About the Observatory

Latitude 43 º 33’ 18”,
Longitude 85 º 57’ 45”

The Stephen F. Wessling Observatory is located 6 miles north of the city of Fremont, Michigan, on the corner of Baseline and Stone Road. The Observatory is located on the Kropscott Farm donated to the Newaygo Conservation District by Earle and Mildred Kropscott.

In conjunction with the Kropscott Environmental Center, SFW Observatory's goal is to provide local area amateur astronomers the opportunity to observe and study the amazing universe in which we live.

The Observatory was made possible through numerous grants and donations by private citizens and area organizations such as the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Fremont Area Community Foundation, The Gerber Foundation, and the Amazing X Foundation.

Friends of the Observatory:
(Support Levels)

$50 (star)
$100 (planet)
$250 (solar system)
$500 (galaxy)
$1,000 (universe)

For eligible retirees of Gerber Products Company, donations can be matched by the Gerber Foundation.

Call the Newaygo County Dark Sky Astronomers secretary (at the Newaygo Conservation District)
at 231-924-2420 ext. 5 to pledge your support or to request more information.
Stephen F. Wessling with Earle and Mildred Kropscott
Newaygo Conservation District
Stephen F. Wessling Observatory
Owned and operated by the Newaygo Conservation District

Located at 6523 West Baseline Road, Fremont, Michigan 49412