Blast Off, Williston, North Dakota! Mars is Closer Than You Think

You don’t need a rocket ship to visit Mars — just a short trip to Williston State College! The WSC Astronomy Club is inviting everyone to take part in Mission to Mars! on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in Science Lab Room 104. This free, family-friendly event promises a night filled with discovery, creativity, and just the right amount of space geekery.

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NASA Lands in Williston: Explore Mars, Build Rovers, and Grab Some Stellar Swag!

NASA (yes, that NASA!) is teaming up with the North Dakota Space Grant Consortium to bring the Red Planet a little closer to home. The evening kicks off with a presentation that dives into NASA’s latest missions, Mars exploration, and — for the students in the crowd — exciting STEM funding opportunities that might just help launch a future career among the stars.

After that, you’ll get a quick introduction to Mars and its famous rovers before taking on a hands-on challenge: designing and testing your own mini rover using the Consortium’s Ozobots. Bring your phone or tablet if you’ve got one (but don’t worry, devices will be available if you don’t). It’s science, engineering, and playtime all rolled into one cosmic package.

And because no NASA event is complete without swag, there will be plenty of giveaways — think posters, pens, stickers, and bookmarks that are truly out of this world.

Read More: Exploring One of North Dakota’s Hidden Gems: Offbeat Adventures Await!

So grab a friend, head over to Williston State College, and get ready to explore Mars without leaving Earth. Who knows? The next great space explorer might just be from Williston, North Dakota.