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Monico, Wisconsin: World's Largest Rolling Mechanical Planetarium

Frank Kovac spent more than 10 years single-handedly creating a planetarium in his backyard, making 5,000 astronomically correct hand-painted stars on its 22-foot-across mechanical globe.

Address:
2392 Mud Creek Rd, Monico, WI
Directions:
East of Monico on US Hwy 8.
Hours:
Call for reservations. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
715-487-4411
Admission:
$12
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
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Kovac's Planetarium

This man made this all by hand, over 10 years, with his own money on a paper mill worker salary. He handpainted the stars and they are exactly oriented to the North Star for the area. He adjusts the planets as they move in the "real" sky. To see something that someone with a high school education and a passion and dream has created is what is awe-inspiring about this planetarium. Not to mention how insignificant seeing ourselves in relation to the universes out there... This is worth the side trip NOW before it becomes too famous!

[Cathy B., 09/04/2011]
World's Largest Rolling Mechanical Planetarium

Frank Kovac spent more than 10 years creating a hand-built planetarium in his back yard in the tiny town of Monico. The planetarium offers 5,000 hand-painted stars, in proper position and brightness, created by Kovac.

His creation is open to the public for a $12 fee. The planetarium itself is located inside a larger building; you may want to inquire at the local gas station for hours of operation and exact location.

[Pete and Gigi, Drive-by Tourists, 12/14/2010]

Nearby Offbeat Places

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In the region:
Babe The Big Blue Ox, Townsend, WI - 31 mi.

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