Bruneau Dunes State Park

It's been nearly four months since we first reported on the new observatory planned at Bruneau Dunes State Park that features a powerful addition that visitors can use to better view the nighttime sky above.

I reached out to Park Manager Bryce Bealba and was granted permission to share photos of the new facility addition, which are compliments of area photographer Doug Stoneback.

The Bruneau Sand Dunes are a Southern Idaho destination that I have heard people talk about for more than a decade and I had never visited, until now.

According to the observatory's website, there are 80 seats available per viewing on Friday and Saturday nights, and spots are on a first-come, first serve basis.

As far as the evenings go, the sky above the park is wide open, and I've enjoyed some of the best stargazing ever at this site.

May is the ideal month for sandboarding and hiking the dunes, as the temperatures tend to remain on the cooler side making the sand perfect for these types of activities.

When you think about Bruneau Sand Dunes, you probably think about summer activities, like hiking the dunes or kayaking on the water; but Bruneau State Park offers winter activities, complete with heated accommodations.

Following more than a year of closure due to the Coronavirus, the Bruneau Dunes State Park Observatory has opened back up for weekend group private event viewing.

It's an impressive, global, shot-in-the-arm for the region, and one that will be seen by a massive audience all over the planet.

Bruneau Dunes State Park has been on my radar for several years. It's easy to find too, and is located just 80 miles northwest of Twin Falls.

The park encourages those wanting to attend to bring their own snacks and beverages.