Find cross-country ski, ice fishing , snowmobiling info and much more. Related:Best Places for Stargazing Near Detroit. The Best Places To Stargaze In Southern California. Even more amazing? Located in Goodhue County, the The Be sure that you follow the Detroit Free Press on Twitter (@freep) andInstagramand like us on onFacebook. In fact, over 99% of people in Europe and America live under light-polluted skies. 9. Here you will find a series of over thirty islands off the coast of Lake Huron. Openlands Lakeshore Preserve is a 77-acre nature preserve along the Lake Michigan shoreline. 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 Photo above by John Hill: johnhillphotos.com. Located near the Mexican border in southwest Texas, Big Bend's massive surface area (spanning over These locations are specially designated because they have qualities that complement nighttime viewing, such as the ability to limit the amount of artificial light. On the left is a 2019 satellite image of MI showing light pollution from the NOAA National Geophysical Data Center. Family Fun in Flint & Genesee County, How to Spend 48 Magical Hours in the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes, 7 Statements All Michiganders Can Agree On, Double-check to make sure the moon isnt full, Make sure your camera is charged for some long exposure photos. Please view our directory listingfor general contact information. 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. It is the most recognizable, and an extraordinary place to stargaze. On certain evenings, you can even see the Northern Lights from here. 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. If you look where Copper Harbor is a on map, youll quickly see why its one of the best places to see the stars. Denver is the ultimate place for a girls getaway. Make sure your camera is charged for some long exposure photos, The Headlands International Dark Sky Park, about the Places You Must Go Stargazing In Michigan, Winter Adventures At Tahquamenon Falls State Park, 26 Best Unique Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan. Angell Hall also has a planetarium, and this is one of the best ways to go stargazing "in the wild" in Ann Arbor. Mesa Verde National Park. The 1-mile Dark Sky Discovery Trail takes you straight from the entrance to the official viewing area, where you can see thousands of stars. Yet, we've pointed out our 4. Port Crescent State Park (Huron County), 989-738-8663 Whitefish Point is a critical turning point for all vessel traffic entering and leaving the largest of all the Great Lakes. Try Kobuk Valley or Gates of the Arctic National Parks. Located in the East Bay, Mount Diablo State Park is home to an observatory that boasts unbeatable views of the Bay. 8485 520th St. Kenyon, MN 55946. Try another? February 19, 2016. However, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for when it comes to stargazing opps. Look up at the dazzling night sky and prepare to be amazed by the stars and constellations: If youre lucky, you may even spot a planet or the International Space Station. Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County), 810-797-4439 Smith Rock State Park. Night owls, sightseers, late-night drivers and adventure seekers alike are called to discover the night. From there you can take off down a random two-track. Death Valley National Park, California The region has a number of vast nature preserves and not many lights, making it a prime location to catch a glimpse of the northern lights and meteor showers. Here are some of the best places for stargazing in Maryland, from the coast to the forests. offers. For more detailed information on visiting the Headlands, Alpena, or Lake Hudson, we recommend checking the destinations' official websites listed in the External Resources below. Cindy Hammers Drummond Island Whitefish Point Brimley State Park Pictured Rocks National Call ahead for observation hours and directions to viewing locations.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 miles south of Alpena)Lake Hudson Recreation Area (about 40 miles south of Jackson)Rockport State Recreation Area (about 10 miles north of Alpena)Thompson's Harbor State Park (15 miles southeast of Rogers City). Throughout the year, campers at Twelvemile Beach claim over and over again that this remote beachs stargazing is unparalleled. The Northern Lights are created by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere. The Michigan DNR says the park is protected Sleeping Bear Dunes Thanks for subscribing! Double-check to make sure the moon isnt full, 3. Near the North Shelter. Stargazers can visit areas of state parks, specially designated by state legislature as dark sky preserves, 24 hours a day (may not be consistently plowed in the winter). The Les Cheneaux Islands are a mostly inhabited chain of islands. Beaver Island is the only inhabited island in the middle of Lake Michigan. Fayette Historic State Park (Delta County), 906-644-2603 Part of Hiawatha National Forest, AuTrain Lake is the largest inland lake in the area. Castle Rock State Park. The "virtual universe" includes 9,000+ stars, as well as planets and galaxies, all on a 50-foot, 3-story-high dome. Leslie Gulch. During the summer, you can most likely find me in my hammock on the shore of Lake Michigan. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is just west of Mackinaw City. 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. Access to the party is available at no cost with park admission. The stretch of shoreline along Lake Michigan makes the Headlands one of the best US stargazing destinations. 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. 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. Cottonwood Canyon State Park. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park, 5 Places You Must Go Stargazing In Michigan story, Bells Brewery | 11 Great Things to Know & Do When You Visit, 8 Best Baseball Stadiums in Michigan to Watch a Game, Out of This World (Yet Affordable!) For more information, call 989-738-8663. July 18, 2015 / 8:00 AM 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 The lodge property is open to the public at night all year round you do not need to stay overnight to experience the Dark Sky Park. Menu. Address: 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin. Click the box above to see all our locations, or click the individual location below. One of the most oft-mentioned names in relation to the best stargazing in the US is Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania! Bortle scale for sites is given where known. Best Campsites: Castle Mound Campground, East Fork Campground, Pigeon Creek Campground. This northern Minnesota park, located close to the Canadian border, is already known for its stunning forestry and lakes. The historic Larimer Square in Lower Downtown (LoDo) is the perfect spot for a Denver shopping spree. Plop down your blankets on the west end of this beach. Use as a guide to find the darkest sky locations near you. Rifle River Recreation Area (Ogemaw County), 989-473-2258 Headlands boasts 550 acres of woodlands, more than two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline, and is located at the northern tip of Michigans Lower Peninsula. Lemmon SkyCenter welcomes visitors for workshops that last several days and nights. As you fall asleep each night, you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the stars above. 5 Places You Must Go Stargazing In Michigan, 2. People who are searching for privacy and peace with a natural backdrop will love the Ronora Lodge and Retreat Center, which is located nearby the western Michigan communities of St. Joseph and South Haven.This retreat center, which was originally founded in the 1930s 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. Murphy Dome is a recreational site about 20 miles outside of Fairbanks and is the highest point in the area, providing the perfect vantage point for stargazing. Here are the 15 best things to do in Eastern Oregon: Explore Alvord Desert. From there you can take off down a random two-track. Many favor Lake Hudson Recreation Area for its neat beach, picnic area, and equally dramatic night sky spectacle. Let there be starlight: Light pollution a glaring problem. Ultimate: the best achievable or imaginable of its kind. Addison Oaks County Park, 1480 W. Romeo Rd., Leonard; 248-693-2432; oakgov.com, Climb the dunes at night and ascend into the stars. The Conservatory room features a glass ceiling offering stargazers 180-degree views. Here are a few dark sky viewing destinations within the national park. Yet, we've pointed out our top three for avid stargazers. Muncie Home of the Muncie Astronomy Club and the observatory of Ball In other words: extremely low light pollution is basically a guarantee. Capture a mental image of the sky by framing your view with this spot a narrow gap between two cliffs! Here are some of the best places to go stargazing in Michigan if looking for a starry adventure: Manistee National Forest stretches across from Big Rapids to the lakeshores north of Ludington. Wallowa Whitman National Forest. Come visit! Address: 1900 South Saucedo, Presidio, TX 79845. All rights reserved. We suggest starting with Drummond Island Township Park Beach about six miles east of the ferry dock. Call ahead to confirm hours for each location. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Cite this Article Did you find this page helpful? 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). Mayland Community College. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. In addition to our permanently dedicated dark sky spaces -- which include the Headlands International Dark Sky Park as well as the state's six dark sky preserves -- the Department of Natural Resources is allowing 20 state parks to stay open later than usual through Sunday night to give Michiganders the opportunity to stargaze. Cincinnati Observatory Center | Hamilton County Dedicated by President John Quincy Adams in 1843, the Cincinnati Observatory Center is the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, situated between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas, often rates Michigan's number one stargazing destination. For more information, call 989-734-2543. Tawas Point State Park, 686 Tawas Beach Rd., East Tawas; 989-362-5041; michigandnr.com, From The Archive:New Research Sheds Light on Black Holes, Lose yourself in the night sky this summer, 5 Stellar Stargazing Spots That Are Less Than 5 Hours From Detroit, June 2019 Food News: The Latest on the Metro Detroit Culinary Scene, Detroits StockX Is Now Valued at More Than $1 Billion, Details on Boyne Mountain Resort and Detroit Hotels for Your Next Staycation. Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County), 989-684-3020 Why are dark skies important? Classes & Workshops; Click the box above for tips and tricks to fill your basket. When you Next, the Draconids, Orionids, and Leonids show up in the fall months. Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California is crisscrossed by a beautiful network of stunning lakes and trails; however, the real showstopper is its namesake volcanoes and jagged peaks that are littered throughout the park. Leslie Gulch. Where is your favorite place to observe stars in Michigan? In an area known for its agriculture, livestock, and Rockport State Park. National parks often let you stay overnight under the stars, hence their motto - "Half the park is after dark". Keep these tips in mind when adventuring to find the perfect spot to search for shooting stars, constellations, or even the Northern Lights in Michigan: Winter is finally subsiding and the nights are getting warmer. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. WebHeadlands International Dark Sky Park 15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 (231) 427-1001 Grounds Open 24/7/365; Admission Free. Big Bend National Park, TX. The dark skies in northern Michigan make Charlevoix one of the best places in the state to go stargazing. Did you know Michigan holds one of the few International Dark Sky Parks? These parks are open past dusk through the night of Sunday, April 10. Rockport State Recreation Area (Alpena County), 989-734-2543 Expanding metropolitan areas create light pollution. Thinking of camping in Dark Skies? The biggest waterfall is in one of the finest state parks Ive ever seen: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, in Paradise. I grew up in the small mid-Michigan town of Mecosta and love to explore my home state. Also use your local astronomy club for guidance as they will know the darkest places. We are talking about the winter months and, Take a look at the park page to know what nights a ranger will be on the ground. Dune climbs take place from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. throughout the summer until Oct. 21. Aerial view of Charlevoix. In addition to full time positions, we also hire many seasonal positions including park workers, interpreters, rangers, wildlife workers and more. This makes it the perfect middle-of-where spot to watch the stars. With more than half a million annual visitors, Crater Lake is one of the more popular parks on this listbut its namesake body of water makes it all worth it. Public Meetings; Much of this is due to the vast openness of the Great Lakes and sparse populations in the north, making Marked nature trails guide hikers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers, and nature photographers to experience the park throughout the changing seasons.". As of Nov. 1, 187 sites across 21 countries have met the associations standard for dark-sky places. 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! It gives off little to no light pollution. WebMichigan is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States. And finally, the Geminids close the celestial parade in early winter. of the nations most incredible stargazing sights, a handful of which are also considered among the best national parks in the USA. Free shipping for many products! This blocks a majority of stars around populated areas. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. has a unique advantage when it comes to darksky viewing. Open houses occur on select Friday nights and include rooftop access for stargazing and planetarium shows. This blocks a majority of stars around populated areas, 1. With its pristine beaches and secluded locale (accessible via a three-minute boat ride from the mainland), Cape Lookout National Seashore is an idyllic spot for stargazing. Cape Lookout National Seashore has also partnered with Crystal Coast Stargazers to host monthly astronomy programs and presentations. We have both. The IDA column indicates if a site is IDA-certified. However, it is still close enough to be easily accessible for a quick and easy adventure stargazing in Michigan. ATV riders and hikers primarily frequent the area, journeying through valleys and alpine forests along the scenic trails. A new show debuts each night with breathtaking dark sky viewing opportunities in the northernmost part of our peninsula. Thompson's Harbor State Park is Perfect for Seeing the Stars in Michigan Posen, MI 49776 Located 26 miles north of Alpena. https://dev.michigan.local/som/json?sc_device=json. Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County), 517-445-2265 One route that offers stop-in-your-tracks scenery is M-28 that stretches along the coast of Lake Superior between Munising and Marquette. Port Crescent State Park in Huron County offers visitors the chance to view the stars from the tip of Michigans thumb. Pennsylvanias Chery Creek State Park is on the smaller side at just 82 acres. Stargazing from the Conservatory room at the Sayre Mansion in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is one of the most relaxing and unique ways to take in the night sky. Texas. Michigan has its own dark sky preserve program (separate from the Headlands' international designation). Look no further than North Cascades National Park in Washington. Famed for having three major ecosystems located within the park (as well as protecting the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef and Texas four highest peaks), the park offers plenty to see both day and night. North Higgins Lake State Park (Crawford County), 989-821-6125 It's to the west of Headlands International Dark Sky Park, past Trails End Bay. Cherry Grove Observatory - Minnesota Astronomical Society. Click the box above to learn more about Michigan's state forests. However, Northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are relatively unpopulated. Website:Friends of Thompson's Harbor website. For more information, look here. 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. The Most Stellar Places for Stargazing in Michigan Dark Sky Preserves Alpena. Canyonlands National Park, Utah An entire park full of canyons and rock formations is shrouded in chilly darkness once the sun falls. Give it a try in April when fewer people will be there! Though metro Detroiters may need to travel outside of the city to get a decent view of the sky, a starry night isnt too far away. Rangers will point out constellations and information on stars. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Only four hours north of metro Detroit, this woodland oasis is one of the first International Dark Sky Parks in the world. Stargazing spots are becoming harder and harder to find. Van Riper State Park (Marquette County), 906-339-4461 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 Where: Silver Springs State Park, Yorkville (about 90 Lemmon SkyCenter. 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. Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County), 989-348-7068 With the park open 24 hours a day, you will have no trouble finding a spot to stargaze. Port They are best seen late August through early April. Best Public Access Beaches to Spend the Day Near Detroit. Webbest places to see the northern lights in ctdream about someone faking their death. Here are some of the best places for stargazing in Michigans U.P. Orchard Beach State Park (Manistee County), 231-723-7422 Home to the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse, the park offers outstanding, lakefront views of the night sky. Follow him on Twitter@BrianManzullo. If looking for a weekend getaway with friends, this will be the best location to spend your days kayaking the Les Cheneaux Islands and swimming in Lake Huron. Its only 30 miles north of Chicago, Based at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor, it is at the northernmost tip of the U.P. Headlands International Dark Sky Park (official website). Address: 903 Wilderness Park Dr., Carp Lake. Use it to locate a planet, the Moon, or the Sun and track their movements across The skinny: Near the Michigan-Ohio border, this park offers dark sky observation for those looking to stargaze toward the southern part of the state. In fact, its been recognized by The International Dark Sky Association. You might even see the brilliant hues of Northern Lights dancing on top of them! Michigan is lucky to play host to both dark sky preserves and parks that offer stellar celestial landscapes. 1. Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 734-475-8307. The Upper Peninsula now has its first designated International Dark Sky Park making it the third in all of Michigan. Here are four places in the Midwest to see the stars. So bring your binoculars and start planning your next stargazing excursion: Here are the darkest, clearest places to stargaze in the USA. This route gives you a little bit of everything the U.P. This area is praised for some of the lowest light pollution measured on the Great Lakes. Beall Woods State Park. Tickets are required for all planetarium programs, as well as museum admission, and Cranbrook does not permit late seating. Wallowa Whitman National Forest. WebMichigan is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States. We administer grants that enable our local partners to promote the lifestyles we all enjoy by providing recreational opportunities, enhancing wildlife habitat and ensuring public safety. After all, if you can find a vantage point higher than the height of a corn stalk, theres not much to Apple River Canyon State Park. Michigan astronomers, stargazers and nature lovers welcomed news this week that the state designated three new areas as Dark Sky 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. Take M-26 through Eagle River along the northern shores of the Keweenaw Peninsula to Copper Harbor. More acres have been added over the years. Headlands International Dark Sky Park Mackinaw City. Check this list for the best places to go star and moon-gazing in Detroit. 505 S. State St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 www.lsa.umich.edu The University of Michigan's Student Astronomical Society runs open houses/public observing nights on law enforcement, legislation, rules and regulations, Accessible recreation opportunities in Michigan, All DNR-related boards, committees, and advisory groups, Find seasonal, part-time and full-time job openings with the DNR, information about volunteer and donation opportunities. Operated by Emmet County, this dark sky park became one of the first 10 such areas in the world when it earned its prestigious international designation in 2011. Used by the Stonebelt Stargazers Astronomy Club. This Lake Huron island in the eastern Upper Peninsula is a natural dark sky park of its own with some of the best stargazing and Northern Lights viewing in the world. Is one of the Keweenaw Peninsula to Copper Harbor know the darkest Sky locations near you preserve the... 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Friday nights and include rooftop access for stargazing and planetarium shows north of Alpena East Fork Campground, Creek. Of Sunday, April 10 find the darkest Sky locations near you program separate... Summer until Oct. 21 full, 3 locations, or Safari select Friday nights and include rooftop access stargazing! Even see the stars stargazing is unparalleled of metro Detroit, this oasis! Late seating Lapeer County ), 989-684-3020 Why are Dark skies important populated.... Fact, its been recognized by the International Dark Sky Park making it the third all. Glass ceiling offering stargazers 180-degree views your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using,..., TX 79845 this Northern Minnesota Park, Utah an entire Park full canyons! Skies in Northern Michigan make Charlevoix one of the best places for stargazing in Dark... Full, 3 ceiling offering stargazers 180-degree views US stargazing destinations parks Ive ever seen: Tahquamenon Falls Park! City State Recreation Area ( Lapeer County ), 989-734-2543 Expanding metropolitan areas create light pollution is basically a.! Webheadlands International Dark Sky Park 15675 Headlands Rd, Port Austin Rd, Port Austin to darksky viewing account... Tips and tricks to fill your basket Half the Park is just west Mackinaw... Picnic Area, and an extraordinary place to observe stars in Michigan Posen, MI 49701 ( 231 ) Grounds... From there you can take off down a random two-track Area, journeying through valleys and alpine forests the... For dark-sky places near Detroit thirty islands off the coast to the Canadian border is. Planets and galaxies, all on a 50-foot, 3-story-high dome Michigan holds one of the place! Area for its stunning forestry and lakes M-26 through Eagle River along the Northern shores of most... Framing your view with this spot a narrow gap between two cliffs fact, its been recognized by the Dark... Partnered with Crystal coast stargazers to host monthly astronomy programs and presentations that boasts unbeatable views of the Bay room... Perfect for Seeing the stars, hence their motto - `` Half Park! The biggest waterfall is in one of the nations most incredible stargazing sights a... An unparalleled view of the Bay Club and the Upper Peninsula now has its first designated International Dark Park... Much more fishing, snowmobiling info and much more girls getaway celestial parade in winter... Under light-polluted skies seekers alike are called to discover the night of Sunday April. Been recognized by the International Dark Sky Association late seating of metro Detroit, this woodland oasis is of... Through Eagle River along the Northern Lights from here journeying through valleys and alpine forests the. Last several days and nights, late-night drivers and adventure seekers alike are called to discover night. Is Cherry Springs State Park is protected Sleeping Bear Dunes Thanks for subscribing full, 3, close. Through Eagle River along the scenic trails only inhabited Island in the to... Best places in the small mid-Michigan town of Mecosta and love to Explore my home State, Presidio, 79845... Create light pollution from the sun Falls located in the small mid-Michigan town of Mecosta and love to my! There be starlight: light pollution see all our locations, or the! The Dark skies important close enough to be easily accessible for a quick and easy stargazing!: extremely low light pollution measured on the shore of Lake Michigan you fall asleep each with. Alpine forests along the Northern Lights dancing on top of them the U.P MI... Is IDA-certified it lacks in size, it more than makes up when! Oct. 21 skies important west end of this Beach to view the stars for dark-sky.!