There are many places in southwest Illinois to best view the stars; the areas highlighted here are located away from urban areas which are filled with smoke, smog, and light pollution. Most locations are parks and wildlife areas that have little to no electric light.

Some are more difficult to access than others, require experienced hiking, camping reservations, or are only dark areas that will require roadside parking. Be sure to park away from the road and keep off of private property. Stay near roadways and do not enter wooded areas unless the area is marked otherwise. Be aware of park hours, rules, and aware of deer-hunting season ranging from October- January for safety reasons.

Tip: Scope out the location in the daytime for easier access at night.

The Bay Creek Hiking Area is located in Nebo, IL just off Great River Road. Make a right turn on Vin Fiz Road and discover this very rural stargazing sight. There are hiking trails and roadside pull-offs for best night sky viewing. This area is open 24 hours.

Stargazing Tip: Check the weather! The best views are when there are few clouds and no weather events. Fog, incoming rain, snow and smoke and interfere and prevent viewing. So choose a night with a clear forecast. Crisp, clear winter nights are ideal for stargazing!

Head out to the McCully Heritage Project, 592 Crawford Creek Rd, Kampsville, IL 62053 for camping and outdoor recreation. the area is open until 6 p.m. unless you are camping. Best locations for stargazing will be on hiking trails or near the campground.

Stargazing Tip: It's a good idea to look at a Bortle Map for light pollution before choosing a stargazing location. The further you go from bright urban areas, the better the stargazing.

Far from the bright lights of the cities is RipRap Landing Fish and Wildlife Management Area. Located at RipRap Landing Road, Nebo, IL, 62355, it is an ideal spot to view the night skies. This is an outdoor recreation area open 24 hours. Best viewing locations will be in parking areas or roadside pull-offs.

Stargazing Tip: Avoid the moon! Unless all you want to view is the moon and a few stars, it's best to go stargazing on the new moon phase or when the moons is a slim crescent. The moon is so bright, it hinders seeing other celestial objects.

A great place to see the night skies is the Diamond Hurricane Island State Fish and Wildlife Management Area located in Hardin. This 24 hour outdoor recreation spot has pull-offs and scenic stops along Godar Diamond River Access Area for great stargazing opportunities.

McMaster Woods Nature Preserve located in rural Fieldon, IL 62031, just off SW 750 St. leading from Spankey Road, has unparalleled night sky viewing. There is no access to forest but there are road pull-offs.

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, 364 Wildlife Conservation Rd, Brussels, IL 62013, is not only a great bird watching spot during the day, but at night has great night sky viewing. While the Refuge itself is only open until 4 p.m. parking areas near park are open 24 hours. Best locations will be on road pull-offs just outside the refuge.

Rural Greene County has some of the best night sky viewing spots in the region. Visit Roodhouse Lake Community Park, 1260 E. Roodhouse, IL 62082. There is camping and outdoor recreation. Best locations for night sky viewing will be in parking near the park, campground, or near the lake.

Another great spot for night sky viewing is at Terry Park in the Goodes Woods Nature Preserve, Terry Park Rd, Palmyra, IL 62674. Goodes Woods is a hunting preserve and with night sky viewing at Terry Park.

There are night sky viewing options in norther Macoupin County at Otter Lake Park, 13671 Emmerson Airline, Girard, IL 62640. This park offers camping and outdoor recreation. The best locations for night sky viewing will be on the northeast side of Otter Lake or near campground.

Enjoy the amazing night skies alongside a glass of wine at Wild Pickins Winery, 14223 Route 111 Chesterfield, IL 62630. Best locations for stargazing are in the outer parking lot- ask anyone at the winery for suggestions. Winery hours are Thursday Noon to 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday Noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 7 p.m. Closed Monday through Wednesday.

Stargazing Tip: Bring Binoculars! If you don't have an expensive telescope, binoculars are a great way to see far off objects a bit closer.

Need some help identifying the winter constellations? Use the map below to help guide your way through the stars!