I don't know anybody who has perfect viewing in their backyard. That requires:

	No light pollution		An often clear sky
	A high hilltop		Calm jet stream
	A low horizon		No sources of extreme temperature differences

My backyard provides none of these. There is light pollution to the NW. Being too low, I battle dew. Adult trees surround me. Minnesota is not an ideal area for clear skies or a calm jet stream. But at least I have an open area, even if it is over 200ft from my house. I still love taking my scopes out until dawn.

Our local astronomy club (R.A.C. Rochester Astronomy Club) meets at an environmental center called Eagle Bluff in Lanesboro, MN. It's about 50 miles away but well worth the trip. The skies there are fantastic. Hopefully you can find a convenient location that is acceptable and a fantastic location that is reachable.