What would you like to search?
Explore Categories
Popular Destinations
No search results found.
What would you like to search?
No search results found.
The Visitor's Center is free. For the Planetarium, admission is $7 for ages 13 and up. Children 5-12 is $4.50. Ages 4 and under is free. Laser shows are $8
Open daily 10am to 4pm year-round, except for Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's.
The Golden Pond Planetarium and Visitor Center serves as the main information hub for Land Between the Lakes. Visitors can pick up maps, ask questions, explore exhibits about the region, and attend planetarium programs covering astronomy, space exploration, Earth science, and the night sky. The facility also provides restrooms, a gift shop, a children’s area, nearby trail access, and a central starting point for exploring the recreation area.
The Observatory at LBL
The visitor center is designed to help people understand both Land Between the Lakes and the larger landscape around it. Its exhibit area uses historic photographs and interpretive displays to explain the communities that once stood between the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, the construction of the dams, and the eventual creation of the national recreation area. Maps, brochures, and staff assistance are available for visitors planning time at campgrounds, trails, attractions, wildlife areas, and other parts of LBL.
The planetarium operates on a scheduled program rather than as a continuous walk-through attraction. Shows generally last about an hour and may cover stars, planets, space exploration, light, Earth science, or astronomy for younger audiences. Programming changes throughout the year, and some presentations include dynamic or flickering light effects that may not be suitable for every visitor.
Seasonal laser-light programs and outdoor star parties may also be scheduled. Star parties use the observatory behind the planetarium and depend on clear skies, so weather can affect whether they take place.
Visitors should review the current schedule before arriving. Show times, admission, special events, and seasonal programming can change, while the visitor center itself remains useful even for people who do not attend a planetarium show.
The visitor center can be used for maps, brochures, exhibits, and general trip information, while planetarium shows require paid admission. The current rate schedule is located at the top of this page.
Most scheduled programs run for about 40-45 minutes. Allow additional time to explore the visitor center exhibits, speak with staff, browse the gift shop, or review maps before continuing into Land Between the Lakes.
Many are. The schedule usually includes programs written for younger audiences as well as general-interest shows. Laser light shows in the evenings, when scheduled, are usually geared toward adults. Review the program descriptions to find one that fits the ages and interests of your group.
Seasonal laser-light programs are offered at selected times and may feature rock, pop, country, and other music. These shows are separate from regular astronomy programming and may use flashing or rapidly changing light effects.
The observatory is used during scheduled star parties and astronomy events. These programs are weather-dependent, and cloudy conditions may prevent outdoor viewing even when other activities continue as planned. Check the event calendar and weather before making a special trip.
