Dark Sky Deals & Special Events

From star parties to discounted stays, West Virginia destinations sure know how to celebrate our star-studded skies. With minimal light pollution and stunning rolling hills, Almost Heaven takes on a new light after dusk – with breathtaking starry skies. Explore the deals and special events below to plan a truly out-of-this-world dark sky adventure.

Upcoming Events

Capon Springs & Farms

Hampshire County, WV

Join Capon Springs & Farms for one of THREE planned explorations of the heavens with NASA Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern. These fascinating looks at the night sky provide great insight to the dramatic revelations of our universe. 

6/27 – The Sky IS Falling: Space Rocks and You

9/12 – The Future of US Human Spaceflight

10/24 – JWST: NASA’s Successor to Hubble Space Telescope

Explore Topics & Dates

    Greenbank Observatory

    Pocahontas County, WV

    FREE Star Parties

    Let Green Bank Observatory staff treat you to views of the night sky through optical telescopes! Upcoming dates include 4/22 and 5/13.

    Learn More About Star Parties

    Star Quest

    Save the dates for the nation’s largest optical and radio star party, starting on 5/21!

    Learn More & Register

      ACE Adventures

      Fayette County, WV

      Fly like a bat through the treetops with a white-knuckle night zipline tour along ACE’s New River Gorge Zipline Tour. Shapes and shadows come out of nowhere. Your sense of hearing and touch LEAP into overdrive. Soak up the moonlight during an epic full-moon zipline tour.

      Book Your Zipline Tour

        SMART-Center Inc.

        Brooke County, WV – Marshall County, WV – Ohio County, WV

        StarWatches are held at Grand Vue Park in Moundsville the second Saturday of each month from 8-10 p.m., at Brooke Hills Park the third Friday of the month (Feb-Oct) from 8-10 and at the Wheeling Waterfront the fourth Saturday of the month from 8-10 p.m. Telescopes are provided and amateur astronomers are available at these FREE events to discuss the wonders of the night sky.

        Discover Starwatches

          Experience Learning Star Parties

          Pendleton County, WV

          May 18-22, 2023 – Night Owl Star Party: Enjoy the wonders of the night sky at this exciting event located at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center in May! 

          August 18-22, 2023 – Almost Heaven Star Party: Visit the Experience Learning campus to enjoy some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi.

          Learn More about these Star Parties

            Exclusive Deals & Discounts

            Rock Springs Retreat

            Jefferson County, WV

            Rock Spring Retreat is a perfect destination for stargazers and adventurers, at any time of the year. Views are especially breathtaking when the skies are darkest during the new moon phases. To recognize that, the Retreat will be offering a special discount on or around the following dates: April 20, May 19, June 18, July 17, Aug 16, Sept 14, Oct 14, Nov 13, and Dec 12.

            There is a 3-night minimum required. Book your stay and use the discount code DARKSKYWV at checkout.

            Explore Rock Springs Retreat

              West Virginia State Parks

              Sleep under the stars in a cozy cabin in Almost Heaven. Book a cabin stay at West Virginia State Park between now and July 30 and receive 15% off your entire stay. Simply book online and use offer code STARGAZE at checkout. 

              *Some exclusions apply. 

              Offer valid only on cabin stays at Watoga, Lost River, Cass, Blackwater Falls, Holly River, Pipestem and Seneca State Forest. Three-night minimum required. Deal expires July 30, 2023 at 11:59 EST on WVstateparks.com.

              Book Your Stay