Welcome to the Willis Observatory website!

Willis Observatory is a private astronomical observatory based in western North Carolina. Our mission is to learn, educate and inspire. We hope to reach members of the public who may not have had the opportunity to observe and enjoy the night skies with telescopes. We value diversity, inclusivity and above all curiosity. Through our efforts, we endeavor to foster a sense of community, humility, and wonder in relation to the natural world. We do this with high quality astronomical equipment, expertise from our community of professionals and always a sense of fun!

The Willis Observatory is dedicated to the memory of Mike Willis. Mike was a lover of science. He described his beliefs as science-based. Mike’s remarkable mind, wit, humor and personality were enjoyed by many. His mind was exceeded only by his heart.

We hope you will visit the Willis Observatory and that we will get to meet you. Don’t be surprised if we tell you a Mike Willis story. If the Willis Observatory helps human beings be more like Mike it will have served its purpose.

The Willis Observatory is located at 1456 Bear Creek Road, Bakersville, NC 28705.

The universe is bigger, more complex, and more wonderful than any of us have imagined. Let us have curious, expanding, humble minds.