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Lucile Miller ObservatoryDriving Directions to the Lucile Miller Observatory |
Page Updated
Previous visitors to this page may recall some unflattering references to the Maiden Police Department. I apologize for the offending remarks. The remarks were not authorized by The Catawba Valley Astronomy Club, The Lucile Miller Observatory, or ANYONE associated with the Catawba County School System or Catawba Valley Community College. The blame is entirely mine. - Jeff Whisenant, Webmaster
Please drive safely.
Where Is Maiden, North Carolina?
Maiden is located in southern Catawba County, North Carolina, about 35 miles northwest of Charlotte and 10 miles south of Hickory. The main road through town is Business U. S. 321, which runs north-south from Newton to Lincolnton. The east-west road through town is Main Street, running from East Maiden to Startown Road. Business U. S. 321 follows Main Street through the town center. The new U. S. 321 (4 lane divided) runs west of town. The Observatory is located on North C Avenue on the campus of Maiden MIDDLE School (the old High School), just beside the campus. North C Avenue is NOT the divided road that goes into the school parking lot. North C Avenue is one block east at the traffic light.
From the west, Via Interstate 40 ** Note - The Interstate 40 exit 123 is being renumbered. Watch the signs **
On Interstate 40 at exit 123, exit right, south, on to U. S. 321. Travel south, and leave U. S. 321 at the third interchange, the Startown Road exit, NOT THE HIGHWAY 10 EXIT. At the top of the exit ramp, turn left, go back across the 321 bridge. Go to the NEW STOPLIGHT and turn right on to West Maiden Road. Travel several miles toward Maiden. Turn left at the first traffic light on to North C Avenue. Travel one block. The observatory will be on your left. It is a small brick building inside a fenced in area. The gate is just ahead on your left. Please park inside the fence.
From the East, Via Interstate 40 ** Note - The Interstate 40 exit 123 is being renumbered. Watch the signs **
On Interstate 40 at exit 123, exit right, south, on to U. S. 321. Travel south, and leave U. S. 321 at the Startown Road exit. Turn left at the top of the exit ramp on to Startown Road. Go to the NEW STOPLIGHT and turn right on to West Maiden Road. Travel several miles toward Maiden. Turn left at the first traffic light on to North C Avenue. Travel one block. The observatory will be on your left. It is a small brick building inside a fenced in area. The gate is just ahead on your left. Please park inside the fence.
From the South, via U.S. 321
Travel north, and leave U. S. 321 at the Startown Road exit. Turn right at the top of the exit ramp on to Startown Road. Go to the NEW STOPLIGHT and turn right on to West Maiden Road. Travel several miles toward Maiden. Turn left at the first traffic light on to North C Avenue. Travel one block. The observatory will be on your left. It is a small brick building inside a fenced in area. The gate is just ahead on your left. Please park inside the fence.
From the North, Via U. S. 321
Travel south, and leave U. S. 321 at the Startown Road exit. Turn left at the top of the exit ramp on to Startown Road. Go to the NEW STOPLIGHT and turn right on to West Maiden Road. Travel several miles toward Maiden. Turn left at the first traffic light on to North C Avenue. Travel one block. The observatory will be on your left. It is a small brick building inside a fenced in area. The gate is just ahead on your left. Please park inside the fence.
From Charlotte, Via N.C. 16 North
Travel north on N. C. 16 into Catawba County. Turn left on to N. C. 150 at the traffic light. Turn immediately right on to East Maiden Road. After several miles you will come to a complex intersection with Business U. S. 321 and Providence Mill Road. Charlies Chicken will be on your left, Burke Morturaries on your right. Continue straight on to Business U. S. 321- Main Street. When you reach downtown, go through two stoplights, and cross the railroad track. Turn right at the next traffic light on to North C. Avenue. Travel one block. The observatory will be on your left. It is a small brick building inside a fenced in area. The gate is just ahead on your left. Please park inside the fence.
From Conover and Taylorsville, Via N. C. 16 South and Business US 321.
Take NC 16 south to Conover, passing Walmart on the left and crossing over I-40. Turn right at the third traffic light, at Conover School. Go through next traffic light on to Business 321, crossing U.S. 70 and passing Bojangles on your right. Travel through Newton passing the intersection with N. C. 10 at the (closed) Prime Sirloin. Continue on the two lane road to Maiden. As you enter Maiden, you will cross a set of out of service railroad tracks. Continue on past the Former Carolina Mills complex on your right. Just past the Former Carolina Mills complex warehouses, turn right on Cemetery Street. Cross the railroad tracks and go to the stop sign at the intersection of C Avenue. You will see the observatory across the road to the left. It is a small brick building inside a fenced in area. Turn left on to C Avenue. The gate is just ahead on your right. Please park inside the fence.
From Lincolnton, via Business 321
Travel north on Business U. S. 321 (N. C. 155) from Lincolnton to just past the interchange with the new U. S. 321. Pass the gas station on the right and turn left on to the first significant road. This road may be listed as Finger Mill Road, Golf Course Road or whatever and will have a sign for the Lincoln Industrial Park. Pass the huge buildings for Crate and Barrel, Hefner Tire place, and other industry, then Glen Oaks Golf Course on the right, and the Ethan Allen complex on the left. When you reach the traffic light downtown (such as it is), turn left on to Main Street. Go straight through the next traffic light and then cross the railroad track. Turn right at the next traffic light on to North C. Avenue. Travel one block. The observatory will be on your left. It is a small brick building inside a fenced in area. The gate is just ahead on your left. Please park inside the fence.