Crawford County Recreation & Tourism, in partnership with the Louisville Astronomical Society, is thrilled to announce the first-ever Crawford County Milky Way Festival, a unique celebration of one of Indiana’s last remaining dark night skies. The festival is set to take place over two weekends, offering stargazers and nature enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Milky Way in an environment boasting low levels of light pollution.
Weekend One: Sycamore Springs Park (September 27-29, 6 PM – Midnight)
The festival kicks off at Sycamore Springs Park, where attendees can enjoy a perfect blend of family fun and celestial wonders. The park, known for its many playgrounds and scenic views, will feature ample viewing areas for stargazing, complemented by astronomical booths and telescopes provided by Louisville Astronomical Society, where visitors can learn more about the night sky. Park entry and stargazing activities are free. A food truck will be on-site, offering a variety of delicious options to keep everyone fueled for a night under the stars.
Weekend Two: Cave Country Canoes (October 4-5, 6 PM – Midnight)
The festivities continue the following weekend at Cave Country Canoes, where guests can take their stargazing experience to the next level with $10 boat rentals, allowing them to float on the tranquil mill pond while gazing at the Milky Way. For those who prefer to stay on land, themed coffee and Milky Way ice cream will be available at Out of the Blue. The evening will be made even more magical by a live four-piece orchestra, performing from 7 PM to 9 PM.
The Crawford County Milky Way Festival highlights the region’s commitment to preserving its dark skies, which are among the last in the state where the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of reducing light pollution to maintain these pristine night skies for future generations.
For those interested in learning more about how to keep Crawford County’s skies dark and unpolluted, visit darksky.org. Additional details about the Milky Way Festival can be found on the official website at cometocrawford.com/milky-way-festival-2024.
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