Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory is the first public observatory in West Michigan. Located in Hemlock Crossing County Park at 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive, MI 49460, the facility houses a 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. It was opened in 2022 and is operated by members of the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA).
The completion of the project was made possible with support from members of the SAAA, the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission, Friends of Ottawa County Parks, the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, and members of our community who made financial contributions, large and small, to support this project.
The observatory would not have been possible without the generous support from the community, and we thank you! Learn more about the history and construction of the observatory, or check out the equipment available at the observatory.
Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory
Public Observing Sessions
The observatory is open to the public on Friday evenings throughout the year, whenever conditions allow. Additional public observing sessions are regularly scheduled on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Hours of operation are seasonal and weather dependent. Dress appropriately as the temperature inside the observatory will match the outside ambient temperature. Night sky tour includes: visible planets, the Moon, galaxies, star clusters and planetary nebulae.
Seasonal Hours for Public Observing Sessions
- January – March: Open at 7 pm
- April – May: Open at 8 pm
- June – September: Open at 9 pm
- October – December: Open at 7 pm
Unless the Moon is easily visible before the scheduled opening time, best observing starts 45 minutes after sunset.
Please note: If cloud conditions are overcast or there is a chance of rain or snow, the viewing session will be canceled.
See the calendar below for specific dates, times, and weather cancellations.
Private Observing Sessions
The SAAA is happy to provide private observing sessions for libraries, scout groups, college and university science clubs, and other community groups. Community groups and SAAA members looking to schedule a private visit should contact Frank Roldan through the Contact Us page.