The NASA Stardome-Stories in the Sky! is back at Blackwater Falls State Park nature center on Saturday, August 19, 2023. There are four 45 minute programs that occur inside the dome, which is inside the nature center. Those times are 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. There is no fee to participate, but there is a preregistration opportunity to be sure you have a seat inside the dome.

NASA STARDOME-STORIES IN THE SKY! participants enter the star dome through a short tunnel and introduced to a “star-filled” sky. Your host naturalist will navigate with the use of a digital planetarium through some common constellations and stars. Participants will be introduced to Greek Mythological characters, how ancient people related to constellations, then used their imagination to create a pattern in the stars with a story. About 45 minutes. Seating inside the dome is limited to first come first serve. Pre-registration available beginning at 11 a.m. on August 19th morning or take a chance that space is available and show up at time of program. About 45 minutes. The activity is for any age. YPP. [This activity is super helpful when you’re out on a dark night looking up at stars and identifying constellations, etc.]
And now the rest of the scheduled activities for the weekend of August 19-20, 2023 at Blackwater Falls State Park. Activities are hosted at the nature center unless indicated otherwise. Nature Center is open Sunday – Friday from 10:30AM – 5:00PM and Saturday from 10:00AM-7:00PM. The boathouse is open 10:30AM – 5:00PM Wednesday – Sunday until Labor Day and closed on Monday and Tuesday, except on a holiday.

10:30 p.m. SKULLS, SKINS, SCAT, and SLIME!
Join the park naturalist, on the side porch of Nature Center to learn how to identify a predator or prey skull, the purpose of fur and how to identify scat. Afterwards, create a small baggie of slime to take home. About one hour. No walking involved. All ages are welcome. YPP

1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. (four opportunities)
NASA STARDOME-Stories in the Sky!
See information above.

12:30 p.m. TWISTED TIE DYE
Join the recreation attendant to create your own T-shirt Souvenir. Available sizes limited to first
come basis. End of Season Sale: Adult Size is $8.00, Youth size is $5.00. Set up closes at 3:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m. BAT GAME!
Join the park naturalist outside for a lively game of bat and moth. About 30 minutes. YPP

9:00 p.m. BACKYARD STARGAZING & NIGHT FUN
This outside adventure is about stargazing and exploring the world of darkness. About 1 hour. Some limited walking of less than 1 mile. YPP. Meet at the nature center.

SUNDAY, August 20, 2023

10:00 a.m. BIRD SIT
Join the recreation assistant to help her learn birds in this ‘sit and watch’ the birdfeeders for feathered friends. About 45 minutes. YPP

11:30 p.m. – Last Chance to visit the NASA STARDOME

2:30 p.m. PEPPERONI ROLLS & FLAMES
Join the seasonal naturalist, to have fun with hot sparks, perhaps a little West Virginia Trivia, singing the West Virginia Hills Song and enjoy a West Virginia favorite food. About 1 hour. YPP

Learn more about Blackwater Falls State Park activities and events by email blackwaterfallssp@wv.gov.

Reserve lodging:

Book Now