Mayland Earth to Sky Park

Our trip to the Mayland Earth to Sky Park was like stepping into another world… literally!
We started with a visit to the observatory area. We didn’t get to see the telescope (since we were there in the daytime), but we saw the large building with the retractable roof that houses the telescope.
There were also about a dozen outdoor concrete pads that you can use when you bring your own telescope. This area is open 24/7, so they are first come. The staff said that they are rarely all in use.
We plan to come back during one of the public viewing nights to look at the stars through their big telescope. You can make reservations online at the Mayland Community College website.
We then visited the planetarium for the afternoon show. We bought our tickets, and walked around while waiting for the show to start.
There is a mural on the side of the planetarium building that is part of a worldwide project to paint 100,000 bees. There’s also a picnic shelter for sharing a meal to complete your visit.
The highlight of our visit was the planetarium show. The first part was a recorded show, and it was followed by a live performance by the staff member. She was clearly very knowledgeable and did a wonderful job.
They have different shows at different times, so be sure to check the website to see which one(s) are suitable for your viewing pleasure.
The facility is new, only a couple of years old, and is still a work in progress. There will be classrooms, meeting rooms and greenhouses. Lots of educational opportunities for different audiences.
We can’t wait to go back and watch the evolution of this wonderful facility.

My spouse and I went to the Bare Dark Sky Observatory on a Thursday evening.  It was a wonderful experience - great guides, some truly exceptional equipment, and wide open, dark skies.  We had such a great experience that we decided to return two days later for the grand opening of their planetarium (the Glenn & Carol Arthur Planetarium), and that was also a really enjoyable experience, and I love the honey bee theme.  Highly recommend it.  Will go again.

Amazing observatory and planetarium. You can bring your own telescope or participate in one of the paid events that they offer, which allows you to view the sky at night through a gigantic custom-built telescope, and another that allowed us to see hundreds of thousands of stars in one view point. Turn your lights off at night to help protect the dark skies! We weren’t able to use our phone during the night star gazing, because what the phone light does to our vision, but I got one photo of the roof after it opened before the electric telescope moved into place. Thanks to Amanda and Michael for teaching!!!

I decided to take my daughter with me at night to this observatory and the staff was phenomenal along with the view of the night sky. I am surprised there isn't more information available about this site since it is a great place to view constellations and the moon at night! We were lucky enough to be able to snap a few pictures of the moon through the telescope, but the moon interfered with observing other planets and stars since it was so bright. My advice is go when the moon is full, and go again afterwards when the moon is not out to get the best of both.

My sister and brother in law live right near this and they took me, brother and his granddaughter to see the view. It was foggy but we had a great view of the mountains. Very nice place

Last night, I saw a very cool show at the planetarium. It was an exceptionally clean facility with limited capacity ensuring an intimate experience. They did visuals for Dark Side of the Moon and let me tell you, it was a journey!!! I was in awe the entire time. The host wore the best outfit and was a truly delightful human.
This experience is worth it!!! I drove from Asheville and will be doing it again. Go support this awesome place!

Went to see the Pink Floyd show on 11/25/22. It was amazing. The sound system is amazing, the zero-gravity seats are very comfortable and literally let you relax horizontally. The digital show was sharp and colorful. An excellent experience. I will be coming here a lot.

Very interesting. Planetarium yesterday. Presentation on the Monarch butterfly today. Clouds interfered with skywatching last evening. Hoping for clear sky's tonight. Wonderful, dedicated staff. Highly recommend.

First, thank you to Steven (very personable, knowledgeable, welcoming even learning all 25 guests names! ), John, Jeremy and Bob. The group is passionate, informative, skilled, welcoming and generous enough to share their own equipment and scopes at the observatory. I agree, go when the night sky doesn't have as full of a moon. Thanks to the speed of the digital GPS programmed scopes my family and I were able to view things I was struggling to find with my home scope -nebula, star clusters, planets and galaxies even.

The 2 hours is plenty of time for everyone to see what they want to see. The space is large enough for people to spread out and the roll back roof gives you plenty to see while waiting your turn. They even loan their own private binoculars and red lights out during the sky tour.

I especially am grateful for the way John, Jeremy and Bob interacted with my son who is 12. They answered all his questions patiently and they actually got him EXCITED about sharing in one of my favorite activities. I only wish I lived closer so I could hang out here every night! Thanks and see you in June -"The Sun Goddess"

☆tip: if you've been here before be advised the gate is now locked at night but you are welcome to trespass walking around the gate. About 50 feet in on the right is a white pole which marks a foot path through the briars another 50 feet or so and opens to a great grassy field where you can set up your own telescope or hike all the way back up to the observatory if you prefer.

There's no reason not to come here! The prices are very reasonable, and you get so much with it. The staff are one of a kind. You can talk to them for hours, learning more than you will ever remember!

Went there for the Pink Floyd planetarium show. It was awesome! Friendly staff. I will definitely return for their shows on astronomy and nature.

First time attending. Loved it!!!

Small, clean, and well maintained. An enjoyable experience and a fun way to spend an evening!

Beautiful night. So many star's in the sky it looked as if it were snowing.