Contact Us

Hyde is open to the public every Saturday night except major holidays or because of extreme weather. Check our Facebook page or Twitter/X for last-minute changes.

To schedule a presentation, star talk or telescope viewing session for your group, please contact: Pioneers Park Nature Center at 4024417895 or naturecenter@lincoln.ne.gov. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance.

If you’d like to make a donation to Hyde Observatory, please go to this page on the Lincoln Parks & Recreation website and fill in “Hyde Observatory” in the memo field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Hyde open this Saturday night?
A: Hyde is open EVERY Saturday night unless it falls near a holiday (New Years, Christmas) or in the event of extreme weather. Even if it’s cloudy, we’ll open and run programs, but won’t roll the roof to use the telescopes. If the weather turns bad, we might close early. Check our Facebook page or X/Twitter for last minute info.

Q: When does Hyde open on Saturdays?
A: March 15-August 31: Hyde opens Sundown
September 1-30: Hyde opens at 8 PM
October 1-March 14: Hyde opens at 7 PM

Q: When do our programs run on Saturdays?
A: Programs vary (see our home page) and usually run multiple times during the evening. Most programs last between 15 and 30 minutes.

Q: I can’t come on Saturday, can I reserve for another day?
A: Unfortunately we don’t have the ability to staff Hyde for other days, however you can make a reservation for a larger group. Please see below.

Q: Is there an admission charge? Do I need to make a reservation?
A: Hyde is open to the public and there is no admission charge. You don’t need to make a reservation to visit on Saturday nights. To reserve for larger groups, see below.

Q: I need help learning how to use my telescope. Can someone at Hyde help me?
A: We recommend contacting the Prairie Astronomy Club (or any other area astronomy club) for help.

Q: Can I bring a group to Hyde on a Saturday night? Do I need to schedule it in advance?
A: For small groups of a few people, it’s not necessary to schedule for a Saturday night. However if you want to reserve for a larger group, please see our website for more information. Groups must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance through Lincoln Parks & Recreation. To schedule a presentation, star talk or telescope viewing session for your group, please contact: Pioneers Park Nature Center at 4024417895 or naturecenter@lincoln.ne.gov.