickets here.
Orion the Hunter January 2026
Friday (January 23) 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
While Orion is named for the hunter of Greek mythology, it is anything but hidden. Straddling the celestial equator, Orion is one of the most recognizable and striking constellations in the night sky, visible from nearly everywhere on Earth.
Join us at the Heide Observatory for a guided journey through the Orion constellation, where we will bring to light its brightest stars, explore the famous three stars of Orion’s Belt, and uncover the stellar and nebular treasures that define this iconic region of the sky—including glowing nebulae where new stars are being born. Guests will take turns observing through our 17-inch telescope inside the observatory dome, focusing on Orion’s most fascinating objects. Between telescope views, step outside for a guided naked-eye sky tour to see how these individual sights fit together across the full constellation. Blending astronomy and mythology, this program connects ancient stories with modern science, revealing why Orion has captured human imagination for thousands of years.
🔔 Important Event Information — Evening Event (Winter)
Weather-Dependent Event:
This program requires clear skies. If cloud cover greater than 40% is forecast, the event will be canceled or rescheduled. Notification will be sent by email no later than 24 hours before the event.
Email Communication Is Critical:
All weather updates, cancellations, or rescheduling notices are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please ensure your email is correct and check spam or promotions folders. If you purchased tickets using a different email than you regularly monitor, you may miss important updates.
Dress for Cold, Stationary Observing:
This is an outdoor, late evening or early-morning event. Dress warmer than you think necessary. Multiple layers, insulated boots, hats, gloves, blankets, or sleeping bags are strongly recommended. Warm beverages are encouraged.
Questions?
Please contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org
Orion the Hunter February 2026
Friday (February 13) 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
While Orion is named for the hunter of Greek mythology, it is anything but hidden. Straddling the celestial equator, Orion is one of the most recognizable and striking constellations in the night sky, visible from nearly everywhere on Earth.
Join us at the Heide Observatory for a guided journey through the Orion constellation, where we will bring to light its brightest stars, explore the famous three stars of Orion’s Belt, and uncover the stellar and nebular treasures that define this iconic region of the sky—including glowing nebulae where new stars are being born. Guests will take turns observing through our 17-inch telescope inside the observatory dome, focusing on Orion’s most fascinating objects. Between telescope views, step outside for a guided naked-eye sky tour to see how these individual sights fit together across the full constellation. Blending astronomy and mythology, this program connects ancient stories with modern science, revealing why Orion has captured human imagination for thousands of years.
🔔 Important Event Information — Evening Event (Winter)
Weather-Dependent Event:
This program requires clear skies. If cloud cover greater than 40% is forecast, the event will be canceled or rescheduled. Notification will be sent by email no later than 24 hours before the event.
Email Communication Is Critical:
All weather updates, cancellations, or rescheduling notices are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please ensure your email is correct and check spam or promotions folders. If you purchased tickets using a different email than you regularly monitor, you may miss important updates.
Dress for Cold, Stationary Observing:
This is an outdoor, late evening or early-morning event. Dress warmer than you think necessary. Multiple layers, insulated boots, hats, gloves, blankets, or sleeping bags are strongly recommended. Warm beverages are encouraged.
Questions?
Please contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org
Visit
880 Green Bay Road
Kenosha, WI 53140
Admisson is Free
Trail Donation Suggested
Hours
OPEN:
March 1 – Oct. 31
8:00 – 5:00
Nov. 1 – Dec. 23
8:00 – 4:00
Closed Mondays &
Closed for the Season
December 24 – March 1st
Donate Here
Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) that relies on the generosity of donors.