We are proud to announce our 2025 Annual Michiana Star Party.
Hosted by the Michiana Astronomical Society (Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan)
Notice: Standard Covid-19 precautions will be observed per current CDC and local government requirements.
Dates: Oct 23rd, 2025 - Oct 26th, 2025
Time: Thursday 3:00PM - Sunday 12:00 Noon Note: All times specified are Eastern.
Theme:
Location:
Potawatomi Wildlife Park
16998 State Road 331
Tippecanoe, IN 46570
Cost: 2025 prices
Pre-registration fees:
Adult non-member $40
Adult MAS member $30
Under 18 Free
At the Gate registration fees:
Adult non-member $45
Adult MAS member $30
Under 18 $10
Daily pass $10 - Come as early as you want, stay as late as you want. But no over night camping allowed with a daily pass
Star Party Fees include semi-primitave camping at the park where the star party is being held. There are flush toilets and limited showers, but no electricity.
Note: All times specified are Eastern.
Star Party Flyer & Registration form:
Speakers:
Jim Hopkins - "Tonight’s Constellations”
Alex Thomas, Ph.D. - Characterizing Exoplanets
Lauren Henderson - Cosmic Alchemy: How Stars Turn Iron into Gold
Information:
For additional information about attending the MSP2024 star party, contact Michael Hensley.
For additional information about becoming a vendor or making a donation to the MSP2025 star party, contact Paul Surowiec.
Map of MSP:
The star party will be held at the Bessinger Pavilion & visitors center.
Star Party Guidelines:
Please arrive after 3:00 p.m. Thursday, set up before dusk.
Star party ends at 11:00 a.m. Sunday.
Parking in designated parking areas.
Please: No car movement on the observing field after dark.
If you plan to leave early, please park in the Early Bird parking area with your headlights pointed away from the observing field.
There is no electricity, you must bring with what ever power you require.
Please Red flashlights only! (We will provide red cellophane to cover if required.)
Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Dogs on leashes are allowed.
Acoustical music instruments welcome!
Inappropriate behavior will result in eviction.
Dress warmly.
Smoking permitted beyond telescope areas, downwind.
You are responsible for the security of your own belongings.
In the event of an emergency use what ever lights you need to!
Please no use of laser pointers after 11:30PM
Refreshments: Complimentary Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate and Bottled Water at the Pavilion.
MSP2025 t-shirts fees:
Official 2025 Michiana Star Party T-Shirt (October 8th deadline - otherwise we may not have your size)
Small $20
Medium $20
Large $20
XL $20
XXL $25
XXXL $25
Restaurants, Drive-Ins and Dives near Potawatomi Wildlife Park
Journey's End
118 N Main St
Bourbon, IN 46504
Phone: (574) 342-0123
Casual bar and grill with a family-friendly dining room, pool tables, and a patio, plus live music and karaoke.
Breakfast through late.
The Standard
210 N Main St
Bourbon, IN 46504
Phone: (574) 780-4286
Old-time spot for ice cream, sweets and baked goods.
Mi Lindo Acapulco #2
101 E Center St
Bourbon, IN 46504
Phone: (574) 342-0442
Casual, off-the-beaten-path eatery known for tacos and other standards.
Bourbon St Pizza
209 N Main St
Bourbon, IN 46504
Phone: (574) 342-3032
Log House Restaurant
101 N Michigan St
Argos, IN 46501
Phone: (574) 892-6080
Log-cabin themed eatery offering breakfast and homemade brunch staples alongside pies served by friendly staff.
Lakehouse Grill
620 E Lake Shore Dr
Culver, IN 46511
Phone: (574) 842-2234
Down-home neighborhood watering hole & eatery with vintage nautical decor & classic American eats.
The DAM Landing
1305 Ewing Rd
Rochester, IN 46975
Phone: (574) 223-8950
Burgers, tacos, and craft beer in a casual setting with a Tiki bar on Lake Manitou.
Harvest Moon Deli & Market
5758 N Old US Hwy 31
Rochester, IN 46975
Phone: (574) 223-5043
Deli (sandwiches, soups and salads) and ice cream shop that also offers bulk foods such as spices.
Lighthouse Kitchen
2123 E State Rd 14
Rochester, IN 46975
Phone: (574) 223-5960
Casual eatery serving quick bites and comfort food including popular broasted chicken, plus breakfast.
Rochester Family Dining
835 IN-25
Rochester, IN 46975
Phone: (574) 223-2855
Relaxed restaurant serving an all-day menu that includes breakfast, skillets, and a kids' menu.
Area Hotels, Motels, and Campgrounds:
It is important to note the MSP15 star party is held in a rural area, so hotels and motels are not located close by.
SUPER 8
209 McDonald Dr
Rochester, IN 46975
Phone: (574) 224-8080
Quality Inn
289 McDonald Dr
Rochester, IN 46975
Phone: (574) 847-8231
Days Inn
2229 N Michigan St
Plymouth, IN 46563
Phone: (574) 914-4623
Biddle Point Inn
7290 Michigan Rd
Plymouth, IN 46563
Phone: (574) 316-0203
Comfort Suites
2513 N Michigan St
Plymouth, IN 46563
Phone: (574) 540-2764
Swan Lake Resort
5203 Plymouth Laporte Trail
Plymouth, IN 46563
Phone: (574) 935-5680
Harvest Host Camping
Solar Energy Systems
8015 W Nappanee, IN 46550
Phone3: (574) 773-0546
Door Prizes:
2025 Door Prize items and other materials are being donated by:
Door Prizes and other materials donated by:
