Every summer, stargazers and astronomers mark their calendars for mid-august, when the Perseids streak across the sky. You can watch the most impressive meteor shower in Iowa from anywhere with a good view of the sky and little light pollution, but if you really want to catch a show, head to Whiterock Conservancy.
Whiterock Conservancy is a remarkable part of Iowa’s network of preserved ecosystems.
Facebook / Whiterock Conservancy
5,500 acres are set aside in a remote part of Coon Rapids, dedicated to sustainable agriculture, natural resource protection, and public recreation.
Flickr / mlhauge
Many people visit Whiterock Conservancy to see its beauty in the daylight, but once the sun sets, the Conservancy becomes a haven for astronomers and stargazers.
Facebook / Whiterock Conservancy
According to the Dark Site Finder, Whiterock has some of the darkest skies in the Midwest!
Facebook / Whiterock Conservancy You can see how it stands out on a dark sky map here.
Every August, hundreds of stargazers head out to watch the Perseid meteor shower. It’s one of the most active of the year, and it peaks on August 12-13, 2020.
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Though stargazers may have to wait for the moon to set to see the meteors well, you should count on catching at least a few streaking across the sky if you head there at any point after dark.
Danita Delimont / Gallo Images / Getty Images Plus
If you’re not local to Coon Rapids, you can pack up the car and plan an overnight outing under the stars.
Flickr / mlhauge Read more about camping at Whiterock here.
Watch the Perseid meteor shower in Iowa under some of the darkest skies around when you plan a trip out to Whiterock Conservancy this August!
Flickr / mlhauge
You can learn a little more about the best times to catch the Perseid meteor shower in Iowa on the Earthsky website.
Facebook / Whiterock Conservancy
Flickr / mlhauge
You can see how it stands out on a dark sky map here.
tdub303 / E+ via Getty Images
Danita Delimont / Gallo Images / Getty Images Plus
Read more about camping at Whiterock here.
Camping at Whiterock Conservancy is a blast, but if you’re looking for other remote options that may be closer to your home, read These 10 Rustic Spots In Iowa Are Extraordinary For Camping.
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Address: Whiterock Conservancy, 1436 IA-141, Coon Rapids, IA 50058, USA
