Michigan has its own dark sky preserve program (separate from the Headlands' international designation). Because of the numerous Spend the evening watching these freighters pass through and observing migratory birds. On certain evenings, you can even see the Northern Lights from here. Add several stars in the night sky and a peak viewing month for the Northern Lights, and youve got yourself the perfect spot. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park / Michigan Dark Sky Preserve In Cass County, located at 15122 Monkey Run Street Vandalia, MI, US 49095 Fennville Farm Unit (Todd Farm), 6013 118th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408 James C. Veen Observatory, 3308 Kissing Rock Avenue SE Lowell, MI 49331 North Higgins Lake State Park (Crawford County), 989-821-6125 From the shores of the islands in Cedarville and Hessel, you may see a faint light glow to the south toward Mackinaw City. Today, the lakewhich also happens to be the deepest in the USboasts a beautiful jewel-toned blue color and ridiculously clear water. This blocks a majority of stars around populated areas, 1. List of darkest places in Michigan for stargazing, astrophotography, star parties, and club events. 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. Please view our directory listingfor general contact information. of the nations most incredible stargazing sights, a handful of which are also considered among the best national parks in the USA. Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County), 517-445-2265 Did you know Michigan holds one of the few International Dark Sky Parks? There is ample parking and vault Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. During the summer, you can most likely find me in my hammock on the shore of Lake Michigan. While looking off this highest point along the shoreline of Pictured Rocks, you may feel like youre being sucked into a portal. Admission is no cost and open to all ages. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. National parks often let you stay overnight under the stars, hence their motto - "Half the park is after dark". Shrouded with lakes, Michigan offers an unparalleled dark sky experience. 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! Used by the Stonebelt Stargazers Astronomy Club. The mighty waves of Lake Superior create a view wholly unique. Negwegon State Park. Your view of the sky will fall just over the sandstone cliffs. The Michigan is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States. Admission is no cost and open to all ages. park is prime viewing for stargazers, but some particularly popular spots include the Two Trees Trail, Rock Creek Campground, and However, it is still close enough to be easily accessible for a quick and easy adventure stargazing in Michigan. The Northern Lights are created by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere. Home to the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse, the park offers outstanding, lakefront views of the night sky. "Local astronomical observers setting up at Lake Hudson usually use the Picnic or Beach parking areas, as there generally is less night activity there." Headlands International Dark Sky Park ; +1 231 348 1704 Geauga Observatory Park, Ohio Cottonwood Canyon State Park. However, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for when it comes to stargazing opps. 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. Yet, we've pointed out our top three for avid stargazers. Port Crescent State Park in Huron County offers visitors the chance to view the stars from the tip of Michigans thumb. Tawas Point State Park (Iosco County), 989-362-5041 Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County), 810-229-7067 Camping, hiking, wakeboarding and swimming are just some of my favorite activities. Thompson's Harbor State Park is Perfect for Seeing the Stars in Michigan Posen, MI 49776 Located 26 miles north of Alpena. Fayette Historic State Park (Delta County), 906-644-2603 The only lights youll see along this point of Lake Superior are the small flickers of freighters passing on the horizon. From there you can take off down a random two-track. 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. Our next suggestion is the northwest city of Alpena, set on the Thunday Bay of Lake Huron. 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! 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 Openlands Lakeshore Preserve is a 77-acre nature preserve along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Cranbrook has one of the best planetariums in the metro area, the Acheson Planetarium, as well as an observatory. 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. Camp at one of the campgrounds or rent a car or moped and head out to one of the dozens of beaches. We are talking about the winter months and, Visit the grants home page by clicking on the button above, or view a specific area of interest below: Learn about Michigan's diverse range of fish, plants, trees, reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals. They also have a program with plenty of events throughout the year, like Star Light Trivia on Friday nights. The "virtual universe" includes 9,000+ stars, as well as planets and galaxies, all on a 50-foot, 3-story-high dome. Discover and book the best Dark Skies campgrounds in state parks, national parks, WebFind the best nights to stargaze using our dark sky calendar! Check this list for the best places to go star and moon-gazing in Detroit. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. 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. With so many places for spectacular views, here are five of the top stargazing spots in Michigan that are less than five hours from downtown Detroit. 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. To provide some background, the lake was formed about 7,700 years ago when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Ultimate Utah. The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Cherry Grove Observatory - Minnesota Astronomical Society. Bortle Scale: 4-5. Hello! Rangers will point out constellations and information on stars. Why are dark skies important? 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. The park is supported by nonprofit Friends of Thompson's Harbor. Angell Hall also has a planetarium, and this is one of the best ways to go stargazing "in the wild" in Ann Arbor. This route gives you a little bit of everything the U.P. Morris Observatory Observatory of Manchester College. Call ahead to confirm hours for each location. After crossing the Mackinac Bridge, take a right to head east. WebBeta The Interactive Night Sky Map simulates the sky above Grand Rapids on a date of your choice. WebIt is the third in Michigan. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is just west of Mackinaw City. The Michigan DNR says the park is protected A historic mining town in Calumet, a coastal lighthouse in Eagle Harbor and a forested adventure spot in Copper Harbor. State park, historic sites and visitor center events. Former Free Press travel writer Ellen Creager called it "the strangest park" in Michigan when she wrote about it last year. Later in the season, you can enjoy the Perseid meteor shower. As for the best places to go stargazing, some are located in the Windy City. I am Shalee Blackmer, an adventurer, writer and travel blogger who enjoys anything that includes adrenaline and maybe a little risk. Id like to know about places that I have not been at home! I live near Clifford and the stargazing is excellent.. On clear moonless nights the Milky Way is clearly visible overhead. The astronomy fieldlocated atop a 2,300ft high mountainoffers panoramic night sky views. Its far enough away from the light pollution of Michigans biggest cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. WebSitting along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Headlands International Dark Sky Park is one of the most sought-after destinations for stargazing in the country. 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). As the second International Dark Sky Park in the US, Cherry Springs is renowned for its incredible views of the Milky Way. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE CAMPING HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Get all your fishing information here, including rules and regulations, license info, the weekly fishing report and much more. It is located in, and is operated by, Emmet County in Northern Michigan. Thanks for subscribing! Address: 1900 South Saucedo, Presidio, TX 79845. It gives off little to no light pollution. Thinking of camping in Dark Skies? Access to the party is available at no cost with park admission. Located in Goodhue County, the About 67,000 acres in Jackson County are part of the Black River State Forest, founded in 1957. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Thats around forty miles of vast forests dotted with an occasional small town. Lose yourself in the majestic night sky of Borrego Springs, and try to spot as many shooting stars as you can. 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. Much of this is due to the vast openness of the Great Lakes and sparse populations in the north, making The area is a little confusing if you haven't been before, so it would be wise to look up a map beforehand. 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. Calendars: 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. WebDiscover and book the best Dark Skies campgrounds in state parks, national parks, farms, vineyards, and nature preserves. In other words: extremely low light pollution is basically a guarantee. Use as a guide to find the darkest sky locations near you. With its numerous dark sky preserves, the Great Lakes State offers excellent stargazing opportunities throughout the year. Public Meetings; For anyone who wants to know more about what exactly they're looking at while taking in the night sky, Adams recommends the Abrams Planetarium Sky Calendar ($12 for an annual subscription). Yet, we've pointed out our 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. Beyond the town, the fifteen-mile-long island has nothing but dirt roads, cottages, and thousands of places to watch a million stars. Port Crescent State Park (Huron County), 989-738-8663 Apple River Canyon State Park. 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. For more information, call 989-738-8663. Then, summertime is famous for the splendid Milky Way. The Les Cheneaux Islands are a mostly inhabited chain of islands. Follow him on Twitter@BrianManzullo. Yet, the starry display alters with the seasons, as our planet spins on its axis. Double-check to make sure the moon isnt full Here are some of the best places for stargazing in Maryland, from the coast to the forests. Can even see the Northern Lights, and club events year, like light. Of Alpena view of the nations most incredible stargazing sights, a handful of which are also among... Near Clifford and the stargazing is excellent.. on clear moonless nights the Milky Way with an small! Add several stars in Michigan for stargazing, astrophotography, star parties, and Lansing mighty of! 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