This Underrated North Carolina Attraction May Just Become Your New Favorite Destination

Located deep in the Pisgah National Forest is a former NASA facility, opened in 1963, just five years after NASA was created. No longer a part of NASA, the facility is now open to the public and, among other fun things, is one of the best stargazing spots in all of North Carolina. But there is also much to see and do at PARI (Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute).

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Located on 200 acres high atop a mountain ridge just west of Brevard, the former NASA facility is now a research facility whose entire campus (save some special labs) is open to the public for self-exploration and guided tours. PARI There are more than 30 structures and even hiking trails, if you want to explore the forest or enjoy the long range views of the North Carolina mountains. TripAdvisor/BetoSubiza But perhaps the crown jewel of the facility is the night sky observation deck. As of this week, the center is now open every Saturday until very late, making nighttime viewing (and astrophotograpy) a real must-do at this unique attraction in North Carolina. (Complete hours of operation and admission fees are listed below.) TripAdvisor/Management PARI remains a research and learning facility, but in the private sector. In 1998 the new institute (PARI) was established to provide a world-class research facility and teaching center for science, technology, engineering and math. TripAdvisor/Management There are two 85-foot telescopes still in operation — and as you can see in this visitor photo — you can walk right up to them. TripAdvisor/pdmcclenny Other smaller telescopes are on site as well, just waiting to be discovered on your adventure through the property. TripAdvisor/Management You can also go in many of the buildings. The visitors center is also the main research facility. Here, you'll find NASA artifacts, including items that have been to outer space. (They also have a tire from a craft that's been to outer space!) TripAdvisor/pdmcclenny This is a working research facility, so don't expect the glamour of a refined museum. But the few exhibits here are well-curated and you may be astounded by the collection of minerals and gems, as well as a meteorite on display. PARI PARI is conveniently located just a short drive from either Brevard or Asheville. The former NASA facility is a notable piece of U.S. space exploration history as well as a testament to the folks who maintain the current not-for-profit research programs here. TripAdvisor/Management The facility used to be open M-F for self-guided tours. But those hours recently changed. TripAdvisor/Katherine V As of May 21, 2018, you can now visit PARI on Saturdays and Sundays. You'll still be able to wander the 200 acres for self-guided exploration, however they now offer guided tours all day Saturday and Sunday.

What’s more, in the past PARI has only opened one night a month for stargazing. However, now they are open Saturdays beginning at 9:00 a.m. into the late hours every Saturday night for stargazing. Sunday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Their staff cafeteria is now also open for dinner on Saturday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and for brunch on both Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Cost of admission is: $10 per person ($30 max per family), $8 for seniors and students (elementary through college), free admission for military, first responders, and children 5 and under. (Admission fees do not include lunch or dinner.)

PARI (Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute) is located at 1 PARI Dr., Rosman, NC 28772. Get more information from the official website for PARI here.

Need a home base for this trip to Western North Carolina? Check out Brevard in this previous article.