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Chico Community Observatory

People with telescopes under starry night sky.
A telescope on a mount in a dark room with a window and a ladder nearby.
People stargazing with a telescope under a night sky lit up by a bright celestial body, possibly the moon or a planet.
A building with a picnic table, surrounded by dry grass, under a cloudy sky near a road.
Rural landscape with signage for a community observatory and park. Dry grassland and cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a circular concrete structure near a road and building, with dry grassland surroundings.
A small building with solar panels next to a circular structure by a road.
Rural landscape with a small building, parking area, road, and grassy hills under a cloudy sky.
People with telescopes under starry night sky.
A telescope on a mount in a dark room with a window and a ladder nearby.
People stargazing with a telescope under a night sky lit up by a bright celestial body, possibly the moon or a planet.
A building with a picnic table, surrounded by dry grass, under a cloudy sky near a road.
Rural landscape with signage for a community observatory and park. Dry grassland and cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a circular concrete structure near a road and building, with dry grassland surroundings.
A small building with solar panels next to a circular structure by a road.
Rural landscape with a small building, parking area, road, and grassy hills under a cloudy sky.

1 Observatory Way, Chico, CA 95973

About the Observatory

Nestled in the scenic Upper Bidwell Park, the Chico Community Observatory offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the night sky. Owned and operated by the Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD), this local treasure invites the public to gaze at the planets, stars, and distant galaxies through high-powered telescopes. Whether you’re an avid stargazer or a curious beginner, the observatory provides an educational and awe-inspiring experience free of charge. Donations are welcomed to help support this community resource. Join us to learn about space exploration, upcoming celestial events, and the beauty of our universe firsthand.

Observatory Hours

The Chico Community Observatory is currently open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings, weather permitting. Please see our calendar below for hours and dates. The functionality of the observatory is heavily dependant on cloud cover, so days and times might change even up to a few hours before opening. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding.

You can also use the weather tracker below to see what the predicted cloud cover will be, that is what we monitor to decide if we will be open. 

If we are not open to the public, you are still welcome to come use the nearby telescope pad to set up your own telescopes, or the Open Sky Plantetarium to enjoy the night sky yourself! These spots are first come, first serve, so please be polite and share the area, there is enough space for all!

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