Goldendale, Washington

Three of my sisters and I recently traveled to Goldendale, near the Columbia Gorge, to learn about the sun and solar system, see the Stonehenge Memorial and walk the grounds at the Maryhill Museum of Art.

The observatory is located atop a 2,100-ft hill at Goldendale Observatory State Park. Admission is free, but a Washington State Parks Discovery Pass is required to park on-site. They are available for purchase at the facility for $10 for a day pass and $30 for an annual pass.

The afternoon program started in the South Dome room, where there was a giant public telescope. It is 24.5-inches in d...