William M. Staerkel Planetarium, Illinois, United States

4.5 (20 reviews) Spent Ranking #14 in Champaign-Urbana Observatories & Planetariums

Church members and families

Spectacular facility and a very experienced and knowledgeable host, program director and narrator rolled into one, namely Dave Leake. No matter what the show you learn and are entertained. Our church has come over every year for the past 3 years. For all ages. Cost is reasonable for what you get.

Address

2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61821-1806

Mobile

+1 217-351-2568

Website

http://www2.parkland.edu/planetarium/

Current local date and time now

Sunday, May 12, 2024, 3:57

User Ratings

4.5 based on (20 reviews)

Excellent
65%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%

Reviews

  • 5Sarah3M 5:00 PM Oct 19, 2014
    Fun for science nerds
    If you want something different to do, maybe learn a little about the planet and the night sky, then definitely check out Staerkel Planetarium. If you're expecting a spectacular, hi-tech light show you're searching in the wrong city. I'm guessing that other reviewers were expecting something different. This is not an omnimax, but it is one of the best planetariums in the state. We watched Dynamic Earth, narrated by Liam Neeson. It was a great show, albeit a short one. I loved learning about the Earth and what makes it tick. Since it was a short show, the host showed us some constellations in the current night sky. As an astronomy enthusiast, it was really fun for us to learn something new. For $5 (or $7 if you go to both shows) it's a good time in the Chambana.
  • 5SallyAnn W 5:00 PM Oct 1, 2018
    Multiple Shows make this great for all ages!
    The second largest planetarium in the state is a bit of a hidden jewel in Central Illinois. Nice that there's an early show (7pm) geared to kids followed by one at 8 more for adults (altho to be honest we went to the kids show and found it fancinating). Price is a more-than-reasonable $6, but you can add the second show for only $3 more. On the first weekend of the month, there's also a 9pm Pink Floyd laser show.

See also