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Missouri Star Gazing

Star Gazing

Missouri Star Gazing

Star Gazing

The sky at ROLF on a clear, moonless night is breathtaking.  As it becomes harder to escape the growing problem of light pollution in and around urban areas, amateur astronomers are increasingly aware of the worth of truly dark skies for experiencing the piercing beauty of universe.  At ROLF, guests are able to enjoy this vanishing treasure at no extra cost from the vantage point of observing fields dedicated for this purpose.

River of Life Farm offers stargazers-

  • Very low light pollution- among the darkest skies in Missouri, and for that matter, in the Midwest.
  • Extremely dark immediate environment- No “pole” or mercury-vapor lights to deal with.
  • Good horizons for the Ozark Mountains.
  • Nearby restrooms and showers.
  • No additional cost for the use of observing fields.
  • Excellent lodging and camping options.

Groups and Astronomy Clubs are welcome, and group rates for camping and lodging apply.  Fish for trout by day and for Deep Sky Objects by night.

River of Life Farm Dr. House Star Gazing
Dr. House

Bio for Steve House

A native of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Steve House serves under “Extended Ministry appointment” as the Campus Director for the Center for Christian Ministry Studies at Lindenwood University, in St. Charles, Missouri.   In addition to teaching and developing CMS courses, he gives support to students through advising, pastoral counseling and sponsorship of several general and campus Christian organizations.  These include “The Vine,” Campus Crusade for Christ, Fusion, the Herpetology Club, and the LU Astronomical Society.

Dr. House holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, having studied in the area of Christian Education, and a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky.  He also holds a BS in Recreation and Park Administration from Missouri University, Columbia.  His doctoral project was, “Utilizing Astronomy to Teach Discipleship Principles to Junior and Senior High Youth in a Church Camp Setting.”  Dr. House has 27 years of pastoral ministry serving local churches in Mid-Missouri, Southwest Missouri and North Kansas City areas.

He is married to Terry and has two adult children, Jennifer and Christopher, and two grandchildren, Dylan and Audrey.  Having special interests in the witness of creation to the character and purposes of God, Dr. House is passionate about exploring the complimentary roles of science and faith in understanding the universe and experiencing God.  An additional special interest is celebrating Christian unity among all followers of Jesus Christ.  His personal research pursuits and avocations include Celtic Christian spirituality, astronomy, telescope making, mineralogy, backpacking, nature photography, fly-fishing, canoeing, herpetoculture, model railroading and bonsai.

Missouri Fly Fishing Lodge

Missouri Treehouse Lodging

River of Life Farm offers many lodging selections to choose from. We can accommodate from 1 to 14 guests. Plan your next vacation, honeymoon, anniversary or romantic weekend in our luxurious treehouse cabins nestled in the scenic Ozarks. 

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