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. "The park featuresvirgin pines, a bat cave, deep-water pier, sinkholes and beautiful Lake Huron beaches," she wrote. Visit a local observatory to see the stars from the 18 ft (6 m) dome and capture the heavenly bodies through a 20 in (50 cm) PlaneWave telescope. Spas, shopping, dining, dancing, craft beer yup. Port Crescent State Park in Huron County offers visitors the chance to view the stars from the tip of Michigans thumb. Then spend nights stargazing in the Les Cheneaux Islands while eating smores and drinking Bells (or your favorite Michigan-made beer). 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. There's also a park area near the pond with picnic benches. I live near Clifford and the stargazing is excellent.. On clear moonless nights the Milky Way is clearly visible overhead. List of darkest places in Michigan for stargazing, astrophotography, star parties, and club events. National parks often let you stay overnight under the stars, hence their motto - "Half the park is after dark". Calendars: Bundle up with warm coats, blankets and plenty of cocoa, and head to one of the following spots around the state: Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Mackinaw CityFree; no recreation passport requiredmidarkskypark.org 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. These areas are signed and located in the following state parks: Dark sky parks are designated by the International Dark Sky Association. Hoeft State Park (Presque Isle County), 989-734-2543 Detroit is an urban city, so you wouldn't think that there would be somewhere to go star and moon gazing - yet, there are many planetariums and other such places for your viewing pleasure in the nearby areas. This makes it the perfect middle-of-where spot to watch the stars. Discover and book the best Dark Skies campgrounds in state parks, national parks, Wallowa Whitman National Forest. With 34 inland lakes in addition to the Great Lake shoreline, there are a multitude of spots perfect for plopping down a blanket and looking up. When to Visit: Mid-April to October. "Local astronomical observers setting up at Lake Hudson usually use the Picnic or Beach parking areas, as there generally is less night activity there." Have you been stargazing at any of these locations? Here are four places in the Midwest to see the stars. It is the absolute best place to see the stars east of the Mississippi. Best Campsites: Castle Mound Campground, East Fork Campground, Pigeon Creek Campground. WebBeta The Interactive Night Sky Map simulates the sky above Grand Rapids on a date of your choice. 2023 www.freep.com. Part of Hiawatha National Forest, AuTrain Lake is the largest inland lake in the area. Believe us, you early birds and indoor enthusiasts will want to step out of your comfort zone and into Michigans Upper Peninsula for this, too! This vast terrain of wilderness saw less than 22,000 visitors in 2021, making it the fourth least-visited national park in the US. WebFind the best nights to stargaze using our dark sky calendar! Cite this Article Did you find this page helpful? In North Manchester. Great Basin National Park is hugeit covers much of Nevada, Oregon, and Utah, and it even pokes into sections of California, Idaho, and Wyomingso it may come as no surprise that youll find unpolluted areas in this great expanse of land. About 67,000 acres in Jackson County are part of the Black River State Forest, founded in 1957. Moreover, this national park boasts one of the darkest skies in the USA, which is why its been deemed a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park. You might even see the brilliant hues of Northern Lights dancing on top of them! Calling all stargazers: It's International Dark Sky Week and with tonight's new moon allowing for extra-dark skies the next few nights, it's prime time (weather permitting!) Beyond the town, the fifteen-mile-long island has nothing but dirt roads, cottages, and thousands of places to watch a million stars. With the added benefit being so close to home, this 1,140-acre recreation area is perfect for a quick stargazers getaway. Utah has one of the largest selections of nighttime experiences due to large, open spaces and 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. Cherry Grove Observatory - Minnesota Astronomical Society. Steens Mountain Wilderness (great hiking trails). "It's about protecting the human imagination," said Mary Stewart Adams, Headlands' program director, who helped spearhead the effort to achieve the designation. WebWhere to Stargaze. For more information, look here. State park, historic sites and visitor center events. The only lights youll see along this point of Lake Superior are the small flickers of freighters passing on the horizon. The sunsets here are some of the best in the U.P., so stake out your spot early enough to witness two beautiful skies in one night. They are best seen late August through early April. 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. 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 Light pollution maps, Bortle maps, and list of parks and IDS-certified locations. Check online for trail maps to the dark-sky viewing areas. teacher harriet voice shawne jackson; least stressful physician assistant specialties; grandma's marathon elevation gain; describe key elements of partnership working with external organisations; As for the best places to go stargazing, some are located in the Windy City. Home to the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse, the park offers outstanding, lakefront views of the night sky. Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County), 989-684-3020 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. Clear, winter nights provide the best viewing, so gazing upward and toward the north might just provide you with that outdoor experience you've been waiting. Public Meetings; Follow her on Twitter and Facebook, or contact her via email at ebingham@mlive.com. 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. The Best Places To Stargaze In Southern California. Because Big Bend has the least light pollution among national parks in the lower 48 states, visitors can see up to 2,000 stars in The planetarium features a Digistar projector, which enables star fields to be projected, and it recently received some upgrades, including a 360 degree experience, a 5.1 surround sound system, and an LED lighting system. Bortle scale for sites is given where known. 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 A county-wide light ordinance helps curtail artificial light. Smith Rock State Park. 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. To provide some background, the lake was formed about 7,700 years ago when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. The best spots for stargazing in this Texas location are along River Road, at the West Contrabando Trailhead, Big Hill and the Hoodoos. Bruneau Dunes State Park/Facebook The Zion site offers unobstructed views away from light pollution that the city Add several stars in the night sky and a peak viewing month for the Northern Lights, and youve got yourself the perfect spot. This northern Minnesota park, located close to the Canadian border, is already known for its stunning forestry and lakes. Orchard Beach State Park (Manistee County), 231-723-7422 DNR educators across the state provide fun, educational activities, programs and workshops year-round for adults, families and kids. Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Filled with a variety of animal and bird species, this secluded park is a peaceful destination to enjoy the stars and some alone time with nature. WebMichigan state parks designated as Dark Sky Reserves: Wilderness State Park. Take a relaxing walk up the RiverWalk and back, or perhaps a bike ride. Please view our directory listingfor general contact information. In the continental US, try your luck in Address: 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin. 4. 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! I grew up in the small mid-Michigan town of Mecosta and love to explore my home state. WebMichigan is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States. Use as a guide to find the darkest sky locations near you. 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 new show debuts each night with breathtaking dark sky viewing opportunities in the northernmost part of our peninsula. The closest mainland point sits roughly twenty miles north across nothing but empty, open water. This is the perfect place to pack a night picnic. 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. Throw in the fact that the park welcomes less than 250,000 yearly visitorsand naturally, low light pollutionand you have one of the best places to stargaze in the Midwest. The combined RNSP spans 139,000 acres and features old-growth temperate rainforests and very low light pollution, an awe-inspiring combination allowing visitors to spot stars sans any interruptions. As such, its no surprise that this remote national park has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. Operated by the University of Arizona, this observatory has the largest public dedicated telescope in the Southwest. Then, when the stars fill the night sky, look upward at the luminous freckles above Lake Superior. It is an 830-acre lake with a maximum depth of 30 feet and an average depth of 12 feet. These spots offer explosive views and are accessible by any vehicle. Free shipping for many products! Camp at one of the campgrounds or rent a car or moped and head out to one of the dozens of beaches. This would be a great place for a date, as well, as you could end the night at one of the many nearby restaurants. Canyonlands National Park, Utah An entire park full of canyons and rock formations is shrouded in chilly darkness once the sun falls. Where is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States? 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. Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Chippewa County), 906-492-3415 Speaking of the latter, the park offers one of the best opportunities in the country for stargazing. Death Valley National Park, California It is, however, an International Dark Sky Park. 9. Openlands Lakeshore Preserve is a 77-acre nature preserve along the Lake Michigan shoreline. And don't forget to wish on each "shooting One of the most optimal locations to stargaze in the Chicagoland area. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE RAM HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Visitor Centers across the state provide education programs, field trips, archery, fishing, trails and much more. The Angell Hall Observatory & Planetarium, 435 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-764-3440;lsa.umich.edu, Known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, this warm, sandy campground is located in Tawas Bay on the shores of Lake Huron. Headlands International Dark Sky Park (official website). In other words: extremely low light pollution is basically a guarantee. Rangers will point out constellations and information on stars. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Thankfully, there are a handful of parks and wildernesses Up North that are suitable for just that. A whole new world comes alive at night and is waiting to be explored. 5 Places You Must Go Stargazing In Michigan, 2. Choosing one place from the dozens of stellar spots available in Michigan might be somewhat complicated. If you can time it right, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Michigan will give you a show. This certified International Dark Sky Park boasts low levels of light pollution, allowing visitors to see everything in the night sky (including the Milky Way and shooting stars if thats what youre chasing). 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. These parks are open past dusk through the night of Sunday, April 10. Virginia may already be for lovers, but it turns out it's an excellent place for stargazers, too. It's located about two miles west of downtown Mackinaw City. Photo above by John Hill: johnhillphotos.com. Yet, the starry display alters with the seasons, as our planet spins on its axis. On certain evenings, you can even see the Northern Lights from here. Here are a few dark sky viewing destinations within the national park. Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 734-475-8307. With this designation, the park is forever protected from light and sky pollution. Id like to know about places that I have not been at home! Mid Dark Sky Park, Michigan Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Headlands is known for having an intensely dark sky at night. Click the box above to see all species, or click the species group below. Built on a 9,157 foot summit, Mt. These 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. There is ample parking and vault Where is your favorite place to observe stars in Michigan? There are also plenty of stargazing apps that can help you navigate your way around planets and constellations, and the Headlands' Facebook page regularly posts about celestial events. Some parks and organizations even host stargazing parties while other parks and observatories hold informal gatherings. has a unique advantage when it comes to darksky viewing. Stargazing spots are becoming harder and harder to find. Come visit! Enjoy a Natural Escape at the Ronora Lodge and Retreat Center. The park operates 24 hours a day and grants free admission. 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. Morrow Observatory Observatory of Bedford-North Lawrence High School (BNLHS). Bruneau Dunes State Park is most well-known for its landscape of incredible sand dunes, one of which happens to be the tallest single-structured dune in North America. We already have this email. Rockport State Recreation Area (Alpena County), 989-734-2543 Sleeping Bear Dunes The stretch of shoreline along Lake Michigan makes the Headlands one of the best US stargazing destinations. Thanks for subscribing! As such, it comes as no surprise that nearly 80% of Americans are unable to see the Milk Way Galaxy from where they live. Aerial view of Charlevoix. One of the oldest state parks in the Upper Peninsula, Brimley State Park was established in 1923 when the Village of Brimley gave the DNR the park's initial 38 acres. Dj vu! Cincinnati Observatory Center | Hamilton County Dedicated by President John Quincy Adams in 1843, the Cincinnati Observatory Center is the The area is a little confusing if you haven't been before, so it would be wise to look up a map beforehand. The park is supported by nonprofit Friends of Thompson's Harbor. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is a 550-acre county park in the U.S. state of Michigan. Here are the 15 best things to do in Eastern Oregon: Explore Alvord Desert. 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!) Used by the Stonebelt Stargazers Astronomy Club. For more information, call 989-734-2543. Michigan is lucky to play host to both dark sky preserves and parks that offer stellar celestial landscapes. Yet, we've pointed out our top three for avid stargazers. Other than that, there is nothing for miles to block out the stars. (952) 467-2426. www.mnastro.org. Expanding metropolitan areas create light pollution. The parks main attraction is the massive pink granite dome that rises over 400 feet high, providing hikers with an unforgettable panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. 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). More acres have been added over the years. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 4 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 stars, and thousands of places to watch the stars brilliant hues of Northern dancing., founded in 1957 bat cave, deep-water pier, sinkholes and beautiful Huron! Forestry and lakes, the Lake Michigan shoreline try your luck in Address: 1775 Port Austin,. 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