Explore This Park

Sunrise, Sunset, and Night Skies

Early and late hours reveal otherwise hidden perspectives on the mission's form.

NPS Photo / Anita Badertscher

Several times each year, the park opens its doors early and keeps them open late. During these hours, we encourage visitors to experience the Tumacácori mission grounds during the soft light of early morning, twilight, and evening. On some occasions, celestial events may be occuring with special interpretive programs. Artists and photographers particularly enjoy these opportunities.

Experience the Night

Park open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Friday, November 23, 2018 (by moonlight)
Wednesday, December 12, 2018 (Geminid meteor shower)
Sunday, January 20, 2019 (Super Blood Moon, open until 11:30 p.m. for lunar eclipse)
Monday, February 4, 2019 (by starlight)

Guided programs may be available. Inquire with visitor center at 520-377-5061.

 

Sleepover participants can choose to spend the night inside the mission church or on the museum patio.

NPS Photo

Family Sleepovers: "A Night in the Mission"

The year is 1917. You and your fellow park ranger recruits spend the night as caretakers in the ruined church of Tumacácori. Hot dinner, s'mores, music, activities, and breakfast included.

$20 per adult, $10 per child. Reservations required. Get more information at Family Sleepover.

 

Shields over outdoor lighting protect dark night skies.

NPS Photo

International Dark Sky Park Designation

In 2018, Tumacácori was officially designated as the 100th International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). This certification comes with rigorous monitoring, light pollution testing, and a commitment to protect dark sky values for wildlife and humans.

The park's outdoor lighting, for example, uses IDA-approved shields. Research into bat populations and other wildlife inform decision-making. Interpretive programming shares these ideas with the public.

Learn more from the International Dark Sky Association.