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
May 13 @ 8:30 pm - 10:30 pmThrough the Lens
May 14 @ 8:30 pm - 10:30 pmSmall Eyes Under the Skies
May 15 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pmTime Travel Through the Universe
May 15 @ 9:00 pm - 11:00 pmWednesday Under the Stars
May 20 @ 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Small Eyes Under the Skies May 2026
Fridays: May 1 & 8 (7:30–9:00 PM); May 22 & 29 (8:00–9:30 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 May 2026
Thursdays: May 7 & 14 (8:00–10:00 PM); May 21 & 28 (9:00–11:00 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 May 2026
Wednesdays: May 6 & 13 (8:30–10:30 PM); May 20 & 27 (9:00–11:00 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.
Time Travel Through the Universe
Friday, May 15 (9:00 pm – 11:00 pm)
When you gaze up at the night sky, beyond the veil of stars and the glowing plane of the Milky Way, you are also looking backward in time.
Join us at the Heide Observatory for Time Travel Through the Universe, an evening dedicated to exploring how distance in space becomes a journey into the past. Although nearly all galaxies are invisible to the naked eye, our observable universe contains hundreds of billions of them, stretching tens of billions of light-years in every direction. Using our 17-inch telescope, we will tour visible galaxies and explain how the light reaching your eyes began its journey millions of years ago. Even the Andromeda Galaxy, the most distant object most people can see without optical aid, appears to us as it existed 2.5 million years ago, long before modern humans walked the Earth. This guided observing experience blends deep-sky viewing with cosmic perspective, revealing how astronomy allows us to witness the universe as it once was.
🔔 Important Event Information — Late Evening / Overnight Event (Summer)
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 scheduled start time.
Email Communication Is Critical:
Weather updates and event notices are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please double-check that your email is correct and keep an eye on spam or promotions folders. If you purchase tickets using an email you rarely check, the cosmos will not notify you directly.
Comfort & Conditions:
Even on warm summer nights, temperatures can drop after sunset—dress warmer than you think you’ll need. Lower dew points can also lead to damp conditions, so blankets or chairs that can handle moisture are recommended.
Insects Exist and They Know You’re There:
Bring your favorite insect repellent. The stars are peaceful; the mosquitoes are not. We observe the universe—not the bugs—but they may still attempt first contact.
Please contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
2026 Space Camp Explorers
🚀 Space Camp: Explorers is Back for 2026!
Join us at the Heide Observatory for our 4th year of Space Camp—and for the first time ever, we’re offering a daytime camp experience designed especially for younger explorers!
Ages 8–12
📅 Tuesday–Friday (June 16 – 19)
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This 4-day STEM adventure includes:
🌌 Hands-on science experiments
🚀 Rocket building & launches
🛰️ Engineering challenges
🔭 Daytime telescope observing
Campers will explore astronomy, physics, and space exploration in a fun, interactive environment designed to spark curiosity and build confidence.
✨ Limited to just 12 students to ensure a highly engaging, hands-on experience.
👉 Spots fill quickly! For ticketing information please fill out the survey here!
https://forms.gle/6cQnJEyU62VQ95VS8
Or
Register by scanning the QR code or contacting us at:
📧 observatory@hawthornhollow.org
2026 Space Camp Innovators
🚀 Space Camp: Innovators Returns for 2026!
Ready to take things to the next level? Join us at the Heide Observatory for our advanced Space Camp experience, designed for curious minds who want to build, test, and think like real engineers.
Ages 10–14*
📅 Tuesday–Friday (July 14 – 17)
⏰ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
This 4-day engineering-focused STEM adventure includes:
🚀 Advanced rocket design & launches
🎯 Projectile motion & trajectory testing
🛠️ Hands-on engineering challenges
📊 Real data collection & analysis
🌌 Nighttime telescope observing
Campers will dive deeper into physics and space science—testing ideas, refining designs, and learning how real-world space missions are planned and executed.
✨ Limited to just 12 students to ensure a highly engaging, hands-on experience.
👉 Spots fill quickly! To register, please complete the form below:
https://forms.gle/12a5C3AE7xY8nT6E7
Or register by scanning the QR code on our flyer or contacting us at:
📧 observatory@hawthornhollow.org
*Camp activities are designed for ages 10–14. If your student is slightly outside this range and interested, feel free to reach out.
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.