Watch the Equinox Sunrise Alignment at Kinstone when the Sun Enlightens the Heart Stone.
Autumn Equinox is an astronomically significant solar event. It occurs when the sun is midpoint in its journey from Summer Solstice to Winter Solstice. The sun appears to rise at due east and set at due west. It is traditionally seen as a time of balance. The light of day and the dark of night are equal. It is a harbinger of winter; a time for settling in for the season of rest, rejuvenation and root work.
We will gather in the center of The Three Witnesses sculpture at Kinstone. Given fair weather and clear skies, we will watch the sun as it crests the ridge (and the corn across the road!) and beams through the Equinox Window to light up the heart of the middle standing stone, known as the “Heart Stone” and thus the “Heart Alignment”. Given cloudy weather, we will not see the sunrise, but will greet it ceremoniously regardless! This will be a quiet, meditative event with a short opening rite and reading.
After our readings, if the sun is visible, participants may witness the alignment through the Equinox Window, see the highlighted Heart Stone, sit in the light of the sun, take photos, and greet the sunrise.
Actual sunrise is at 6:55am. However, with the topography specific to Kinstone and the fields and trees in our view, the time we witness it is always 15 to 20 minutes later.
The Visitor Center will open at 6:00am on this day, please arrive early enough to stop in to pay admission and/or check in before the event begins. Thank you.
COST: admission to Kinstone ($10/person) (pay in person in the Kinstone Visitor Center upon arrival); No Registration Required
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 6:30am – 7:30am (at Sunrise)
Location: The Three Witnesses Sculpture at Kinstone, S3439 Cole Bluff Lane, Fountain City, WI, 54629
Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear, jackets, scarves, hats and gloves. Bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on, for your comfort, if you wish. Be prepared for it to be breezy and cool up here on the ridge. Many people underestimate the wind and cold.
This event is outdoors and will be held only weather permitting. If it is raining or storming this event will be cancelled. Cancellations will be posted only on this event page and on the corresponding Facebook event page no earlier than 4 hours and not later than one (1) hour before the scheduled start time for this event.
HAPPY AUTUMN!
Interesting fact: The exact time of the astronomical Autumnal Equinox is Tuesday, September 22, 2026 – at 7:05pm CDT.
Photo Credit: Kristine Beck; It shows the Equinox Window with a Red sky reflection in the Three Witnesses at Kinstone.
