Sanford Museum and Planetarium

Did you know there’s a planetarium closer than you think? How close? How about Cherokee, Iowa? Many people I’ve spoken with thought the closest planetarium was either in Omaha or Minneapolis. Imagine their surprise after I told them about the Sanford Museum and Planetarium only an hour away in Cherokee.

My initial visit

I made my visit here the same day I went to Hole N’ the Wall Lodge in Akron, Iowa and Habitué Coffeehouse in Le Mars, Iowa.

This was my final visit of the day back in May, as it was the most anticipated. As I parked, I saw the giant circular dome of the planetarium, with the entrance off to the left. I was five minutes late joining the daily planetarium showing, so I tried to be as quiet as possible entering the seating area. It was unbelievably dark in the round room, but I somehow found a spot to sit.

Planetarium and science experiments

There was a presentation about molecules and atoms. However, each month there’s a different presentation. Everything from planets, stars, galaxies, and even the human anatomy and bone structure. What’s even more noteworthy is that this was at no charge to the public. I love this! Learning is always fun, especially when it’s on my kind of budget!

After the twenty-minute educational movie I walked around the museum. Right outside of the planetarium room are hands-on learning stations that correlate with the monthly topic. The month I was there, May, was centered around molecules and atoms. Therefore, there were sensory activities focusing on weight, the differences between solid, liquid and gas, and density, among many other experiments.

Old Cherokee, Iowa

There’s a hallway to the right of the planetarium room that leads to local historical artifacts and century rooms preserved to show you what life was like 100 years ago.

Thousand year old specimens and artifacts

Down in the basement is where the fun is! Prehistoric relics showcase the diverse organisms that lived in and around Iowa thousands of years ago.

Also, on display are objects and tools used by early humans, and what life looked like for the first settlers in our area.

Geology

There’s even a featured display depicting the layers of soil, sand and rock beneath our feet. Not to mention, all the different kinds of gems and crystals found throughout the United States.

Archaeology program

In addition, the museum has an archaeology program you can join for only $3.00 a year! Membership permits you to sit in on seminars, grants you access to museums and historical sites, and gives you hands on experience with excavating artifacts.

Plan your visit

I plan to make many trips here in the next year just so I can learn more about my environment and the universe. When you visit the planetarium’s website (https://sanfordmuseum.org/) make sure to find out the topic of the month. June highlighted “Summer Night Skies” and for the month of July you’ll witness the Lunar Landing of 1969 and discover our moon all over again.

Finally, don’t be like me and show up late! Remember, planetarium showings are only on Wednesdays and Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Come about an hour before so you have time to walk through all the exhibits and take pictures.

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

712-225-3922
117 E. Willow St
Cherokee, Iowa 51012