James C. Veen Observatory — Attraction in Lowell Charter Township

This had been on my Summer bucket list for a couple years. I finally went but it wasn't what I had expected. You have to park near the road and then hike about 1/4 mile up hill in the dark. They charge a $5/person fee to look into the telescope. The observatory isn't the high tech telescope that I imagined. You can't just look at whatever you want. You have to stand in line and take turns viewing whatever they have the telescope pointed at. For us, it was Saturn. It's impressive to be able to view the planet but the image you see isn't that impressive. It looks pretty much like a star that you can see with the naked eye. I'm glad I went but it really didn't live up to my...

This is an amazing gem in West Michigan! Public viewing nights are posted on the GRAAA website, and they usually hold them two Saturdays per month. After you step out of your car you walk up a welcoming ground level lit 1/4 Mile paved walkway up to the observatory. They have two telescopes, although sometimes only one is open to the public. Members bring their own telescopes and show patrons various celestial bodies/clusters. We have seen the rings on Saturn along with a few moons, and also the cloud bands on Jupiter with some moons! You won't be...

My first time going to the Veen Observatory was certainly memorable! Out in the middle of nowhere, you drive up an asphalt one-lane where a GRAAA member tells you where to park, making sure you can get back out again, then a walk up the hill to the domes. A nominal charge to use the telescopes, with members helping everywhere to answer your questions. A big scope right in the parking lot and one inside the dome, too. They are only open twice a month on Saturday night from Spring to Fall, so check out the...