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
Through the Lens
May 22 @ 9:00 pm - 11:00 pmSmall Eyes Under the Skies
May 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pmWednesday Under the Stars
May 28 @ 9:00 pm - 11:00 pmSmall Eyes Under the Skies
May 30 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pmSpace Camp June
June 24 @ 7:00 pm - June 27 @ 10:00 pm
Small Eyes Under the Skies May 2025
Fridays, (7:30pm – 9:00 pm)
Join us for a captivating astronomical adventure at The Heide Observatory with our “Small Eyes Under the Skies” event, perfect for the whole family. Explore the wonders of our solar system as we embark on an interactive journey across the meadow, investigating the sizes and distances of our nearest celestial neighbors. Following this engaging experience, prepare for an unforgettable telescope adventure where you’ll witness the beauty of planets and other extraordinary celestial objects up close. With limited space available, be sure to secure your tickets early to guarantee a spot for this stellar exploration.
In the event of cloud cover of more than 40% or too few tickets are sold to fund staffing for the event, we will reschedule. Look for a confirmation email at least 24 hours prior to the event date.
If you have not heard from us prior to the event please check your spam folder in email.
Please remember to dress appropriately for an outdoor trek through the solar system (the field).
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Through the Lens May 2025
Thursdays, (9:00 pm – 11:00 pm)
Experience the awe-inspiring “Through the Lens” event at The Heide Observatory, where celestial wonders come to life. Peer into the depths of the universe using our powerful 17-inch telescope, taking turns to observe binary stars, elusive planets, ethereal galaxies, and an array of captivating celestial objects. As you await your individual view inside the observatory dome, join our knowledgeable guides outside under the stars for a guided sky tour. Gain a broader perspective and deepen your appreciation of the universe as you absorb the enchanting panorama of the night sky, connecting the dots between what you witness through the lens and the grand tapestry of the cosmos.
These events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled by e-mail 24 hours before scheduled if the cloud cover forecast is greater than 40%, or too few tickets are sold to fund the event staffing.
If you have not heard from us prior to the event please check your spam folder in email.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Wednesdays Under the Stars May 2025
Wednesdays, (9:00 pm – 11:00 pm)
Enjoy a relaxing Wednesday Under the Stars hosted at the Heide Observatory. Sink into a zero-gravity chair with your favorite beverage in hand, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the night sky. Our expert guides will illuminate celestial wonders using a laser pointer, revealing stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and other captivating objects of interest. Immerse yourself in the enthralling stories of these objects as we unravel their relationships and delve into their deeper significance. Gaze and savor the enchantment of the cosmos in this unique and relaxing evening under the stars.
Within 24 hours of purchase, you will receive an email confirming your reservation. If your email address differs from the one used to purchase tickets, or you have any additional questions, please email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
These events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled if the cloud cover forecast is greater than 40% or too few tickets are sold to fund the event staffing.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Space Camp June 2025
June 24 – 27 (7:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Space Camp June 2025 at The Heide Observatory
Calling All Curious Astronuts!
Blast off into an unforgettable four-night adventure under the stars at the Heide Observatory! Designed for explorers ages 10–14, Space Camp 2025 is your chance to build, test, launch, and discover like a real scientist — no prior experience required.
Each night features hands-on experiments, collaborative engineering challenges, creative problem-solving, and telescope viewing (weather permitting), all guided by real science educators in an immersive observatory setting.
Together, we’ll explore big cosmic questions like:
→ Where are we in the universe?
→ Why do things move?
→ How do rockets get to space?
→ What does it take to land on another world?
This is a science adventure built for thinkers, dreamers, and makers.
Wonder. Observe. Understand.
🗓️ June 24–27, 2025
⏰ 7:00–10:00 PM nightly
📍 Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow
💵 $200 per student
📧 Reserve your spot: observatory@hawthornhollow.org
Perseids Meteor Shower II 2025
Wednesday(morning) August 13, 12:15 am – 2:15 am
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most dramatic things to see in the night sky between July and August.
In 2025 the Perseid meteor shower is active between 17 July and 24 August. The shower will peak 12-13 August.
The Perseid (Per-see-id) meteor shower is one of the highlights of many meteor hunters’ calendars due to its high hourly rate and bright meteors, caused by the Earth slamming into the debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle in July and August every year.
It is called the Perseid because the meteors seem to originate from the constellation of Perseus. Astronomers call this point the meteor shower’s radiant.
Reserve your tickets for The Heide Observatory Perseid Meteor shower event and enjoy a relaxing display of the meteors as you lay back in our zero gravity chairs. Tickets for this event go fast so reserve yours today.
Watch for an email confirmation with the address used for purchase tickets a few days prior to the event and a updated weather confirmation at least 24 hours prior to the reservation time. In the event of poor weather conditions the back-up night will be Wednesday August 13, times yet to be determined. Please feel free to email us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.
Perseids Meteor Shower I 2025
Tuesday (August 12) 10:00 pm – 12:00 am
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most dramatic things to see in the night sky between July and August.
In 2025 the Perseid meteor shower is active between 17 July and 24 August. The shower will peak 12-13 August.
The Perseid (Per-see-id) meteor shower is one of the highlights of many meteor hunters’ calendars due to its high hourly rate and bright meteors, caused by the Earth slamming into the debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle in July and August every year.
It is called the Perseid because the meteors seem to originate from the constellation of Perseus. Astronomers call this point the meteor shower’s radiant.
Reserve your tickets for The Heide Observatory Perseid Meteor shower event and enjoy a relaxing display of the meteors as you lay back in our zero gravity chairs. Tickets for this event go fast so reserve yours today.
Watch for an email confirmation with the address used for purchase tickets a few days prior to the event and a updated weather confirmation at least 24 hours prior to the reservation time. In the event of poor weather conditions the back-up night will be Wednesday August 13, times yet to be determined. Please feel free to email 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.