Dark skies, high elevation and a group of motivated amateur astronomers comprise the perfect formula for enhancing one of the Adirondack’s top attractions: The stars.

Tupper Lake has always been a great location for star gazing, and now the nighttime sky can be experienced in a whole new dimension as the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory, a state-of-the-art facility, continues to grow.

Set on the dark side of a hill adjacent to the Little Wolf Beach & Campground, the roll-off roof observatory is the first building completed of three planned structures. During the day, the roll-off roof building may look like a quiet building. But when the sun sets and the three-thousand-pound roof rolls away, the structure comes to life, exposing the nighttime sky for all its wonder.

Within the observatory’s walls, four mounted telescopes, including the award-winning, beautifully restored 1925 Everest “Old Town Pump” Telescope, are waiting to help you gaze at all of the glory above. Accompanying the mounted scopes are a variety of smaller telescopes, astronomy accessories, and equipment for astrophotography.

This first stage of Adirondack Sky Center is now operating for both public and private stargazing sessions. In addition to stargazing, the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory offers a variety of educational workshops, events, and more throughout the year. The roll-off roof observatory is open Friday evenings (weather permitting). The observatory office, located at 36 High Street, Suite 2, Tupper Lake, NY is open Monday - Friday 9:30 am-3 pm.

The Mission: 

The mission of the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory is to provide quality educational experiences for people of all ages through the science, technology, and history of astronomy.

We will accomplish our goals through the following actions:

• Enhance public awareness and advance the science of Astronomy.
• Integrate with area schools, colleges, and universities.
• Encourage and support amateur astronomers of all generations young and old.
• Provide families, civic and community groups the opportunity to view the night sky with various telescopes. 
• Add to the enjoyment and quality of life in the Adirondack Mountains.
• Contribute to scientific discovery.
• Collect historic astronomical-related items.
• Invite the public to hear lectures and view seminars from experts in the field of Astronomy.

The ASC is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. For more information or to plan your visit, find them online or at their office located in Tupper Lake.