The area is a little confusing if you haven't been before, so it would be wise to look up a map beforehand. Let there be starlight: Light pollution a glaring problem. Here are a few dark sky viewing destinations within the national park. -Henry David Thoreau. In fact, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, a 600-acre, wooded preserve along the Lake Michigan shoreline near Mackinaw City, was the sixth park in the United States designated for its night sky by the International Dark Sky Association in 2011. 5 Places You Must Go Stargazing In Michigan, 2. These mind-blowing places for stargazing in the USA offer uninterrupted views of the sparkling night sky. In an area known for its agriculture, livestock, and flyover state status, the Midwest would seem like the ideal place to stargaze. The biggest waterfall is in one of the finest state parks Ive ever seen: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, in Paradise. State Designated Dark Sky PreservesRecreation passport required for entry Click the box above for tips and tricks to fill your basket. This remote park is one of the best places to stargaze on the East Coast and is one of the few International Dark Sky Address: 903 Wilderness Park Dr., Carp Lake. Headlands International Dark Sky Park, situated between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas, often rates Michigan's number one stargazing destination. The sparsely populated Upper Peninsula is a star-gazing mecca. Denver is the ultimate place for a girls getaway. Despite its high levels of light pollution, Chicago preserves Hosted by National Lakeshore park rangers and members of the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society, Star Parties at Sleeping Bear Dunes feature a drop-in telescope and information stations for all star-related questions. There's a pond area that would be perfect for stargazing, or you could bike along the trails while admiring the stars, too. Fayette Historic State Park (Delta County), 906-644-2603 The best spot to stargaze in the area is easily Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP), which consists of Redwood National Park, Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. A whole new world comes alive at night and is waiting to be explored. If you're having trouble finding the stars in the city, the Michigan Science Center in Detroit features the top of the line DassaultSystmes Planetarium, which includes a Digitar II projection system and 13,000-watt Dolby Digital sound system. WebIt is the third in Michigan. Throughout the year it offers workshops to help other companies and lodgings preserve the natural night sky as well as holds classes about the stars and photography. Spend the evening watching these freighters pass through and observing migratory birds. The park operates 24 hours a day and grants free admission. Capture a mental image of the sky by framing your view with this spot a narrow gap between two cliffs! Then hop out, find a clearing in the woods, and spend the night counting how many shooting stars you can see. Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County), 517-445-2265 Take a look at the park page to know what nights a ranger will be on the ground. Rifle River Recreation Area (Ogemaw County), 989-473-2258 It's a bit of a hike, but there are a few good places near Kalamazoo where you can really experience the wonder of our galaxy: Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky It is, however, an International Dark Sky Park. After crossing the Mackinac Bridge, take a right to head east. Here you will find a series of over thirty islands off the coast of Lake Huron. For a full listing of help desk numbers, field offices, and other ways we can help, please visit our contact page. Generally, the area is good to visit all year round, but we recommend heading there during the New Moon phase. Choosing one place from the dozens of stellar spots available in Michigan might be somewhat complicated. 8485 520th St. Kenyon, MN 55946. For more information, call 989-734-2543. When you arrive, the Lodge will impress you with how it significantly reduced its outdoor light footprint. Though camping is not permitted, visitors are welcome to picnic and stargaze all night long. After all, if you can find a vantage point higher than the height of a corn stalk, theres not much to Visitors to the Headlands may experience sightings of the many wild animals native to the area including: bald eagles, osprey, white tail deer, wild turkeys, coyotes and occasionally a black bear. WebSet along the shores of Lake Michigan, not far from beautiful Cecil Bay, this almost-600-acre park is home to pure Michigan natural beauty at its best, both on the ground and in the sky. Michigan City A town in La Porte county. Throughout the year, campers at Twelvemile Beach claim over and over again that this remote beachs stargazing is unparalleled. The 7 best spots for stargazing in Michigan Headlands International Dark Sky Park, six others designated as 'dark sky preserves' to protect from light pollution Double-check to make sure the moon isnt full Spas, shopping, dining, dancing, craft beer yup. Only four hours north of metro Detroit, this woodland oasis is one of the first International Dark Sky Parks in the world. Island Lake Recreation Area would be an ideal place to go stargazing at night; although it's in Brighton, it has almost a rural feel to it. Anywhere in this 350-sq.-mi. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Castle Rock State Park. If you are able to stay over, there are many outdoor activities to do during the day ranging from mountain biking, hiking, trail running, golfing, birdwatching, sea kayaking, snowshoeing, skiing and fat tire biking. Lemmon SkyCenter. Home to the tallest dunes in North America, the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado covers a range of terrain, from wetlands and alpine to tundra and grasslands. A historic mining town in Calumet, a coastal lighthouse in Eagle Harbor and a forested adventure spot in Copper Harbor. As such, its no surprise that this remote national park has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. Bortle Scale: 4-5. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania. Plop down your blankets on the west end of this beach. They are located in the following places in Michigan: International Dark Sky Week, which takes place each spring, is hosted by the International Dark-Sky Association to encourage discovery of the night sky. Its only 30 miles north of Chicago, Even though northern Michigan is more popular for stargazing, you can likewise find a decent site in the south of the state at the Michigan-Ohio border. As you fall asleep each night, you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the stars above. WebMichigan is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States. The large size of this lake provides miles of prime boating, canoeing and fishing. of the nations most incredible stargazing sights, a handful of which are also considered among the best national parks in the USA. With this designation, the park is forever protected from light and sky pollution. Much of this is due to the vast openness of the Great Lakes and sparse populations in the north, making stargazing in Michigan one of the best outdoor things to do! Still, theres no need to fret: In fact, the USA is home to several incredible stargazing sights, some of which has been named an International Dark Sky Park for their clear, dark skies and low light pollution. "Skies are generally dark, but skyglow is frequently a problem toward the east, and sometimes in other diretions," according to the Michigan DNR. 1. Those looking for a stunning night sky in the eastern U.S. will want to head to North Carolina and the Mayland Earth to Sky Park and Bare Dark Sky Observatory. Located in the East Bay, Mount Diablo State Park is home to an observatory that boasts unbeatable views of the Bay. Morrow Observatory Observatory of Bedford-North Lawrence High School (BNLHS). Steens Mountain Wilderness (great hiking trails). Web10 Best Places for Stargazing in the US. If you can time it right, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Michigan will give you a show. So, go ahead and make yourself comfortable amongst the cactiBig Bend is the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United Statesas you behold the stars. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. For example, at Port Crescent State Park in the Thumb, sky watchers can set up telescopes in a designated parking lot or gaze upward from an observation deck. Much of this is due to the vast openness of the Great Lakes and sparse populations in the north, making Bruneau Dunes State Park/Facebook Stacey Leasca. Our states abundance of lakes and natural resources define what it means to have a Michigan summer we go up north, swim off pontoon boats, and camp under the stars. Don't be fooled by this parks unassuming name and lack of accolades: No, Rappahannock isn't a national park or even a state park. Look no further than North Cascades National Park in Washington. Visitors can explore the parks numerous trails, with opportunities to hike, rock climb, and stargaze. Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Chippewa County), 906-492-3415 They also explain how they determine what can be an International Dark Sky Park. Adams said that it goes beyond the beauty; dark skies are a critical component in habitat for nocturnal creatures. The stretch of shoreline along Lake Michigan makes the Headlands one of the best US stargazing destinations. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. This makes it the perfect middle-of-where spot to watch the stars. Former Free Press travel writer Ellen Creager called it "the strangest park" in Michigan when she wrote about it last year. The Les Cheneaux Islands are a mostly inhabited chain of islands. Please view our directory listingfor general contact information. Steens Mountain Wilderness (great hiking trails). Hello! Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. You can also try Glen Cove Beach on the eastern end of the island, just north of Marble Head. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). This highway is ripe with turnouts along the many bays, allowing you to take in Lake Superiors beauty at your own pace and catch the night sky the whole way. Staring into Michigan's night sky can provoke a sense of wonder - but not if you're living around Detroit. Morris Observatory Observatory of Manchester College. February 19, 2016. You would be hard-pressed to find a better place than this to stargaze or view the Northern Lights in Michigan or anywhere in the 48 contiguous states. Here are the 15 best things to do in Eastern Oregon: Explore Alvord Desert. Port Crescent State Park (about 75 miles northeast of Saginaw) Wilderness State Park (about 12 miles west of Mackinaw City) Negwegon State Park (about 20 DNR educators provide classroom lessons, field trip opportunities, professional development and experiential programs to teachers around the state. Best of all, the International Dark Sky Park-designated destination sees less than 100,000 visitors per year, which means you likely won't be disturbed by anyone else as you turn toward the heavens. Cindy Hammers Drummond Island Whitefish Point Brimley State Park Pictured Rocks National The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is headquartered at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge outside of Copper Harbord and extends to Brockway Mountain. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. You should also avoid times when there is a bright Moon in the sky at night. Beall Woods State Park. Prices range from $5 per program plus museum admission, $4 per program for Institute members, or $1 per program for children under age 2. Cranbrook has one of the best planetariums in the metro area, the Acheson Planetarium, as well as an observatory. As one of the best places for stargazing in the Bay Area, this park is often frequented by amateur and / CBS Detroit. Here are some of the best places for stargazing in Michigans U.P. If you think these views are stunning in the daylight, just wait for nightfall. If you come here to stargaze in Michigan, chances are you arent the only one. The skinny: Near the tip of Michigan's thumb along Saginaw Bay, this park has "565 acres of woods, offer excellent hunting opportunities, wet lands and the best sand dunes and beaches on the eastern side of the state," according to Michigan.org. Headlands Park, Michigan Crowning the northern tip of Michigans Lower Peninsula, the dark skies above the Headlands give abundantly year-round: brilliant One of the most oft-mentioned names in relation to the best stargazing in the US is Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania! Open houses occur on select Friday nights and include rooftop access for stargazing and planetarium shows. And finally, the Geminids close the celestial parade in early winter. One route that offers stop-in-your-tracks scenery is M-28 that stretches along the coast of Lake Superior between Munising and Marquette. Judd Patterson/International Dark-Sky Association. 4. WebBest Locations to Stargaze Best Spots. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Take a relaxing walk up the RiverWalk and back, or perhaps a bike ride. Sleepy Hollow State Park (Clinton County), 517-651-6217 Angell Hall also has a planetarium, and this is one of the best ways to go stargazing "in the wild" in Ann Arbor. Yet, the starry display alters with the seasons, as our planet spins on its axis. You can access it while hiking. In an area known for its agriculture, livestock, and As of 2021, this 56-mile-long stretch of barrier islands is a certified International Dark Sky Park, making it the first Atlantic coastal Dark Sky Place in the National Park Service to receive this recognition. Even more amazing? Address:15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, The skinny: The park is free and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. It "offers visitors a variety of year-round recreational activities within it's over 10,000 acres including 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, numerous trails, six rustic cabins, three rustic bunkhouses and over 250 modern campsites," according to Michigan.org. Borrego Springs. Creating dark sky spaces is also a cost-saving measure: the International Dark-Sky Association estimates that nearly $3 billion is spent annually on wasted nighttime light. Rangers will point out constellations and information on stars. Spas, shopping, dining, dancing, craft beer yup. and little-to-no light pollution make it one of the best spots to stargaze in America. Whats more, whether youre traveling near or farbe it out west (think: Colorado, Texas and Utah) or the Eastern Seaboard (which includes states like Florida and North Carolina), some of the best stargazing spots in America can be found within driving distance of major cities. Campsite 26. Click the box above to see all species, or click the species group below. The Peak viewing months for the Northern Lights are April, October and November. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Rockport State Park. "It's really wonderful that you can get on state land after dusk and see the night sky.". Follow him on Twitter@BrianManzullo. Much of this is due to the vast openness of the Great Lakes and sparse populations in the north, making WebDiscover and book the best Dark Skies campgrounds in state parks, national parks, farms, vineyards, and nature preserves. With the park open 24 hours a day, you will have no trouble finding a spot to stargaze. Where is your favorite place to observe stars in Michigan? 4. Crafted as a separate area inside the Susquehannock State Forest, this remote part of the state is named for the black cherry trees to be found in the park. Tawas Point State Park (Iosco County), 989-362-5041 As a bonus, you can also hop aboard a Night Sky Cruise departing from Mackinaw City dockthese trips are the most impressive in August and September. offers. From there you can take off down a random two-track. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you live in the city but find it hard to find the stars at night, check out the RiverWalk, located in between Detroit and Canada (you can literally see Windsor from its banks). Emily Bingham covers Michigan life and culture for MLive.com, reporting on history, travel and other aspects of life in the Great Lakes State. Mesa Verde National Park. Cottonwood Canyon State Park. This is the perfect place to pack a night picnic. Texas. Other than that, there is nothing for miles to block out the stars. It is the absolute best place to see the stars east of the Mississippi. For more information, call989-724-5126. So bring your binoculars and start planning your next stargazing excursion: Here are the darkest, clearest places to stargaze in the USA. Its a popular location for Les Cheneaux cabin rentals, Les Cheneaux kayak adventures, and stargazing campouts. From there you can take off down a random two-track. This blocks a majority of stars around populated areas. Mayland Community College. Youll want to rest up before venturing out into the dark sky to see all the incredible sights she has to offer night owl or not. Thinking of camping in Dark Skies? From its website: "The park contains approximately 550 acres of pristine woodlands, more than two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline and many species of rare and endangered plant life. In addition to full time positions, we also hire many seasonal positions including park workers, interpreters, rangers, wildlife workers and more. Best Public Access Beaches to Spend the Day Near Detroit. Use our hashtag #uptravel for an opportunity to be featured on our social media, website or in our marketing materials. In 2016, it was named The Sunshine States first-ever Dark Sky Park, and visitors can camp out for the stunning celestial show that plays out nightly above the palmettos. With pristine panoramic views and over 337,000 acres of desert landscape, it's also one of the best national parks to gaze at the stars. You can also upload your photos to our Spring Photo Crowdriff Collector below. However, it is still close enough to be easily accessible for a quick and easy adventure stargazing in Michigan. WebMichigan is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States. The sparsely populated Upper Peninsula is a star-gazing mecca. Additionally, they do not have major cities. Use the button above to visit the hunting home page, or go directly to your area of interest below: Find ORV license and permit info, maps, rules and regulations and more. 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