Barlow Planetarium

Step into Barlow Planetarium and leave the familiar Wisconsin landscape behind. Inside this domed theater, the lights dim and an entire universe unfolds overhead—Orion’s belt gleaming with clarity, Saturn’s rings spinning in dizzying 3D. There’s a certain magic to the place: families shuffle into plush seats, kids clutching star maps, grandparents settling in for a shared adventure under the artificial night sky. The show itself is classic planetarium fare, but with subtle local touches—after all, this is Fox Valley, where stargazing is as much about community as it is about constellations. The facility isn’t just for school groups or science buffs. On rock laser show nights, the air vibrates with music from Metallica or The Beatles while colored lasers dance across the dome. For many, these shows serve as Fox Cities’ answer to big-city spectacle—a burst of sound and light that draws people together from Menasha and neighboring towns. Staff keep things lively, especially during interactive sessions; Ty, a beloved host, manages to make even the most abstract astronomical concepts accessible (and fun) for squirmy kids and curious adults alike. There are quirks: doors lock during presentations (a practical move that can be an inconvenience if you didn’t plan ahead), and some shows skew educational rather than electrifying. Still, Barlow’s heart lies in its mission to bridge generations and backgrounds—whether you’re here for Space Camp or simply seeking wonder on a Saturday afternoon. Locals treat it as both a rite of passage and a point of pride; visitors find themselves surprised by the scale and polish of this small-town gem. If you’re anywhere near Menasha when darkness falls—real or imagined—this is where Northeast Wisconsin comes together to share in cosmic awe.