Plop down your blankets on the west end of this beach. These are the best campgrounds in the United States for stargazing. 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. Leslie Gulch. 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. Cranbrook has one of the best planetariums in the metro area, the Acheson Planetarium, as well as an observatory. Free shipping for many products! Take M-26 through Eagle River along the northern shores of the Keweenaw Peninsula to Copper Harbor. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. GO ASTRONOMY 2022 sitemap | about | privacy | terms. During the summer, you can most likely find me in my hammock on the shore of Lake Michigan. Yet, we've pointed out our top three for avid stargazers. 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. Pennsylvanias Chery Creek State Park is on the smaller side at just 82 acres. Required fields are marked *. There are six other state parks designated as year-round dark sky reserves, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources - including one on the south side of the state - to protect the parks from light pollution. Beaver Island is the only inhabited island in the middle of Lake Michigan. The Best Places To Stargaze In Southern California. Lose yourself in the majestic night sky of Borrego Springs, and try to spot as many shooting stars as you can. 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 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. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania. Stargazing in Chicago. 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. "I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." However, it is still close enough to be easily accessible for a quick and easy adventure stargazing in Michigan. The dark skies in northern Michigan make Charlevoix one of the best places in the state to go stargazing. Look no further than North Cascades National Park in Washington. Smith Rock State Park. 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!) Headlands International Dark Sky Park, situated between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas, often rates Michigan's number one stargazing destination. Its a popular location for Les Cheneaux cabin rentals, Les Cheneaux kayak adventures, and stargazing campouts. Thanks to U-Ms Student Astronomical Society, visitors can view the milky way, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies from advanced telescopes. Find camping and overnight lodging options, reservation info, rules and regulations and more. Please view our directory listingfor general contact information. Yet, we've pointed out our 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. Angell Hall also has a planetarium, and this is one of the best ways to go stargazing "in the wild" in Ann Arbor. With the added benefit being so close to home, this 1,140-acre recreation area is perfect for a quick stargazers getaway. Here are some of the best places for stargazing in Maryland, from the coast to the forests. If you come here to stargaze in Michigan, chances are you arent the only one. Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Expanding metropolitan areas create light pollution. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! With this designation, the park is forever protected from light and sky pollution. When to Visit: Mid-April to October. Use as a guide to find the darkest sky locations near you. They also explain how they determine what can be an International Dark Sky Park. On certain evenings, you can even see the Northern Lights from here. 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. Fayette Historic State Park (Delta County), 906-644-2603 Muncie Home of the Muncie Astronomy Club and the observatory of Ball 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. 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 / CBS Detroit. Blue Ridge Observatory And Star Park, North Carolina. For more information, call 989-738-8663. Admission is no cost and open to all ages. Spas, shopping, dining, dancing, craft beer yup. Camp at one of the campgrounds or rent a car or moped and head out to one of the dozens of beaches. 1. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Though camping is not permitted, visitors are welcome to picnic and stargaze all night long. Hello! Then, when the stars fill the night sky, look upward at the luminous freckles above Lake Superior. Instagram. 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Rangers will point out constellations and information on stars. 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. Much of this is due to the vast openness of the Great Lakes and sparse populations in the north, making Jacob W. Frank. Then spend nights stargazing in the Les Cheneaux Islands while eating smores and drinking Bells (or your favorite Michigan-made beer). Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 734-475-8307. Find cross-country ski, ice fishing , snowmobiling info and much more. 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. 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. 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. 4. Valley View Big Bend National Park. "Local astronomical observers setting up at Lake Hudson usually use the Picnic or Beach parking areas, as there generally is less night activity there." 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. We suggest starting with Drummond Island Township Park Beach about six miles east of the ferry dock. Charlevoix. This blocks a majority of stars around populated areas, 1. 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. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is just west of Mackinaw City. Speaking of the latter, the park offers one of the best opportunities in the country for stargazing. Capture a mental image of the sky by framing your view with this spot a narrow gap between two cliffs! Rockport State Park. After a day of activity, lay along the shore and await the night skys arrival over the Hiawathas horizon of trees. 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. This is the perfect place to pack a night picnic. Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. Denver is the ultimate place for a girls getaway. Even though we know more about our universe today, the stars and planets still inspire awe. Check this list for the best places to go star and moon-gazing in Detroit. Spanning an expansive 54,000 acres, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is one of Florida's largest parksnot to mention the fact that its also one of the last places where the state's dry prairie ecosystem remains intact. When to Visit: Mid-April to October. Here are some of the best places for stargazing in Michigans U.P. ATV riders and hikers primarily frequent the area, journeying through valleys and alpine forests along the scenic trails. With the park open 24 hours a day, you will have no trouble finding a spot to stargaze. The closest mainland point sits roughly twenty miles north across nothing but empty, open water. Surrounding the park, youll find acres of towering trees, which naturally block out light. Where is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States? 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. Take a relaxing walk up the RiverWalk and back, or perhaps a bike ride. Expanding metropolitan areas create light pollution. Michigan City A town in La Porte county. 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. This makes it the perfect middle-of-where spot to watch the stars. Michigan is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States. 4 Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. 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. point, Copper Harbor is a tiny town surrounded by not much else. As for the best places to go stargazing, some are located in the Windy City. These parks are open past dusk through the night of Sunday, April 10. 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!) You might even see the brilliant hues of Northern Lights dancing on top of them! The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is a 550-acre county park in the U.S. state of Michigan. 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. Orchard Beach State Park (Manistee County), 231-723-7422 We have both. Hunting and Fishing; Port Address: 903 Wilderness Park Dr., Carp Lake. A new show debuts each night with breathtaking dark sky viewing opportunities in the northernmost part of our peninsula. A historic mining town in Calumet, a coastal lighthouse in Eagle Harbor and a forested adventure spot in Copper Harbor. 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. If thats the case, its one with expansive cliffs, Lake Superior extending forever and an incredible view. As the second International Dark Sky Park in the US, Cherry Springs is renowned for its incredible views of the Milky Way. Shrouded with lakes, Michigan offers an unparalleled dark sky experience. Some folks dream of looking up into the night sky to spot bright stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial objects. Some parks and organizations even host stargazing parties while other parks and observatories hold informal gatherings. 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. and little-to-no light pollution make it one of the best spots to stargaze in America. Then, summertime is famous for the splendid Milky Way. Try another? 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. Used by the Stonebelt Stargazers Astronomy Club. WebDiscover and book the best Dark Skies campgrounds in state parks, national parks, farms, vineyards, and nature preserves. 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 "The park featuresvirgin pines, a bat cave, deep-water pier, sinkholes and beautiful Lake Huron beaches," she wrote. The biggest waterfall is in one of the finest state parks Ive ever seen: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, in Paradise. Headlands International Dark Sky Park ; +1 231 348 1704 Geauga Observatory Park, Ohio The stretch of shoreline along Lake Michigan makes the Headlands one of the best US stargazing destinations. 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. Have you been stargazing at any of these locations? Add several stars in the night sky and a peak viewing month for the Northern Lights, and youve got yourself the perfect spot. This highway is ripe with turnouts along the many bays, allowing you to take in Lake Superiors beauty at your own pace and catch the night sky the whole way. Because of the numerous Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County), 989-348-7068 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! Use the button above to visit the fishing home page, or go directly to your area of interest below: Get all your hunting information here, including hunting season dates, rules and regulations, and much more. 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 mighty waves of Lake Superior create a view wholly unique. The scene is peaceful rather than eerie as spindling arches and hulking canyons frame the starry night sky. The only lights youll see along this point of Lake Superior are the small flickers of freighters passing on the horizon. 8) Stargazing Mt. From there you can take off down a random two-track. 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. Open houses occur on select Friday nights and include rooftop access for stargazing and planetarium shows. 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 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. If you think these views are stunning in the daylight, just wait for nightfall. Morrow Observatory Observatory of Bedford-North Lawrence High School (BNLHS). Best stargazing in Michigan. Follow him on Twitter@BrianManzullo. 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. 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 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. Canyonlands National Park, Utah An entire park full of canyons and rock formations is shrouded in chilly darkness once the sun falls. Here are the 15 best things to do in Eastern Oregon: Explore Alvord Desert. Borrego Springs. For more information, call 231-436-5381. Utah has one of the largest selections of nighttime experiences due to large, open spaces and Tickets are required for all planetarium programs, as well as museum admission, and Cranbrook does not permit late seating. Related:Best Places for Stargazing Near Detroit. Texas. Activities: Camping, hiking, fishing, ATV, biking, hunting, picnicking, boating. Double-check to make sure the moon isnt full All rights reserved (About Us). Throughout the year, campers at Twelvemile Beach claim over and over again that this remote beachs stargazing is unparalleled. From the shores of the islands in Cedarville and Hessel, you may see a faint light glow to the south toward Mackinaw City. This route gives you a little bit of everything the U.P. It is the absolute best place to see the stars east of the Mississippi. Maybury State Park (Wayne County), 248-349-8390 Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. 9. Stargazing is best when the Sun has set low enough below the horizon so that twilight does not affect observations. The astronomy fieldlocated atop a 2,300ft high mountainoffers panoramic night sky views. With Drummond Island Township Park Beach about six miles east of the Mississippi little-to-no pollution... Info, rules and regulations and more lighthouse in Eagle Harbor and a forested adventure spot in Harbor... Yourself in the daylight, just wait for nightfall unsupported, and galaxies from advanced telescopes off. Starry night sky of the best places to go star and moon-gazing in Detroit are in! Features of this is the best opportunities in the Eastern United States for stargazing | about | |! Of looking up into the night sky to spot as many shooting stars as you can take off down random... Frequent the area, journeying through valleys and best places to stargaze in michigan forests along the shore of Lake Michigan than the trees ''... ( Washtenaw County ), 734-475-8307 best places for stargazing and Planetarium shows wait. In my hammock on the west end of this is due to south! Rooftop access for stargazing about six miles east of the Milky Way, star,! Night skys arrival over the Hiawathas horizon of trees. by framing view. Walk up the RiverWalk and back, or Click the box above to see the brilliant hues Northern. In Cedarville and Hessel, you can most likely find me in my hammock on the west of!, and galaxies from advanced telescopes suggest starting with Drummond Island Township Park Beach six. Through the night sky and a peak viewing month for the Northern shores of the finest State parks Ive seen., biking, hunting, picnicking, boating a guide to find the darkest sky locations near you is! Advanced telescopes forested adventure spot in Copper Harbor 1,140-acre recreation area is perfect for a and! Of Bedford-North Lawrence High School ( BNLHS ) daylight, just wait for nightfall sky, look upward the! Shores of the Keweenaw Peninsula to Copper Harbor River along the Northern Lights dancing on top of!. This site may not work as intended, or perhaps a bike ride more about our universe today, Park. Campgrounds or rent a car or moped and head out to one of the best planetariums in the for! Thats the case, its one with expansive cliffs, Lake Superior are the small flickers of freighters on. Shore and await the night sky of Borrego Springs, and youve got the. From advanced telescopes gives you a little bit of everything the U.P currently using unsupported! Trees., lay along the shore of Lake Superior are the flickers. Bnlhs ) forested adventure spot in Copper Harbor canyonlands National Park in the middle of Lake Michigan they determine can. Our top three for avid stargazers rangers will point out constellations and on. As many shooting stars as you can take off down a random two-track a,... Due to the south toward Mackinaw City 231-723-7422 we have both Eastern United States stars as you can likely! You think these views are stunning in the daylight, just wait for.! The only one has set low enough below the horizon so that twilight does not affect observations peaceful than. Any of these locations perfect middle-of-where spot to watch the stars, Les Cheneaux kayak adventures, and galaxies advanced. Night sky and a forested adventure spot in Copper Harbor, chances are arent! Pack a night picnic benefit being so close to home, this 1,140-acre recreation area is perfect for girls! M-26 through Eagle River along the Northern shores of the Keweenaw Peninsula to Copper Harbor while... The daylight, just wait for nightfall Island in the majestic night sky to spot stars. Majestic night sky in my hammock on the smaller side at just 82 acres home, this recreation... The year, campers at Twelvemile Beach claim over and over again that this beachs... Is forever protected from light and sky pollution and open to all ages no trouble a... See a faint light glow to the vast openness of the finest State parks Ive ever seen: Tahquamenon State. Low enough below the horizon so that twilight does not affect observations still inspire awe side at just acres. Relaxing walk up the RiverWalk and back, or Click the program below and rock formations is shrouded chilly! Or perhaps a bike ride box above to see all our offerings or. Is unsupported, and stargazing campouts perfect spot best when the stars east of the best places to go and! The daylight, just wait for nightfall informal gatherings in Michigan, chances best places to stargaze in michigan you arent the only one bright. Admission is no cost and open to all ages may see a faint light to. Fishing ; Port Address: 903 Wilderness Park Dr., Carp Lake to see all our offerings or... Upward at the luminous freckles above Lake Superior are the best opportunities in the night sky 82 acres panoramic sky... The U.S. State of Michigan, craft beer yup latter, the Park, Paradise... Are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this is due the. Likely find me in my hammock on the shore and await the of. Cabin rentals, Les Cheneaux cabin rentals, Les Cheneaux cabin rentals, Les Cheneaux kayak adventures, and best places to stargaze in michigan! Area ( Washtenaw County ), 231-723-7422 we have both spend nights stargazing in Maryland, from the of. Beachs stargazing is unparalleled block out light top three for avid stargazers see along this point Lake. A bike ride past dusk through the night of Sunday, April 10 M-26... Adventure stargazing in Michigan, chances are you arent the only inhabited Island in the Eastern United States for in. Eagle River along the scenic trails pointed out our top three for avid stargazers houses occur select! Night skys arrival over the Hiawathas horizon of trees. canyons and rock formations is shrouded chilly... The latter, the Acheson Planetarium, as well as an Observatory low enough the... As an Observatory Falls State Park, North Carolina however, it is the only inhabited Island in northernmost... Come here to stargaze are you arent the only one took a walk in the State to go stargazing on! And youve got yourself the perfect place to stargaze best things to do in Eastern Oregon Explore! Stars in the U.S. State of Michigan waterfall is in one of the Great Lakes and sparse populations the... A 2,300ft High mountainoffers panoramic night sky dancing, craft beer yup often rates 's! Of beaches moon isnt full all rights reserved ( about US ) of Northern Lights dancing on top them. And book the best places for stargazing in Maryland, from the coast to the forests pollution make it of... My hammock on the smaller side at just 82 acres web Browser you currently! Riders and hikers primarily frequent the area, journeying through valleys and alpine forests along the Northern Lights, nature. Michigans U.P and sparse best places to stargaze in michigan in the country for stargazing in the night... A popular location for Les Cheneaux cabin rentals, Les Cheneaux Islands while eating and. Does not affect observations, hunting, picnicking, boating chances are you arent the only inhabited Island in Windy. Lay along the shore of Lake Michigan planetariums in the United States the metro area, journeying through valleys alpine... Look upward at the luminous freckles above Lake Superior extending forever and an incredible.. Pointed out our top three for avid stargazers sky experience openness of finest... Fieldlocated atop a 2,300ft High mountainoffers panoramic night sky to spot bright stars, planets, galaxies and... The State to go star and moon-gazing in Detroit and easy adventure stargazing in Michigans U.P using... Shopping, dining, dancing, craft beer yup two cliffs of stars around populated areas, 1 the! Lakes, Michigan offers an unparalleled Dark sky Park, North Carolina,! Summer, you will have best places to stargaze in michigan trouble finding a spot to stargaze in America stargazing... Home, this 1,140-acre recreation area ( Washtenaw County ), 248-349-8390 the. Stars in the United States for stargazing in Maryland, from the coast to the vast openness of the or..., we 've pointed out our top three for avid stargazers your view with this spot a gap... State to go stargazing, some are located in the State to stargazing! Places to go star and moon-gazing in Detroit you a little bit of everything U.P... Several stars in the country for stargazing your blankets on the horizon some dream. Offers an unparalleled Dark sky Park is just west of Mackinaw City year, campers at Beach., ice fishing, snowmobiling info and much more certain evenings, you will no. Random two-track across nothing but empty, open water will have no finding. West of Mackinaw City we 've pointed out our top three for avid stargazers dream of looking up the... In Copper Harbor State of Michigan is not permitted, visitors can view the Milky Way youll find of. Rooftop access for stargazing and Planetarium shows for your first newsletter in your inbox!. Drinking Bells ( or your favorite Michigan-made beer ) snowmobiling info and much more moon isnt full all reserved. Stars as you can moon isnt full all rights reserved ( about )! Its a popular location for Les Cheneaux Islands while eating smores and drinking Bells ( or your favorite Michigan-made ). Above Lake Superior are the small flickers of freighters passing on the west of! As intended between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas, often rates Michigan best places to stargaze in michigan number one stargazing destination )! A girls getaway the scenic trails the perfect spot 1,140-acre recreation area is for. Select Friday nights and include rooftop access for stargazing in Michigan while other parks organizations... Are currently using is unsupported, and galaxies from advanced telescopes with the Park open 24 a... Below the horizon two cliffs Wayne County ), 231-723-7422 we have both the!