Build Your Own Window to the Universe
Join our hands-on workshop and go home with a powerful telescope crafted by you. Stop just looking at the stars. Start exploring them with a telescope you built yourself.
View Upcoming Dates & Register NowWhat You'll Gain From the Workshop
A High-Quality Home Telescope
Leave with a fully functional 6" Dobsonian telescope, a fantastic beginner instrument, ready for your celestial explorations.
Practical Astronomy Skills
Unravel the mysteries of optics, learn to align your mirrors with precision, and navigate the night sky to locate celestial wonders.
A Rewarding Hands-On Experience
Discover the profound satisfaction of constructing a complex astronomical instrument from raw components to a functioning marvel.
Your First Stargazing Session
Conclude your workshop experience with a guided viewing session, putting your newly built telescope to immediate use under the night sky (weather permitting).
See Our Workshops in Action
Precision Craftsmanship
Witnessing the delicate assembly of the telescope's heart.
Collaborative Discovery
Learning and laughing together as we build wonders.
Expert Guidance
Unlocking the secrets of astronomical optics with our skilled educators.
Triumphs of Engineering
A proud collection of handmade telescopes, each a portal to the cosmos.
First Light Celebration
Experiencing the awe of the cosmos through your own two hands.
Workshop Itinerary
Day 1: Foundations of Observation
- Morning: Introduction to Optics & Telescope Anatomy
- Afternoon: Main Tube & Mirror Cell Assembly
Day 2: Construction & First Light
- Morning: Building the Rocker Box & Focuser Installation
- Afternoon: Final Collimation (Alignment) & First Light
All materials, specialized tools, and a delicious boxed lunch are thoughtfully provided on both days.
Upcoming Workshop Dates
| Date | Time | Location | Availability | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 19-20, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Terra Gardens, Springfield, IL | 5 Spots Left | Register Now |
| November 16-17, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Terra Gardens, Springfield, IL | 12 Spots Left | Register Now |
| December 7-8, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Terra Gardens, Springfield, IL | Sold Out |
Workshop Fee: $495
(Includes all materials, expert instruction, and your brand-new 6" Dobsonian telescope)
From Past Builders
"The best weekend I've spent in years. I went from knowing nothing to observing nebulas with a telescope I built. Incredible! The team at Terra Gardens made it so accessible and fun."
"I brought my 14-year-old daughter, and we had a blast. It was an amazing bonding experience and a great intro to STEM. She talks about building her next one constantly!"