The property was first a mica mine, then when the mica ran out, the hole left behind was turned into a landfill. Once the landfill started to produce methane, the Energy Exchange was established and the mission was to utilize the methane and solar panels into energy to power artists’ studios where glassblowing and pottery making took place. The three Quonset hut buildings and the gift shop are those former studios.
When the methane ran out, Mayland took over the grounds and built the greenhouses to use as part of their horticulture and farming programs.
The Earth to Sky Park (ESP) is composed of different parts. The Bare Dark Sky Observatory (BDSO) houses our 34-inch Sam telescope, along with a 14-inch Meade telescope. You can learn more about the BDSO here. The Visitor Center contains our gift shop, offices, and the Glenn and Carol Arthur Planetarium. The ESP also has a conference center, and we are in the process of fund-raising for our new children’s discovery center.
The Earth to Sky Park shares an entrance with the Yancey/Mitchell Transfer Station, which requests that the gate be closed when neither the transfer station or the ESP is staffed. However, guests are welcome to come and stargaze on their own even when the Park is not staffed, per IDA regulations. When the gate is locked, guests may park outside and walk around the gate. Please be advised that there are no attendants or staff on site if the gate is closed, and you enter the ESP at your own risk. No overnight camping is allowed anywhere within the Earth to Sky Park.
There are public restrooms at the Visitor Center/Planetarium level and a portable toilet located near the parking lot at the Bare Dark Sky Observatory.
Since viewing the dark sky with a high-quality telescope is a very popular activity, the BDSO does require tickets. Our capacity is 26 guests, which allows each guest an opportunity to view several different celestial objects. Our regular planetarium shows do not require tickets, but Beautifica and other special shows, like Laser shows, require pre-purchased tickets.
There are not always clear skies overhead for stargazing. In the event of clouds or inclement weather, a viewing night at the BDSO might get moved into the Arthur Planetarium. A decision will be made 36 hours prior to the event time. Guests will still have an amazing astronomy experience inside the Planetarium with a “live sky show” that guides viewers on a tour of the night sky that they would be seeing if they were outside under clear skies. These live sky shows are not offered at any other time inside the Planetarium except in the event of inclement weather at the BDSO. If you do not wish to move inside the Planetarium, you may request a refund for the event by calling the Visitor Center at 828-470-7584. The reservation software does keep a small portion of the purchase price if you cancel your tickets.
A full refund will be issued by Eventbrite if we cancel an event. However, the reservation service may keep a small portion of your purchase price if you cancel the reservation. You may inquire about their policy on their website; www.eventbrite.com.
During the summer and early fall, the BSDO is open for ticketed community events. During the late fall, the winter and the spring, we are open on Friday and Saturday nights. Other nights during the week, the BDSO can be reserved for private viewing events. These events are a great way to share a birthday or anniversary with your family and friends. A private event is an ideal opportunity to enrich homeschooling curriculum or to encourage a love of science for children and adults. Please call us for event pricing and reservations.
We are open year-round. While winter nights may be very cold, the night sky is rich with incredible celestial objects not otherwise visible during the summer months. Our most popular nights are in late June through mid-October when the weather is warmer. Saturn, Jupiter and the Milky Way are best viewed during these months, as well.
The events during the summer sell out quickly, so we encourage guests to make reservations well in advance of their visit. EventBrite tickets
When the moon appears more than 50% full, we do not hold Community Viewing Nights, as the reflected light from the moon makes viewing other night sky objects difficult.
There are several night sky apps that help you find celestial objects from your location. Sky view, Star Chart, Star Walk 1 & 2, are a few readily available apps.
How do I purchase Planetarium show tickets?
-Tickets for our planetarium shows can be purchased in the gift shop on the day of the show, just as you would at a movie theatre.
How much are Planetarium show tickets?
-$12/adult and $5/child under 12 years of age. Children under 3 years old are free. There is a $10/senior or Veteran discount
How do I purchase Laser Show tickets?
-Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.com
How do I purchase tickets for Beautifica?
-Tickets for all of the Beautifica shows must be purchased directly through their website. All ticket purchase inquiries must be made by contacting boxoffice@jameshood.com
Do you do private bookings of the BDSO or the Planetarium?
-Yes, the cost for a 2hr private event is $533 after tax, for a group of up to 26 people in the observatory or 60 people in the planetarium. You can email observatory@mayland.edu for more information and to schedule a booking.
Do you host field trips at Mayland Earth to Sky Park?
-Yes, you can email planetarium@mayland.edu for more information and to schedule a visit.
Are pets allowed at the ESP?
-Yes, pets are allowed on the grounds of the entire park, but only certified medical service animals are allowed within the different indoor facilities.
No Camping is Allowed in the Earth to Sky Park
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Terrell House Bed and Breakfast, Burnsville – 17 minutes away https://www.terrellhousebandb.com/burnsville/
Nu Wray Inn, Burnsville – 17 minutes away http://www.nuwrayinn.com/
Carolina Country Inn, Burnsville – 17 minutes away http://www.carolinacountryinn.com/
High Pastures, Burnsville – 15 minutes away http://www.highpastures.org/
Richmond Inn Bed and Breakfast, Spruce Pine – 20 minutes away https://www.richmondinn.us/
Switzerland Inn, Little Switzerland – 28 minutes away https://switzerlandinn.com/
Toe River Campground, Burnsville – 16 minutes away http://www.toerivercampground.com/
