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. -Henry David Thoreau. 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. Virginia may already be for lovers, but it turns out it's an excellent place for stargazers, too. State Designated Dark Sky PreservesRecreation passport required for entry Use the button above to visit the hunting home page, or go directly to your area of interest below: Find ORV license and permit info, maps, rules and regulations and more. WebHeadlands International Dark Sky Park 15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 (231) 427-1001 Grounds Open 24/7/365; Admission Free. Double-check to make sure the moon isnt full One route that offers stop-in-your-tracks scenery is M-28 that stretches along the coast of Lake Superior between Munising and Marquette. However, Northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are relatively unpopulated. Judd Patterson/International Dark-Sky Association. From the shores of the islands in Cedarville and Hessel, you may see a faint light glow to the south toward Mackinaw City. Activities: Camping, hiking, fishing, ATV, biking, hunting, picnicking, boating. Throughout the year it offers workshops to help other companies and lodgings preserve the natural night sky as well as holds classes about the stars and photography. Thanks to U-Ms Student Astronomical Society, visitors can view the milky way, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies from advanced telescopes. Rangers will point out constellations and information on stars. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. After all, if you can find a vantage point higher than the height of a corn stalk, theres not much to WebFind the best dark sky places in MI for stargazing and night-sky viewing. Admission is no cost and open to all ages. We are talking about the winter months and, Check online for trail maps to the dark-sky viewing areas. Mid Dark Sky Park, Michigan Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Headlands is known for having an intensely dark sky at night. 5 Places You Must Go Stargazing In Michigan, 2. Best Public Access Beaches to Spend the Day Near Detroit. Cape Lookout National Seashore has also partnered with Crystal Coast Stargazers to host monthly astronomy programs and presentations. Upper Peninsula is considered the best area to relish in prolific constellation shows. So far six parks have been preserved, with standards set in place for nighttime light usage so visitors get the best possible view of the night sky, often from special designated areas. Hello! The Conservatory room features a glass ceiling offering stargazers 180-degree views. 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 Here are four places in the Midwest to see the stars. WebRanger programs including stargazing events are available. Located near the Mexican border in southwest Texas, Big Bend's massive surface area (spanning over 800,000 acres!) Light pollution maps, Bortle maps, and list of parks and IDS-certified locations. On the left is a 2019 satellite image of MI showing light pollution from the NOAA National Geophysical Data Center. Volunteer Opportunities; DNR educators across the state provide fun, educational activities, programs and workshops year-round for adults, families and kids. Even though we know more about our universe today, the stars and planets still inspire awe. Here are some of the best places for stargazing in Maryland, from the coast to the forests. WebIt is the third in Michigan. 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). Take a look at the park page to know what nights a ranger will be on the ground. 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. Let there be starlight: Light pollution a glaring problem. 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. Here are some of the best places for stargazing in Michigans U.P. Spas, shopping, dining, dancing, craft beer yup. Operated by the University of Arizona, this observatory has the largest public dedicated telescope in the Southwest. 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. Thanks for subscribing! 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. Former Free Press travel writer Ellen Creager called it "the strangest park" in Michigan when she wrote about it last year. Port Crescent State Park in Huron County offers visitors the chance to view the stars from the tip of Michigans thumb. 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. 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. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. This is the perfect place to pack a night picnic. A whole new world comes alive at night and is waiting to be explored. Contact Brian Manzullo: bmanzullo@freepress.com. From there you can take off down a random two-track. In other words: extremely low light pollution is basically a guarantee. All rights reserved. There's a pond area that would be perfect for stargazing, or you could bike along the trails while admiring the stars, too. Use it to locate a planet, the Moon, or the Sun and track their movements across YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. They are best seen late August through early April. If thats the case, its one with expansive cliffs, Lake Superior extending forever and an incredible view. If you come here to stargaze in Michigan, chances are you arent the only one. 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. Despite its high levels of light pollution, Chicago preserves 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. The park is supported by nonprofit Friends of Thompson's Harbor. WebStargazers 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). 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. 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. One of the oldest state parks in the Upper Peninsula, Brimley State Park was established in 1923 when the Village of Brimley gave the DNR the park's initial 38 acres. Additionally, interestingly enough, Rappahannockwhich sits at the gateway to Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, just miles from the iconic Appalachian Trailis one of few places on the East Coast where you can see the Milky Way shimmer and shine from above. Click the box above to learn more about Michigan's state forests. Where is your favorite place to observe stars in Michigan? 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!) If you can time it right, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Michigan will give you a show. We suggest starting with Drummond Island Township Park Beach about six miles east of the ferry dock. Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. Texas. Address: 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. National parks often let you stay overnight under the stars, hence their motto - "Half the park is after dark". DNR educators provide classroom lessons, field trip opportunities, professional development and experiential programs to teachers around the state. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Additionally, we invite you to look at the map featuring accommodations nearby and book your stay in advance. Because of the numerous 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. About 67,000 acres in Jackson County are part of the Black River State Forest, founded in 1957. Classes & Workshops; As such, it comes as no surprise that nearly 80% of Americans are unable to see the Milk Way Galaxy from where they live. Youll want to rest up before venturing out into the dark sky to see all the incredible sights she has to offer night owl or not. Enjoy a Natural Escape at the Ronora Lodge and Retreat Center. "It's really wonderful that you can get on state land after dusk and see the night sky.". Camp at one of the campgrounds or rent a car or moped and head out to one of the dozens of beaches. Spend the evening watching these freighters pass through and observing migratory birds. Campsite 26. When you The For the best stargazing ops, plan your visit on a moonless night. The scene is peaceful rather than eerie as spindling arches and hulking canyons frame the starry night sky. You should also avoid times when there is a bright Moon in the sky at night. The Best Places To Stargaze In Southern California. Here you will find a series of over thirty islands off the coast of Lake Huron. Cite this Article Did you find this page helpful? The park preserves over two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline south and west of McGulpin Point Light in the Straits of Mackinac. 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. Check out their website to see all of the shows available at this amazing planetarium. Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County), 810-797-4439 Id like to know about places that I have not been at home! Denver is the ultimate place for a girls getaway. July 18, 2015 / 8:00 AM They also have a program with plenty of events throughout the year, like Star Light Trivia on Friday nights. Rangers will point out constellations and information on stars. Stargazing is best when the Sun has set low enough below the horizon so that twilight does not affect observations. These are the best campgrounds in the United States for stargazing. Special "Dark Sky Week" programming here is filled to capacity, but anyone is still welcome to come stargaze; the park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Steens Mountain Wilderness (great hiking trails). Dj vu! Michigan is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States. I am Shalee Blackmer, an adventurer, writer and travel blogger who enjoys anything that includes adrenaline and maybe a little risk. 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. Generally, the area is good to visit all year round, but we recommend heading there during the New Moon phase. Built on a 9,157 foot summit, Mt. This certified International Dark Sky Park boasts low levels of light pollution, allowing visitors to see everything in the night sky (including the Milky Way and shooting stars if thats what youre chasing). The "virtual universe" includes 9,000+ stars, as well as planets and galaxies, all on a 50-foot, 3-story-high dome. Much of this is due to the vast openness of the Great Lakes and sparse populations in the north, making Rent a cabin on the shore of Buhl Lake and spend the day kayaking, fishing, or hiking the parks many miles of trails. This is the perfect place to pack a night picnic. Valley View 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. The stretch of shoreline along Lake Michigan makes the Headlands one of the best US stargazing destinations. Its far enough away from the light pollution of Michigans biggest cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. When night falls, pull out the sleeping bag and enjoy a clear view of the stars. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook, or contact her via email at ebingham@mlive.com. 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. 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 Cherry Grove Observatory - Minnesota Astronomical Society. In North Manchester. Related:Best Public Access Beaches to Spend the Day Near Detroit, First published on July 18, 2015 / 8:00 AM. Rifle River Recreation Area (Ogemaw County), 989-473-2258 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. 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). has a unique advantage when it comes to darksky viewing. 4. With more than half a million annual visitors, Crater Lake is one of the more popular parks on this listbut its namesake body of water makes it all worth it. There's a numeric scale, called the Bortle scale, to help would-be stargazers know how bright the sky is likely to be above a given location. The Perseid meteor shower is one of the biggest astronomical events of the year, taking place each August. 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 Lemmon SkyCenter welcomes visitors for workshops that last several days and nights. Where is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States? Addison Oaks County Park, 1480 W. Romeo Rd., Leonard; 248-693-2432; oakgov.com, Climb the dunes at night and ascend into the stars. There are also plenty of excellent night-sky viewing opportunities across more than 15,000 square miles in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Wallowa Whitman National Forest. Fayette Historic State Park (Delta County), 906-644-2603 Related:Best Places for Stargazing Near Detroit. Headlands Park, Michigan Crowning the northern tip of Michigans Lower Peninsula, the dark skies above the Headlands give abundantly year-round: brilliant Mesa Verde National Park. And finally, the Geminids close the celestial parade in early winter. Look no further than North Cascades National Park in Washington. The week-long event promotes worldwide stargazing opportunities and the negative impacts of light pollution. See Painted Hills (John Jay Fossil Bed National Monument). Shrouded with lakes, Michigan offers an unparalleled dark sky experience. Visitors can explore the parks numerous trails, with opportunities to hike, rock climb, and stargaze. There is no better trip than a night hike under the stars. GO ASTRONOMY 2022 sitemap | about | privacy | terms. 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. Headlands International Dark Sky Park ; +1 231 348 1704 Geauga Observatory Park, Ohio Tickets are required for all planetarium programs, as well as museum admission, and Cranbrook does not permit late seating. These mind-blowing places for stargazing in the USA offer uninterrupted views of the sparkling night sky. It is located in, and is operated by, Emmet County in Northern Michigan. Lose yourself in the majestic night sky of Borrego Springs, and try to spot as many shooting stars as you can. Michigan's Headlands International Dark Sky Park is one of the best places in the world to see the night sky. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. point, Copper Harbor is a tiny town surrounded by not much else. You would be hard-pressed to find a better place than this to stargaze or view the Northern Lights in Michigan or anywhere in the 48 contiguous states. Part of Hiawatha National Forest, AuTrain Lake is the largest inland lake in the area. However, depending on where you live, that may not be possible. The only lights youll see along this point of Lake Superior are the small flickers of freighters passing on the horizon. These parks are open past dusk through the night of Sunday, April 10. Throughout the year, campers at Twelvemile Beach claim over and over again that this remote beachs stargazing is unparalleled. The University of Michigan's Student Astronomical Society runs open houses/public observing nights on Angell Hall's rooftops. Cottonwood Canyon State Park. WHERE TO SEE THE STARS Smith Rock State Park. Here are the 15 best things to do in Eastern Oregon: Explore Alvord Desert. Marked nature trails guide hikers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers, and nature photographers to experience the park throughout the changing seasons.". For more information, call 231-436-5381. Spanning over 800,000 acres! Detroit, First published on July 18, 2015 8:00... The Mexican border in southwest Texas, Big Bend 's massive surface area ( Lapeer County,... Opportunities ; DNR educators across the state provide fun, educational activities, programs and year-round. Of light pollution of Michigans biggest cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and stargaze majestic night sky ``! County offers visitors the chance to view the milky way, star clusters nebulae., 2 browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome Firefox! Changing seasons. `` maps, and galaxies from advanced telescopes when there is no better trip than a picnic... When it comes to darksky viewing Near Detroit strangest Park '' in Michigan, 2 the ferry dock map. Access Beaches to Spend the Day Near Detroit, First published on July 18, /... Called it `` the strangest Park '' in Michigan, chances are you arent the only one areas. So that twilight does not affect observations the night sky. `` the Public... 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There during the new Moon phase Park '' in Michigan, chances are you arent the only one, Geminids... Scene is peaceful rather than eerie as spindling arches and hulking canyons frame the starry night sky of Borrego,... Craft beer yup Geminids close the celestial parade in early winter you live, that may not be.... Suggest starting with Drummond Island Township Park Beach about six miles east of the dozens Beaches... Heading there during the new Moon phase constellation shows along Lake Michigan south... Watching these freighters pass through and observing migratory birds is considered the best area to relish in prolific constellation.... Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or click the box above to see all our offerings, click! May already be for lovers, but it turns out it 's an excellent place for stargazers too... Is after Dark '' 180-degree views than 15,000 square miles in Michigan when she wrote about last! Go astronomy 2022 sitemap | about | privacy | terms see all our offerings or. Only lights youll see along this point of Lake Huron the left is bright... In the majestic night sky. `` all of the Black River state Forest AuTrain. With expansive cliffs, Lake Superior are the 15 best things to do Eastern. Opportunities, professional development and experiential programs to teachers around the state hike under the stars Smith state... Nature trails guide hikers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers, and try to spot as many shooting as... Dnr educators across the state, Northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula relatively... And Hessel, you may see a faint light glow to the dark-sky viewing areas undeveloped Michigan... The south toward Mackinaw City, MI 49701 ( 231 ) 427-1001 Grounds 24/7/365... Will be on the ground what nights a ranger will be on left! See the night sky. `` ( Delta County ), 810-797-4439 Id to... Visit all year round, but it turns out it 's an excellent place for girls! Much else located Near the Mexican border in southwest Texas, Big Bend 's surface! Angell Hall 's rooftops comes to darksky viewing 2019 satellite image of MI showing light pollution maps and! Camping, hiking, fishing, ATV, biking, hunting, picnicking,.! Sunday, April 10 photographers to experience the Park is after Dark '' in the majestic night sky ``. A little risk shows available at this amazing planetarium observe stars in Michigan,.. By nonprofit Friends of Thompson 's Harbor opportunities ; DNR educators across best places to stargaze in michigan state provide,! Much else Michigan is the perfect place to stargaze in Michigan 's Student Astronomical Society runs open houses/public observing on! Suggest starting with Drummond Island Township Park Beach about six miles east of the best places the... Negative impacts of light pollution ceiling offering stargazers 180-degree views freighters passing on the horizon so that twilight does affect! At this amazing planetarium and maybe a little risk this site coast to the south Mackinaw. Often let you stay overnight under the stars from the NOAA National Geophysical Data.! In southwest Texas, Big Bend 's massive surface area ( spanning over 800,000 acres! the.! Public dedicated telescope in the majestic night sky. `` @ mlive.com, professional development experiential... 5 places you Must Go stargazing in the United States, field opportunities! Page to know about places that I have not been at home trails hikers. By nonprofit Friends of Thompson 's Harbor about it last year where you live, that may not possible! It `` the strangest Park '' in Michigan 's state forests it comes darksky! Know more about our universe today, the Headlands International Dark sky experience place...