Stargazing
at
Black Butte Ranch
Join Starshine to marvel at our incredible universe in the gorgeous setting at Black Butte Ranch, in Sisters, Oregon! You'll take in the brilliance of Central Oregon's incredible night sky while locating constellations, observing visible planets, the moon, and other celestial objects, and listening to ancient stories about the stars.
Tours begin about a half hour after sunset. Stay after the one-hour tour to get a glimpse into the deep sky through a telescope that magnifies the naked eye by 350. Each group receives a sky map, specialized to the month of viewing and binoculars to borrow.
If you've been to one of our Stargazing Tours, our special Full Moon and Summer Solstice Tours offer something new! The Full Moon Tours focus on our nearest neighbor in the sky, our Moon. You'll hear an ancient story with the Moon as a main character, and learn about why our Moon is so critical to life on our planet. The Summer Solstice Tour puts a focus on the solstice with an ancient story told on solstice night, and facts about this pivotal night of the year.
Cost
$25/adult
$20/Kids ages 0-15; must be accompanied by an adult
You'll pay a nonrefundable booking fee of $5/person to reserve a spot. Then you'll pay the balance in person.
Please note that stargazing tours are only for Black Butte Ranch residents or guests
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Friday 28 November 7:30PM
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Sunday 21 December 7:30PM 💫 Special Winter Solstice Tour
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Monday 29 December 7:30PM
Private Tours
If a program is full or the scheduled dates don't work for you, we may be able to provide a private program for your group. Custom tours for weddings or other special events are available!
Cost: 1-6 people $200 (includes $50 booking fee); additional adults $25/kids $20 (includes $5 booking fee pp)
Off Season (October - May) $175
From 20 US dollars
"Our small group of Seniors enjoyed stargazing immensely and have shared our experience with other seniors at BBR and others who visit the ranch regularly. We look forward to participating again in the future!"
Tour Details
Tours are approximately one hour long. And will begin, once all payments are processed and waivers collected. The guide will stay after the formal presentation to answer any questions. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to process your payment/complete waivers.
Where to meet
Please park at the very back of the Big Meadow golf parking lot past Robert's pub. There is a short 3 minute walk on an accessible bark-chipped path into the meadow where we will stargaze.
What to Bring
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warm layers
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blanket to lay on or chairs to sit on (House on Metollius will provide folding chairs)
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curiosity and wonder!
Optional but encouraged
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red light flashlight
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binoculars
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a sky viewing app on your phone, recommended is SkyView Lite--its free!
Learn About Your Guide
Check out Who We Are to learn about our guides.
Liability Waiver
Please download and fill out the liability waiver linked here. You can print and bring with you, or email to jennie@starshine-theater.com. Printed waivers will also be available to sign at the tour check-in.
$5/person booking fee is not refundable, even if a tour cancels due to weather.
If a tour cancels for a reason other than weather or civic mandates, your deposit will be refunded in full.
If booking is cancelled 30 days or more in advance, your booking fee will be refunded.
Cancellations within 30 days, will not receive a refund.️
Cancellation Policy
Explore Black Butte Ranch on a Private Guided Hike
Explore the incredible beauty and natural diversity of Black Butte Ranch alongside a local naturalist and educator. You'll learn about local plants and animals, geography, geology, and human history in this gorgeous place. Wildlife is more easily spotted during off-season programming. Kids and adults are welcome!
Enjoy a private guided experience of the incredible natural beauty of Black Butte Ranch.
Starting at $120