Golden Pond Planetarium

Golden Pond Planetarium & Observatory

Sit back, relax and watch the stars spin all around you at the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory. Housed within the Golden Pond Visitors Center at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, you'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about constellations and galaxies.

You'll find yourself lost in a magical scene where the night sky comes to life. It's an educational treat for the whole family!

You'll never look at a starry sky quite the same way after viewing it under Golden Pond's 40-foot domed screen. During each of the Planetarium's educational programs, the NEW SkyExplorer Digital Planetarium Software combined with 2k Hi-Resolution Laser Projection system projects images of stars and planets above you as 360-degree angles bring it all to life.

The facility's technology also recreates the night sky from anywhere in the world, providing a glimpse of the galaxy unhindered by pollution or cloud cover.

Featured Programs

At the Golden Pond Planetarium, you'll be captivated by state-of-the-art presentations such as "EXPLORE," "Hot & Energetic Universe" and "Firefall." The planetarium also offers "Tonight's Sky Live," a live program that invites audiences to marvel at the stars, planets and constellations in the sky on the evening of the presentation.

Or, if you're looking for a program that offers shear entertainment, then take your family to a laser light show set to popular tunes of various musical artists. From your theater seat, you can  watch lights dance to music across the dome. Most of the planetarium's programs last about 40 minutes.

The Observatory

You can gain a closer look at the universe through the Golden Pond Observatory's computerized Meade 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope. You'll be amazed at what you find! Or, during the summer, attend Observatory Star Parties and gaze through smaller telescopes with friends. The facility is open on select Saturdays, and its activities are weather-dependent.

General Admission

Admittance costs $7 for ages 13 and up and $4.50 for ages 5 to 12. Children 4 and under are free. All seats for laser light shows are $8, and special events may cost more.

Don't waste a minute! Check out Golden Pond's schedule of planetarium events and mark them on your calendar. Start exploring the world above you!

For more information on show times or discount group rates, call (270) 924-2020.

Current Shows

For a list of current programs, visit our Events Calendar and choose the "Planetarium Shows" option under "Filter Events"

The Planetarium Quick Facts

SEASON Year-round except Thanksgiving.  Closed December 24-25 and January 1.  Call for details.
HOURS  Varies with several shows daily.  See our Events Calendar for details.
ADMISSION  Daytime Shows:  $7.00 Ages 13 & Up; $4.50 for ages 5-12. Free for ages 4 and under. Laser Shows are $8 for all ages
GPS  N 36 46' 38.41" / W 88 03' 53.75"  {Map It!}
LOCATION  At the Visitor Center