Chicagoan looking for a stargazing location away from the City . . .

Hello all:

I recently purchased a telescope and began stargazing in my back yard. I
live within Chicago and the city's light pollution is a serious handicap.
This is a long shot, but I am on the lookout for a viewing site away from
the city lights.

I am willing to drive 75 to 90 (or so) miles. I know from experience that
it takes 50 to 70 miles of travel before Chicago's glow diminishes when (to
arbitrarily pick a direction) one travels south-west on I55.

The ideal location would have: 1) a low, unimpeded horizon in all
directions; 2) a hard (concrete, asphalt, etc) surface mid-point in the
above area, large enough for the telescope mount to be placed on; 3)
year-round, 24 hour-a-day, access, 4) parking nearby for a car, and; 5)no
fees to stargazers wishing to gain entrance! (See . . . I'm not picky . . .
I didn't even ask for washroom availability!)

Possibly a state park, but don't those all close at night? Any info on such
a location would be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
One who cannot yet move to Arizona . . .

Larry;

The Calumet Astronomical Society goes to Lemon Lake County Park near
Cedar Lake, IN every Friday night for viewing. While the sky is not
absolutely dark it offers good viewing clouds permitting.
Contact the Society via their web site or myself to schedule a visit.
The site is open only to members and their invited guests.
We also have a dark site south of here in Jasper Co. where we have an
observatory setup.


Dave Nagel
Crown Point, IN

Larry Zak wrote:
Hello all:

I recently purchased a telescope and began stargazing in my back yard. I
live within Chicago and the city's light pollution is a serious handicap.
This is a long shot, but I am on the lookout for a viewing site away from
the city lights.

I am willing to drive 75 to 90 (or so) miles. I know from experience that
it takes 50 to 70 miles of travel before Chicago's glow diminishes when (to
arbitrarily pick a direction) one travels south-west on I55.

The ideal location would have: 1) a low, unimpeded horizon in all
directions; 2) a hard (concrete, asphalt, etc) surface mid-point in the
above area, large enough for the telescope mount to be placed on; 3)
year-round, 24 hour-a-day, access, 4) parking nearby for a car, and; 5)no
fees to stargazers wishing to gain entrance! (See . . . I'm not picky . . .
I didn't even ask for washroom availability!)

Possibly a state park, but don't those all close at night? Any info on such
a location would be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
One who cannot yet move to Arizona . . .