Casper Planetarium

About

The Casper Planetarium holds a special place in Wyoming's history as the state's oldest continuously operating planetarium. Since opening its doors in 1966, this beloved community institution has been sparking curiosity about the cosmos for visitors of all ages.

Located at 904 North Poplar Street in Casper, the planetarium is operated by the Natrona County School District and serves as both an educational resource and a popular weekend destination. Public shows run each Saturday evening, featuring a mix of locally produced programs and immersive presentations that bring the night sky to life on the dome overhead.

Inside, you'll find authentic space artifacts and exhibits that trace humanity's exploration beyond Earth. The displays are designed to engage the whole family, making complex astronomical concepts approachable and exciting for kids and adults alike. Whether your child is a budding astronaut or you're simply curious about what's above us, there's something here that'll catch your attention.

The planetarium produces many of its own shows, giving presentations a personal, community-driven feel you won't find at larger institutions. Staff members are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, often staying after shows to answer questions and point out what's visible in the real sky that evening.

Casper itself sits at roughly 5,000 feet elevation in central Wyoming, offering remarkably dark skies that complement any planetarium visit. If you're traveling through the state, pairing a Saturday evening show with some actual stargazing nearby makes for an unforgettable experience.

Practical details: the planetarium is a compact, focused attraction, so plan for about one to two hours for a visit including a show. Admission is affordable, keeping with its mission as a public educational facility. It's a good idea to check their schedule in advance, as show times and topics rotate. The venue works well as part of a broader Casper itinerary that might include nearby trails, the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, or downtown dining.

Accessibility

The Casper Planetarium is housed in a single-story building, which generally supports easier access for visitors with mobility needs. As a public facility operated by the Natrona County School District, it falls under ADA requirements for public buildings.

The planetarium's theater seating is the primary visitor space. Specific details about wheelchair-accessible seating positions, assistive listening devices, or sensory accommodations for shows are not widely published. Contact the planetarium directly at their Poplar Street location to ask about wheelchair seating arrangements in the dome theater, as traditional planetarium seating can vary in accessibility.

Parking is available on-site. Street-level entry without major elevation changes is typical for this building, though visitors should confirm current conditions, especially during Wyoming's winter months when ice and snow may affect walkways.

The facility is relatively small and intimate, which can be an advantage for visitors who find large, crowded venues overwhelming. Show audiences tend to be modest in size, creating a calmer sensory environment. However, planetarium shows do involve extended periods of darkness, projected motion, and audio effects, which may be challenging for some visitors with sensory sensitivities.

For the most current and specific accessibility information, including details about restroom accessibility, service animal policies, and any accommodations that can be arranged in advance, contact the Casper Planetarium directly before your visit. Staff can help you plan ahead so your experience is comfortable and enjoyable.

More accessible places in Wyoming

• Nicolaysen Art Museum (Casper)
• Tate Geological Museum (Casper)
• Grand Teton National Park (Moose)
• National Museum of Wildlife Art (Jackson)
• Devils Tower National Monument (Devils Tower)
• Fort Laramie National Historic Site (Fort Laramie)