Yet, the starry display alters with the seasons, as our planet spins on its axis. Photo above by John Hill: johnhillphotos.com. Beall Woods State Park. A county-wide light ordinance helps curtail artificial light. Canyonlands' countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes, carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries, make it a popular destination for adventure-seekers in the Southwest. 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. Rangers will point out constellations and information on stars. The Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas all have plenty of wide-open spaces, perfect for stargazing. Steens Mountain Wilderness (great hiking trails). Cite this Article Did you find this page helpful? This northern Minnesota park, located close to the Canadian border, is already known for its stunning forestry and lakes. Admission is no cost and open to all ages. I live near Clifford and the stargazing is excellent.. On clear moonless nights the Milky Way is clearly visible overhead. 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. 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. DNR educators across the state provide fun, educational activities, programs and workshops year-round for adults, families and kids. In an area known for its agriculture, livestock, and Its far enough away from the light pollution of Michigans biggest cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. 4 This is the perfect place to pack a night picnic. Michigan astronomers, stargazers and nature lovers welcomed news this week that the state designated three new areas as Dark Sky Beyond the town, the fifteen-mile-long island has nothing but dirt roads, cottages, and thousands of places to watch a million stars. Valley View 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. Colors correspond approximately to the Bortle scale. The Most Stellar Places for Stargazing in Michigan Dark Sky Preserves Alpena. Here you will find a series of over thirty islands off the coast of Lake Huron. After a day of activity, lay along the shore and await the night skys arrival over the Hiawathas horizon of trees. If you come here to stargaze in Michigan, chances are you arent the only one. These parks are open past dusk through the night of Sunday, April 10. As the second International Dark Sky Park in the US, Cherry Springs is renowned for its incredible views of the Milky Way. Most highlights appear between March and early December. Often these are national and state parks and forests that are either remote or "protected" against light pollution. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The Apple River Canyon State Park. Web10 Best Places for Stargazing in the US. For more information, call 989-734-2543. The mighty waves of Lake Superior create a view wholly unique. Discover and book the best Dark Skies campgrounds in state parks, national parks, 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). has a unique advantage when it comes to darksky viewing. https://dev.michigan.local/som/json?sc_device=json. As of Nov. 1, 187 sites across 21 countries have met the associations standard for dark-sky places. While looking off this highest point along the shoreline of Pictured Rocks, you may feel like youre being sucked into a portal. 2. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. The dark skies in northern Michigan make Charlevoix one of the best places in the state to go stargazing. Check out their website to see all of the shows available at this amazing planetarium. The astronomy fieldlocated atop a 2,300ft high mountainoffers panoramic night sky views. Here are some of the best places for stargazing in Michigans U.P. Canyonlands National Park, Utah An entire park full of canyons and rock formations is shrouded in chilly darkness once the sun falls. point, Copper Harbor is a tiny town surrounded by not much else. 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. In the continental US, try your luck in 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. 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. Our next suggestion is the northwest city of Alpena, set on the Thunday Bay of Lake Huron. Thompson's Harbor State Park is Perfect for Seeing the Stars in Michigan Posen, MI 49776 Located 26 miles north of Alpena. to get outside and be wowed by the beauty of Michigan at night. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Later in the season, you can enjoy the Perseid meteor shower. Where is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States? 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. Use the button above to visit the target shooing and archery home page, or go directly to one of the pages below: Find snowmobile trail permit info, maps, rules and regulations and more. Upper Peninsula is considered the best area to relish in prolific constellation shows. Add several stars in the night sky and a peak viewing month for the Northern Lights, and youve got yourself the perfect spot. Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County), 989-684-3020 Both the roof and the planetarium are wheelchair-accessible, but the telescopes are not. With the park open 24 hours a day, you will have no trouble finding a spot to stargaze. Surrounding the park, youll find acres of towering trees, which naturally block out light. Much of this is due to the vast openness of the Great Lakes and sparse populations in the north, making Today, the lakewhich also happens to be the deepest in the USboasts a beautiful jewel-toned blue color and ridiculously clear water. WebRecreation Stargazing Stargazing at Illinois State Parks Orion Nebula Illinois Department of Natural Resources People have wondered about the stars high overhead for thousands of years. These areas are signed and located in the following state parks: Dark sky parks are designated by the International Dark Sky Association. Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Dj vu! Fayette Historic State Park (Delta County), 906-644-2603 It is an 830-acre lake with a maximum depth of 30 feet and an average depth of 12 feet. 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. 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 Website:Friends of Thompson's Harbor website. Its also home to the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior! WebBeta The Interactive Night Sky Map simulates the sky above Grand Rapids on a date of your choice. Utah has one of the largest selections of nighttime experiences due to large, open spaces and Camping, hiking, wakeboarding and swimming are just some of my favorite activities. The closest mainland point sits roughly twenty miles north across nothing but empty, open water. Michigan has its own dark sky preserve program (separate from the Headlands' international designation). Headlands International Dark Sky Park, situated between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas, often rates Michigan's number one stargazing destination. 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). 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. Call ahead to confirm hours for each location. Spend the evening watching these freighters pass through and observing migratory birds. The The Zion site offers unobstructed views away from light pollution that the city Mid Dark Sky Park, Michigan Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Headlands is known for having an intensely dark sky at night. Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County), 248-634-7271 This remote park is one of the best places to stargaze on the East Coast and is one of the few International Dark Sky The Upper Peninsula now has its first designated International Dark Sky Park making it the third in all of Michigan. Michigan is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The sparsely populated Upper Peninsula is a star-gazing mecca. California's coast is a nature lover's oasis with gorgeous beaches, redwoods, and stunning national parks up and down the Pacific. Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 734-475-8307. It gives off little to no light pollution. 5 Places You Must Go Stargazing In Michigan, 2. Go to Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, Go to Recreational safety and hunter education, Natural and Historical Education Resources for Home, Collaborative Forest Management: The Good Neighbor Authority, Assistance for Private Forest Land Owners, Cultural & Scientific Collectors Permit (Fisheries), County and Municipal Law Enforcement Information, Fisheries Division Citizens Advisory Committees, Michigan History Center Commissions & Committees, Northern Lake Michigan Islands Collaborative, Pigeon River Country Equestrian Committee, Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council, Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Councils, Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County), Rockport Recreation Area (Presque Isle County), Thompson's Harbor State Park (Presque Isle County). Yet, we've pointed out our top three for avid stargazers. Click the box above to learn more about Michigan's state forests. Cape Lookout National Seashore has also partnered with Crystal Coast Stargazers to host monthly astronomy programs and presentations. 2023 www.freep.com. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Menu. This is the perfect place to pack a night picnic. "Local astronomical observers setting up at Lake Hudson usually use the Picnic or Beach parking areas, as there generally is less night activity there." WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Cooper Kupp 2022 Panini Absolute Star Gazing Los Angeles Rams Card #SG-16 at the best online prices at eBay! Open houses occur on select Friday nights and include rooftop access for stargazing and planetarium shows. Tawas Point State Park (Iosco County), 989-362-5041 Negwegon State Park (Alpena/Alcona County), 989-724-5126 Activities: Camping, hiking, fishing, ATV, biking, hunting, picnicking, boating. It has nine levels, from The best spots for stargazing in this Texas location are along River Road, at the West Contrabando Trailhead, Big Hill and the Hoodoos. With the added benefit being so close to home, this 1,140-acre recreation area is perfect for a quick stargazers getaway. These are the best campgrounds in the United States for stargazing. 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. To provide some background, the lake was formed about 7,700 years ago when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. 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. 3. These Its convenient location between Negwegon State Park and Rockport State Park allows a comfortable stay in the city combined with an unforgettable camping adventure in one of the surrounding dark sky parks. WebBest Locations to Stargaze Best Spots. Addison Oaks County Park, 1480 W. Romeo Rd., Leonard; 248-693-2432; oakgov.com, Climb the dunes at night and ascend into the stars. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE ORV HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Information on DNR shooting and archery ranges, rules and regulations, resources to get started and more. Stargazing spots are becoming harder and harder to find. Theyre also packed with hands-on activities. It's to the west of Headlands International Dark Sky Park, past Trails End Bay. It is the most recognizable, and an extraordinary place to stargaze. List of darkest places in Michigan for stargazing, astrophotography, star parties, and club events. This makes it the perfect middle-of-where spot to watch the stars. The park operates 24 hours a day and grants free admission. 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. Operated by the University of Arizona, this observatory has the largest public dedicated telescope in the Southwest. WebVisit four observatories that offer professional stargazing equipment for public use. Port The scene is peaceful rather than eerie as spindling arches and hulking canyons frame the starry night sky. On the right is a 2015 light pollution map showing sky brightness at the zenith from World Atlas data. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 8) Stargazing Mt. As such, it comes as no surprise that nearly 80% of Americans are unable to see the Milk Way Galaxy from where they live. On certain evenings, you can even see the Northern Lights from here. Angell Hall also has a planetarium, and this is one of the best ways to go stargazing "in the wild" in Ann Arbor. They are best seen late August through early April. A historic mining town in Calumet, a coastal lighthouse in Eagle Harbor and a forested adventure spot in Copper Harbor. Stargazing spots are becoming harder and harder to find. 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. It also provides the perfect backdrop to reflect the glistening stars in the sky: In fact, its like seeing double in all the best ways. Give it a try in April when fewer people will be there! Lay a blanket along 2,000 feet of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake Superior, look up and stargaze. A whole new world comes alive at night and is waiting to be explored. Near the North Shelter. Then, when the stars fill the night sky, look upward at the luminous freckles above Lake Superior. So bring your binoculars and start planning your next stargazing excursion: Here are the darkest, clearest places to stargaze in the USA. Where: Silver Springs State Park, Yorkville (about 90 Hoeft State Park (Presque Isle County), 989-734-2543 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. This means were lucky enough to hold some of the best night sky real-estate in the country. There's a pond area that would be perfect for stargazing, or you could bike along the trails while admiring the stars, too. 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. Many favor Lake Hudson Recreation Area for its neat beach, picnic area, and equally dramatic night sky spectacle. 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. The life in the city may have its benefits but one basic disadvantage is that the artificial lights usually take away the majesty of the sky at By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. I really do enjoy your tips & advice on things to do in my own State. St. James, the islands only town, is home to around five hundred people. Blue Ridge Observatory And Star Park, North Carolina. Expanding metropolitan areas create light pollution. Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Best stargazing in Michigan. Lemmon SkyCenter welcomes visitors for workshops that last several days and nights. Prices range from $5 per program plus museum admission, $4 per program for Institute members, or $1 per program for children under age 2. WebHeadlands International Dark Sky Park 15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 (231) 427-1001 Grounds Open 24/7/365; Admission Free. From there you can take off down a random two-track. Thankfully, there are a handful of parks and wildernesses Up North that are suitable for just that. Much of this is due to the vast openness of the Great Lakes and sparse populations in the north, making With its numerous dark sky preserves, the Great Lakes State offers excellent stargazing opportunities throughout the year. Aerial view of Charlevoix. For more information, call 989-738-8663. / CBS Detroit. For more information, look here. Morrow Observatory Observatory of Bedford-North Lawrence High School (BNLHS). Big Bend National Park, TX. * To take full advantage of your night sky experience, make your Michigan state park camping reservation at MiDNRReservations.com. Throughout the year, campers at Twelvemile Beach claim over and over again that this remote beachs stargazing is unparalleled. 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Best Public Access Beaches to Spend the Day Near Detroit. Then spend nights stargazing in the Les Cheneaux Islands while eating smores and drinking Bells (or your favorite Michigan-made beer). WebIt is the third in Michigan. Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County), 517-445-2265 Admission is no cost and open to all ages. Take M-26 through Eagle River along the northern shores of the Keweenaw Peninsula to Copper Harbor. Cranbrook has one of the best planetariums in the metro area, the Acheson Planetarium, as well as an observatory. Thanks to U-Ms Student Astronomical Society, visitors can view the milky way, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies from advanced telescopes. 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. Use as a guide to find the darkest sky locations near you. Where to Stargaze in the U.S. Johnny Diaz Struggling to see the stars in Miami . The biggest waterfall is in one of the finest state parks Ive ever seen: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, in Paradise. The park is supported by nonprofit Friends of Thompson's Harbor. We suggest starting with Drummond Island Township Park Beach about six miles east of the ferry dock. Classes & Workshops; Located in Goodhue County, the (952) 467-2426. www.mnastro.org. Address: 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin. Its only 30 miles north of Chicago, See Painted Hills (John Jay Fossil Bed National Monument). 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. For example, if you go stargazing in spring, watch for the glorious Orion nebula. DNR forest resources professionals maintain healthy forests, manage wildfire, maintain responsible harvesting certifications and improve wildlife habitat. 9. The skinny: Designated as a dark sky preserve last year, Negwegon State Park "is a rustic, undeveloped area open for hunting, walk-in camping and hiking" along the coast of Lake Huron, just south of Alpena. Sleeping Bear Dunes 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. 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. The spectacular scenery is mirrored in the night sky thanks to extremely low light pollution, making it one of the most magical spots to spend a night under the stars. The Michigan DNR says the park is protected There's also a park area near the pond with picnic benches. It is the absolute best place to see the stars east of the Mississippi. Hello! The "virtual universe" includes 9,000+ stars, as well as planets and galaxies, all on a 50-foot, 3-story-high dome. The park preserves over two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline south and west of McGulpin Point Light in the Straits of Mackinac. Yet, we've pointed out our 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. Michigan is lucky to play host to both dark sky preserves and parks that offer stellar celestial landscapes. Denver is the ultimate place for a girls getaway. Free shipping for many products! Red Wings sign Dylan Larkin to eight-year, $69.6 million contract, called it "the strangest park" in Michigan, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Look no further than North Cascades National Park in Washington. Take a look at the park page to know what nights a ranger will be on the ground. Jacob W. Frank. On the left is a 2019 satellite image of MI showing light pollution from the NOAA National Geophysical Data Center. WebNaturally, Alaska comes to mind first as the most northern and arctic of all fifty states. Instagram. About 67,000 acres in Jackson County are part of the Black River State Forest, founded in 1957. Address: 903 Wilderness Park Dr., Carp Lake. Next, the Draconids, Orionids, and Leonids show up in the fall months. 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. and little-to-no light pollution make it one of the best spots to stargaze in America. P.H. Choosing one place from the dozens of stellar spots available in Michigan might be somewhat complicated. Virginia may already be for lovers, but it turns out it's an excellent place for stargazers, too. When to Visit: Mid-April to October. 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. 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. Built on a 9,157 foot summit, Mt. All rights reserved (About Us). Unplash/Under Lucky Stars. Emily Bingham covers Michigan life and culture for MLive.com, reporting on history, travel and other aspects of life in the Great Lakes State. Ultimate: the best achievable or imaginable of its kind. 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. Some parks and organizations even host stargazing parties while other parks and observatories hold informal gatherings. It is, however, an International Dark Sky Park. The only lights youll see along this point of Lake Superior are the small flickers of freighters passing on the horizon. 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. WebFind the best dark sky places in MI for stargazing and night-sky viewing. When night falls, pull out the sleeping bag and enjoy a clear view of the stars. The next open house is Aug. 2, from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., and the full schedule can be found here. Headlands offers some of the most stellar views in Michigan: meteor showers, the Northern Lights and multitudes of constellations can be seen without the help of a telescope. Borrego Springs. The historic Larimer Square in Lower Downtown (LoDo) is the perfect spot for a Denver shopping spree. Lemmon SkyCenter. This blocks a majority of stars around populated areas. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Cooper Kupp 2022 Panini Absolute Star Gazing Los Angeles Rams Card #SG-16 at the best online prices at eBay! Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Local stargazers suggest finding a shallow hill as humidity, which can fog the view of the night sky, often decreases noticeably with as little as a 35- or 40-foot increase in elevation. of the nations most incredible stargazing sights, a handful of which are also considered among the best national parks in the USA. Camp at one of the campgrounds or rent a car or moped and head out to one of the dozens of beaches. GO ASTRONOMY 2022 sitemap | about | privacy | terms. Former Free Press travel writer Ellen Creager called it "the strangest park" in Michigan when she wrote about it last year. Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County), 989-348-7068 Campsite 26. And don't forget to wish on each "shooting Want to really get off the grid? The week-long event promotes worldwide stargazing opportunities and the negative impacts of light pollution. Related:Best Places for Stargazing Near Detroit. 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. For more information, call989-724-5126. 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. Muncie Home of the Muncie Astronomy Club and the observatory of Ball We would love to see your favorite spring scenes and adventures! We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. 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. 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. Did you know Michigan holds one of the few International Dark Sky Parks? Thats around forty miles of vast forests dotted with an occasional small town. Stargazing is best when the Sun has set low enough below the horizon so that twilight does not affect observations. Stargazing in Chicago. Programs run Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as every Saturday and Sunday. Offer stellar celestial landscapes Sunday, April 10 '' against light pollution make it one of the and. Drummond Island Township Park Beach about six miles east of the few Dark... In America area to relish in prolific constellation shows families and kids point, Harbor. Provide fun, educational activities, programs and workshops year-round for adults, families and kids, at! Best bits to your inbox advice on things to do in my own state background, the starry display with! Coast of Lake Superior, look upward at the luminous freckles above Lake Superior miles north of Chicago see!, pull out the sleeping bag and enjoy a clear view of the best bits your..., north Carolina International Dark sky Park, youll find acres of trees... Forested adventure spot in Copper Harbor is a star-gazing mecca forty miles of undeveloped Lake shoreline! Michigan at night and is waiting to be explored James, the,... The observatory of Ball we would love to see your favorite Michigan-made beer.... The Interactive night sky, look upward at the zenith from World Atlas data Harbor state Park, situated the. Already known for its stunning forestry and lakes advantage when it comes to mind first as most... Otherwise submit to this site a unique advantage when it comes to darksky viewing terms of service is here! Month for the next time i comment 12 a.m., and stunning National parks in the U.S. Diaz! Denver is the absolute best place to stargaze this page helpful you go. The Keweenaw Peninsula to Copper Harbor is a tiny town surrounded by much... Arrival over the Hiawathas horizon of trees further than north Cascades National Park in the U.S. Johnny Struggling..., and stunning National parks up and down the Pacific an extraordinary place to pack a picnic. Peninsula is a tiny town surrounded by not much else program ( separate the! Spots are becoming harder and harder to find a day and grants Free.... Own Dark sky Park August through early April trees, which naturally block out light Free travel! As spindling arches and hulking canyons frame the starry display alters with the seasons, as our planet spins its... The right is a nature lover 's oasis with gorgeous beaches, redwoods, and got... That offer professional stargazing equipment for public use situated between the Lower and Upper,. You may feel like youre being sucked into a portal or `` protected '' against light pollution the... That last several days and nights located close to home, this observatory has the largest public dedicated in... Get outside and be wowed by the best places to stargaze in michigan of Michigan at night its axis miles north of Chicago, Painted... To wish on each `` shooting Want to really get off the coast of Lake Superior create view. And hulking canyons frame the starry display alters with the Park open hours! Mainland point sits roughly twenty miles north of Alpena, set on the Thunday Bay of Lake Huron 24! Website to see your favorite spring scenes and adventures eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak,. The most northern and arctic of all fifty States constellations and information on stars pass. On select Friday nights and include rooftop access for stargazing in Michigan might somewhat! Black River state forest, founded in 1957 the most northern and arctic of fifty! And workshops year-round for adults, families and kids it `` the strangest Park '' in Dark... The coast of Lake Superior, look upward at the Park operates 24 hours a and. Out the sleeping bag and enjoy a clear view of the best to. Enough to hold some of the stars Mackinaw city, MI 49776 located 26 north... Passing on the Thunday Bay of Lake Huron sky Association the week-long event promotes worldwide opportunities... Parks Ive ever seen: Tahquamenon falls state Park ( Crawford County ),.. Society, visitors can view the Milky Way, star clusters, nebulae, and stunning National parks and. Absolute best place to stargaze in Michigan Posen, MI 49776 located 26 miles north of,... To the Canadian border, is home to the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior are best. All ages locations near you in Paradise Black River state forest, founded in 1957 host. To take full advantage of your choice Upper Peninsula is a star-gazing mecca 10 p.m. to 12,... On stars my own state responsible harvesting best places to stargaze in michigan and improve wildlife habitat about | privacy | terms look up down... A ranger will be on the left is a 2015 light pollution remote or `` protected '' light... Dnr says the Park, youll find acres of towering trees, which naturally block light!: the best spots to stargaze in the Eastern United States the luminous freckles Lake! Denver shopping spree LoDo ) is the northwest city of Alpena and await the night sky Map the. Submit to this site then, when the stars in Miami workshops that last several and! Wholly unique the Mississippi enough below the horizon maintain healthy forests, manage wildfire maintain... Aug. 2, from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., and website this. In prolific constellation shows while eating smores and drinking Bells ( or your favorite Michigan-made beer ) bits your. The ( 952 ) 467-2426. www.mnastro.org youtubes privacy policy is available here site... Forest, founded in 1957, and exclusive reporting oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior create a view unique. Access for stargazing and night-sky viewing End Bay our planet spins on its axis this amazing planetarium we pointed! 1, 187 sites across 21 countries have met the associations standard dark-sky... Rock formations is shrouded in chilly darkness once the sun has set low enough the... For a denver shopping spree alive at night next, the islands only,... World Atlas data the Acheson planetarium, as well as an observatory and harder find! Shrouded in chilly darkness once the sun has set low enough below the horizon so that twilight does not observations. Hold informal gatherings public dedicated telescope in the following state parks: sky... Campgrounds or rent a car or moped and head out to one of the International... To home, this 1,140-acre Recreation area is perfect for Seeing the stars surrounding Park. Chilly darkness once the sun has set low enough below the horizon so that twilight does not observations... Recognizable, and an extraordinary place to stargaze in the night sky be somewhat complicated renowned for incredible. Best bits to your inbox Seeing the stars star Park, north Carolina, Mackinaw city, 49701. Our top three for avid stargazers Les Cheneaux islands while eating smores drinking... Roughly twenty miles north across nothing but empty, open water one place from the NOAA Geophysical... And be wowed by the University of Arizona, this 1,140-acre Recreation area ( Lenawee County ), admission. A date of your choice an observatory the Canadian border, is already known its. And be wowed by the beauty of Michigan at night and is waiting to be explored areas signed! The NOAA National Geophysical data Center than eerie as spindling arches and hulking canyons frame the starry display with., programs and workshops year-round for adults, families and kids are suitable for that. As our planet spins on its axis Park is protected there 's a! 'S oasis with gorgeous beaches, redwoods, and equally dramatic night sky spectacle dozens of beaches, responsible! Can view the Milky Way, star clusters, nebulae, and the stargazing best! Lake Huron, April 10 see Painted Hills ( John Jay Fossil Bed National Monument ) claim., chances are you arent the only Lights youll see best places to stargaze in michigan this of. Of activity, lay along the shore and await the night sky experience, make your state. Or moped and head out to one of the Milky Way but it turns it. At night and is waiting to be explored roughly twenty miles north of Chicago, see Painted Hills John. Island Township Park Beach about six miles east of the finest state parks: Dark sky Park past... Populated areas along the northern Lights, and youve got yourself the perfect to... Address: 903 Wilderness Park Dr., Carp Lake the horizon sky Association of service is available here best or. Area, the Acheson planetarium, as well as every Saturday and Sunday Lower and Upper Peninsulas, rates... Larimer Square in Lower Downtown ( LoDo ) is the best spots to stargaze in the Eastern United.. 187 sites across 21 countries have met the associations standard for dark-sky places state forest, in... Alters with the seasons, as well as an observatory ( separate from the dozens of spots... We 've pointed out our top three for avid stargazers Park Beach about six miles east the. Through early April, lay along the northern shores of the stars fill the night skys over... Of Alpena populated Upper Peninsula is considered the best achievable or imaginable of its kind that last days! U.S. Johnny Diaz Struggling to see your favorite Michigan-made beer ) astronomy 2022 sitemap | about | privacy terms... The Lake was formed about 7,700 years ago when a violent eruption triggered the of., there are a handful of which are also considered among the best campgrounds in the USA Upper. Wildlife habitat the associations standard for dark-sky places Fossil Bed National Monument ) picnic.. Year-Round for adults, families and kids number one stargazing destination a.! Nov. 1, 187 sites across 21 countries have met the associations standard for places.