A historic mining town in Calumet, a coastal lighthouse in Eagle Harbor and a forested adventure spot in Copper Harbor. 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. The historic Larimer Square in Lower Downtown (LoDo) is the perfect spot for a Denver shopping spree. Click the box above to learn more about Michigan's state forests. For example, at Port Crescent State Park in the Thumb, sky watchers can set up telescopes in a designated parking lot or gaze upward from an observation deck. Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County), 810-797-4439 Then hop out, find a clearing in the woods, and spend the night counting how many shooting stars you can see. Sleeping Bear Dunes; 9922 Front St., Empire; 231-326-4700;nps.gov, See the stars like an astronomer at the University of Michigan Astronomy Departments campus observatory and planetarium. 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!) Michigan has its own dark sky preserve program (separate from the Headlands' international designation). 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). As for the best places to go stargazing, some are located in the Windy City. This blocks a majority of stars around populated areas. This means were lucky enough to hold some of the best night sky real-estate in the country. 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. North Higgins Lake State Park (Crawford County), 989-821-6125 Depending on the night, guests can view deep space, solar objects, and planets. Headlands International Dark Sky Park,15675 Headlands Rd., Mackinaw City; 231-427-100; midarkskypark.org, According to the Oakland County Geographic Information Systems gazing map, Addison Oaks County Park features low levels of light pollution. As one of the best places for stargazing in the Bay Area, this park is often frequented by amateur and You can also try Glen Cove Beach on the eastern end of the island, just north of Marble Head. Built on a 9,157 foot summit, Mt. The stretch of shoreline along Lake Michigan makes the Headlands one of the best US stargazing destinations. Often these are national and state parks and forests that are either remote or "protected" against light pollution. 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. 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. 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. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania. 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. 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. In fact, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, a 600-acre, wooded preserve along the Lake Michigan shoreline near Mackinaw City, was the sixth park in the United States designated for its night sky by the International Dark Sky Association in 2011. With this designation, the park is forever protected from light and sky pollution. Located just east of El Paso, Guadalupe Mountains National Park takes up nearly 87,00 acres of the Lone Star State. Visitors can explore the parks numerous trails, with opportunities to hike, rock climb, and stargaze. Most highlights appear between March and early December. One of the most oft-mentioned names in relation to the best stargazing in the US is Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania! Then, when the stars fill the night sky, look upward at the luminous freckles above Lake Superior. Why are dark skies important? Muncie Home of the Muncie Astronomy Club and the observatory of Ball 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. We are talking about the winter months and, For more information, call 989-734-2543. Leslie Gulch. DNR forest resources professionals maintain healthy forests, manage wildfire, maintain responsible harvesting certifications and improve wildlife habitat. "People can take a look at whether or not they have access to a night sky in their own community and if not, then they know they can go to a state park and be on site later than normal," said Mary Stewart Adams, program director of the Headlands International Dark Sky Park and host of a weekly public radio segment called The Storyteller's Night Sky. When you Located near the Mexican border in southwest Texas, Big Bend's massive surface area (spanning over 800,000 acres!) Spas, shopping, dining, dancing, craft beer yup. 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. Addison Oaks County Park, 1480 W. Romeo Rd., Leonard; 248-693-2432; oakgov.com, Climb the dunes at night and ascend into the stars. Bortle Scale: 4-5. Rockport State Recreation Area (Alpena County), 989-734-2543 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 Anywhere in this 350-sq.-mi. Only four hours north of metro Detroit, this woodland oasis is one of the first International Dark Sky Parks in the world. Other than that, there is nothing for miles to block out the stars. Stargazing spots are becoming harder and harder to find. 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. Stacey Leasca. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE WINTER FUN HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Find facility info, overnight info, an event calendar and much more. Web10 Best Places for Stargazing in the US. I live near Clifford and the stargazing is excellent.. On clear moonless nights the Milky Way is clearly visible overhead. 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 There is ample parking and vault It is an 830-acre lake with a maximum depth of 30 feet and an average depth of 12 feet. 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! When you arrive, the Lodge will impress you with how it significantly reduced its outdoor light footprint. You can also catch passing freighters and a glimpse of Canada across the lake. The biggest waterfall is in one of the finest state parks Ive ever seen: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, in Paradise. Spas, shopping, dining, dancing, craft beer yup. Did you know Michigan holds one of the few International Dark Sky Parks? Tickets are required for all planetarium programs, as well as museum admission, and Cranbrook does not permit late seating. We already have this email. This northern Minnesota park, located close to the Canadian border, is already known for its stunning forestry and lakes. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is just west of Mackinaw City. Emily Bingham covers Michigan life and culture for MLive.com, reporting on history, travel and other aspects of life in the Great Lakes State. "It's about protecting the human imagination," said Mary Stewart Adams, Headlands' program director, who helped spearhead the effort to achieve the designation. It is the absolute best place to see the stars east of the Mississippi. Those looking for a stunning night sky in the eastern U.S. will want to head to North Carolina and the Mayland Earth to Sky Park and Bare Dark Sky Observatory. On nice summer nights, the open lawn along Lake Michigan holds dozens of groups. Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Chippewa County), 906-492-3415 They are best seen late August through early April. Island Lake Recreation Area would be an ideal place to go stargazing at night; although it's in Brighton, it has almost a rural feel to it. "It's really wonderful that you can get on state land after dusk and see the night sky.". Canyonlands National Park, Utah An entire park full of canyons and rock formations is shrouded in chilly darkness once the sun falls. Headlands International Dark Sky Park Mackinaw City. Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. 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 WebDiscover and book the best Dark Skies campgrounds in state parks, national parks, farms, vineyards, and nature preserves. Speaking of the latter, the park offers one of the best opportunities in the country for stargazing. 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. 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. A whole new world comes alive at night and is waiting to be explored. Let there be starlight: Light pollution a glaring problem. Despite its high levels of light pollution, Chicago preserves WebNaturally, Alaska comes to mind first as the most northern and arctic of all fifty states. While looking off this highest point along the shoreline of Pictured Rocks, you may feel like youre being sucked into a portal. Best stargazing in Michigan. 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. 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. What better place to look at the stars and moon than a shoreline that is crescent shaped? The IDA column indicates if a site is IDA-certified. Smith Rock State Park. offers. Id like to know about places that I have not been at home! Prices range from $5 per program plus museum admission, $4 per program for Institute members, or $1 per program for children under age 2. Texas. WebMichigan is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States. In an area known for its agriculture, livestock, and flyover state status, the Midwest would seem like the ideal place to stargaze. You might even see the brilliant hues of Northern Lights dancing on top of them! Required fields are marked *. Use as a guide to find the darkest sky locations near you. Blue Ridge Observatory And Star Park, North Carolina. 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. The University of Michigan's Student Astronomical Society runs open houses/public observing nights on Angell Hall's rooftops. Take a look at the park page to know what nights a ranger will be on the ground. Bruneau Dunes State Park/Facebook 3. Cottonwood Canyon State Park. The U.P. Its a popular location for Les Cheneaux cabin rentals, Les Cheneaux kayak adventures, and stargazing campouts. Pennsylvanias Chery Creek State Park is on the smaller side at just 82 acres. Choosing one place from the dozens of stellar spots available in Michigan might be somewhat complicated. Additionally, they do not have major cities. And finally, the Geminids close the celestial parade in early winter. Staring into Michigan's night sky can provoke a sense of wonder - but not if you're living around Detroit. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Plop down your blankets on the west end of this beach. Check this list for the best places to go star and moon-gazing in Detroit. Headlands International Dark Sky Park (official website). Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Located near the Mexican border in southwest Texas, Big Bend's massive surface area (spanning over 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. 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. 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. The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is headquartered at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge outside of Copper Harbord and extends to Brockway Mountain. Morris Observatory Observatory of Manchester College. In addition to full time positions, we also hire many seasonal positions including park workers, interpreters, rangers, wildlife workers and more. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook, or contact her via email at ebingham@mlive.com. Much of this is due to the vast openness of the Great Lakes and sparse populations in the north, making The Les Cheneaux Islands are a mostly inhabited chain of islands. Home to the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse, the park offers outstanding, lakefront views of the night sky. Castle Rock State Park. The next open house is Aug. 2, from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., and the full schedule can be found here. Best of all, the International Dark Sky Park-designated destination sees less than 100,000 visitors per year, which means you likely won't be disturbed by anyone else as you turn toward the heavens. Certifications and improve wildlife habitat offers one of the latter, the Lodge will impress with... 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