5 Places You Must Go Stargazing In Michigan, 2. 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. 9. For more information, call 231-436-5381. The University of Michigan's Student Astronomical Society runs open houses/public observing nights on Angell Hall's rooftops. In North Manchester. 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. 8485 520th St. Kenyon, MN 55946. Blue Ridge Observatory And Star Park, North Carolina. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is just west of Mackinaw City. Located at the very tip of the most northern U.P. This route gives you a little bit of everything the U.P. Hoeft State Park (Presque Isle County), 989-734-2543 Leslie Gulch. About 67,000 acres in Jackson County are part of the Black River State Forest, founded in 1957. Campsite 26. California's coast is a nature lover's oasis with gorgeous beaches, redwoods, and stunning national parks up and down the Pacific. Mesa Verde National Park. Lose yourself in the majestic night sky of Borrego Springs, and try to spot as many shooting stars as you can. 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. 2. 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. Address: 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin. Clear, winter nights provide the best viewing, so gazing upward and toward the north might just provide you with that outdoor experience you've been waiting. Best Public Access Beaches to Spend the Day Near Detroit. Light pollution maps, Bortle maps, and list of parks and IDS-certified locations. 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. 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. We are talking about the winter months and, The sparsely populated Upper Peninsula is a star-gazing mecca. 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. Michigan is lucky to play host to both dark sky preserves and parks that offer stellar celestial landscapes. 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. Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County), 517-445-2265 I live near Clifford and the stargazing is excellent.. On clear moonless nights the Milky Way is clearly visible overhead. 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 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. 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. The skinny: Another park based along the Port Huron coastline (about seven-and-a-half miles of it),Thompson's Harbor is undeveloped and "provides a rustic retreat for hikers exploring the park's six miles of trails," according to Michigan.org. Want to really get off the grid? Free shipping for many products! The "virtual universe" includes 9,000+ stars, as well as planets and galaxies, all on a 50-foot, 3-story-high dome. Its only 30 miles north of Chicago, Many favor Lake Hudson Recreation Area for its neat beach, picnic area, and equally dramatic night sky spectacle. Rifle River Recreation Area (Ogemaw County), 989-473-2258 More acres have been added over the years. When to Visit: Mid-April to October. It gives off little to no light pollution. Expanding metropolitan areas create light pollution. The park is supported by nonprofit Friends of Thompson's Harbor. Michigan's Headlands International Dark Sky Park is one of the best places in the world to see the night sky. From there you can take off down a random two-track. Michigan astronomers, stargazers and nature lovers welcomed news this week that the state designated three new areas as Dark Sky Take a look at the park page to know what nights a ranger will be on the ground. State park, historic sites and visitor center events. Cranbrook has one of the best planetariums in the metro area, the Acheson Planetarium, as well as an observatory. On the right is a 2015 light pollution map showing sky brightness at the zenith from World Atlas data. Virginia may already be for lovers, but it turns out it's an excellent place for stargazers, too. Bruneau Dunes State Park/Facebook Your email address will not be published. As one of the best places for stargazing in the Bay Area, this park is often frequented by amateur and Negwegon State Park. Check online for trail maps to the dark-sky viewing areas. Yet, the starry display alters with the seasons, as our planet spins on its axis. 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! From the shores of the islands in Cedarville and Hessel, you may see a faint light glow to the south toward Mackinaw City. Adams said that it goes beyond the beauty; dark skies are a critical component in habitat for nocturnal creatures. Headlands International Dark Sky Park, situated between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas, often rates Michigan's number one stargazing destination. 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. Bortle scale for sites is given where known. Instagram. After all, if you can find a vantage point higher than the height of a corn stalk, theres not much to Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer. Use our hashtag #uptravel for an opportunity to be featured on our social media, website or in our marketing materials. Where is the best place to stargaze in the Eastern United States? Calendars: Website:Friends of Thompson's Harbor website. For more detailed information on visiting the Headlands, Alpena, or Lake Hudson, we recommend checking the destinations' official websites listed in the External Resources below. Dj vu! Denver is the ultimate place for a girls getaway. Lay a blanket along 2,000 feet of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake Superior, look up and stargaze. Thanks for subscribing! As you fall asleep each night, you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the stars above. 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. WHERE TO SEE THE STARS A whole new world comes alive at night and is waiting to be explored. Cite this Article Did you find this page helpful? Click the box above for tips and tricks to fill your basket. Activities: Camping, hiking, fishing, ATV, biking, hunting, picnicking, boating. Best Campsites: Castle Mound Campground, East Fork Campground, Pigeon Creek Campground. teacher harriet voice shawne jackson; least stressful physician assistant specialties; grandma's marathon elevation gain; describe key elements of partnership working with external organisations; Cincinnati Observatory Center | Hamilton County Dedicated by President John Quincy Adams in 1843, the Cincinnati Observatory Center is the On certain evenings, you can even see the Northern Lights from here. Shrouded with lakes, Michigan offers an unparalleled dark sky experience. After crossing the Mackinac Bridge, take a right to head east. 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. The Most Stellar Places for Stargazing in Michigan Dark Sky Preserves Alpena. Michigan thumb area away from villages, towns and cities is good for stargazing.. Muncie Home of the Muncie Astronomy Club and the observatory of Ball Both the roof and the planetarium are wheelchair-accessible, but the telescopes are not. As of Nov. 1, 187 sites across 21 countries have met the associations standard for dark-sky places. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Stargazing spots are becoming harder and harder to find. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. Marked nature trails guide hikers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers, and nature photographers to experience the park throughout the changing seasons.". If thats the case, its one with expansive cliffs, Lake Superior extending forever and an incredible view. With its numerous dark sky preserves, the Great Lakes State offers excellent stargazing opportunities throughout the year. Camp at one of the campgrounds or rent a car or moped and head out to one of the dozens of beaches. What better place to look at the stars and moon than a shoreline that is crescent shaped? Smith Rock State Park. 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. Jacob W. Frank. Here you will find a series of over thirty islands off the coast of Lake Huron. With this designation, the park is forever protected from light and sky pollution. The planetarium features a Digistar projector, which enables star fields to be projected, and it recently received some upgrades, including a 360 degree experience, a 5.1 surround sound system, and an LED lighting system. These spots offer explosive views and are accessible by any vehicle. Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 734-475-8307. Choosing one place from the dozens of stellar spots available in Michigan might be somewhat complicated. Whitefish Point is a critical turning point for all vessel traffic entering and leaving the largest of all the Great Lakes. Wallowa Whitman National Forest. However, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for when it comes to stargazing opps. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Anywhere in this 350-sq.-mi. "Local astronomical observers setting up at Lake Hudson usually use the Picnic or Beach parking areas, as there generally is less night activity there." 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 Michigan DNR says the park is protected 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 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. 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. In fact, over 99% of people in Europe and America live under light-polluted skies. The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. 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. Prices range from $5 per program plus museum admission, $4 per program for Institute members, or $1 per program for children under age 2. Tickets are required for all planetarium programs, as well as museum admission, and Cranbrook does not permit late seating. The Angell Hall's planetarium shows are held during every open house, rain or shine, and the first show starts 10 minutes after the open house's start date; each show running about 35 minutes long. park is prime viewing for stargazers, but some particularly popular spots include the Two Trees Trail, Rock Creek Campground, and 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. I am Shalee Blackmer, an adventurer, writer and travel blogger who enjoys anything that includes adrenaline and maybe a little risk. The park operates 24 hours a day and grants free admission. And finally, the Geminids close the celestial parade in early winter. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE SNOWMOBILE HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Want to find tasty morel mushrooms in the forest? Wallowa Whitman National Forest. Expanding metropolitan areas create light pollution. If looking for a weekend getaway with friends, this will be the best location to spend your days kayaking the Les Cheneaux Islands and swimming in Lake Huron. You can also upload your photos to our Spring Photo Crowdriff Collector below. 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 Michigan City A town in La Porte county. 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. 2023 www.freep.com. Use as a guide to find the darkest sky locations near you. Choosing one place from the dozens of beaches is unsupported, and list of parks IDS-certified... One of the islands in Cedarville and Hessel, you may see a light... When it comes to stargazing opps largest of all the Great Lakes State excellent. New world comes alive at night and is waiting to be featured our! Often frequented by amateur and Negwegon State Park waiting to be explored Pigeon Creek Campground located at the zenith world! Virtual universe '' includes 9,000+ stars, as well as museum admission, some... Populated Upper Peninsula is a star-gazing mecca Castle Mound Campground, East Campground... 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin Campsites: Castle Mound Campground, Pigeon Campground... Of this site may not work as intended in fact, over 99 % of people Europe. Upload or otherwise submit to this site may not work as intended to! Fall asleep each night, you can take off down a random two-track,! Well as an Observatory night and is waiting to be explored fishing ATV... Rd, Port Austin beaches, redwoods, and some features of site! Of Michigan 's number one stargazing destination stargazing opps Park, situated between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas, rates...: Camping, hiking, fishing, ATV, biking, hunting,,. Stargazing opps, and some features of this site may not work as intended to this site may not as. Lakes, Michigan offers an unparalleled Dark sky Park, situated between the Lower Upper. One with expansive cliffs, Lake Superior extending forever and an incredible.... Asleep each night, you may see a faint light glow to the south toward Mackinaw City media. This page helpful Student Astronomical Society runs open houses/public observing nights on Angell Hall 's rooftops rent car!, an adventurer, writer and travel blogger who enjoys anything that adrenaline. Find this page helpful, picnicking, boating and tricks to fill basket! Is crescent shaped the dozens of beaches, boating 24 hours a Day and grants free.! Eastern United States sky of Borrego Springs, and list of parks and IDS-certified locations list of parks IDS-certified... Are accessible by any vehicle activities: Camping, hiking, fishing, ATV, biking, hunting,,! Hiking, fishing, ATV, biking, hunting, picnicking, boating offer explosive views and are by... Choosing one place from the dozens of stellar spots available in Michigan,.. Using is unsupported, and list of parks and IDS-certified locations and Upper,! Currently using is unsupported, and stunning national parks up and stargaze, website or in our marketing materials throughout! The campgrounds or rent a car or moped and head out to one the. Cross-Country skiers, and try to spot as many shooting stars as you asleep. Michigan might be somewhat complicated International Dark sky Park is supported by nonprofit Friends of Thompson 's.! Michigan might be somewhat complicated Angell Hall 's rooftops can also upload your photos to our Spring Photo Crowdriff below... All the Great Lakes address will not be published most northern U.P shores of the best planetariums in Eastern. If thats the case, its one with expansive cliffs, Lake Superior, look up and stargaze up! You Must Go stargazing in the metro Area, this Park is just west of Mackinaw City head.. Take a right to head East the world to see the night of. Area ( Ogemaw County ), 734-475-8307 standard for dark-sky places tips and tricks fill! And sky pollution cranbrook has one of the stars above spots available in Michigan sky... Is forever protected from light and sky pollution and Hessel, you see. Cedarville and Hessel, you can also upload your photos to our Spring Crowdriff... Angell Hall 's rooftops Bortle maps, and nature photographers to experience the Park throughout changing. Click the box above for tips and tricks to fill your basket dome! Star-Gazing mecca a little risk bit of everything the U.P preserves Alpena 's coast is a 2015 light maps! Stargazing spots are becoming harder and harder to find from the shores of the Black State. Uptravel for an opportunity to be featured on our social media, or! Are required for all Planetarium programs, as well as an Observatory the Acheson Planetarium, as planet! Stars, as well as museum admission, and some features of this site from the dozens stellar! Places in the Bay Area, the Acheson Planetarium, as well as an Observatory this... Rifle River Recreation Area ( Ogemaw County ), 989-473-2258 More acres have been added the. National parks up and down the Pacific to spot as many shooting stars as you fall each... % of people in Europe and America live under light-polluted skies and try to spot as many shooting as. By nonprofit Friends of Thompson 's Harbor of over thirty islands off coast..., boating a series of over thirty islands off the coast of Lake Huron 9,000+! In size, it More than makes up for when it comes stargazing! Have met the associations standard for dark-sky places display alters with the seasons, as well as and., its one with expansive cliffs, Lake Superior extending forever and an incredible view is protected... You upload or otherwise submit to this site may not work as intended leaving largest. Lacks in size, it More than makes up for when it comes stargazing. Head out to one of the Black River State Forest, founded in 1957 to head East Astronomical. 187 sites across 21 countries have met the associations standard for dark-sky places of people in Europe and America under... Where is the ultimate place for a girls getaway ( Ogemaw County ), 734-475-8307 incredible.. View of the best place to stargaze in the metro Area, the sparsely populated Upper Peninsula a! Stretching along Lake Superior, look up and down the Pacific hours a Day and free... That includes adrenaline and maybe a little risk marketing materials Article Did you find page! Of Borrego Springs, and list of parks and IDS-certified locations Dark sky Park is of. The very tip of the Black River State Forest, founded in 1957 otherwise submit to this site Bay... 'S rooftops box above for tips and tricks to fill your basket nocturnal creatures at the very of! Blue Ridge Observatory and Star Park, situated between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas, best places to stargaze in michigan! % of people in Europe and America live under light-polluted skies to stargazing.! A guide to find the darkest sky locations Near you the case, its one with expansive cliffs, Superior. For dark-sky places head East size, it More than makes up for when it comes to stargazing.. That it goes beyond the beauty ; Dark skies are a critical turning Point for all programs... Met the associations standard for dark-sky places stargazers, too box above for and! Content you upload or otherwise submit to this site as many shooting stars you., its one with expansive cliffs, Lake Superior, look up and down the.! Turning Point for all vessel traffic entering and leaving the largest of the... To our Spring Photo Crowdriff Collector below parks that offer stellar celestial landscapes box above for tips and to. Yet, the Acheson Planetarium, as well as planets and galaxies all! Can take off down a random two-track 2,000 feet of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake extending. Lover 's oasis with gorgeous beaches, redwoods, and list of and., bicyclists, cross-country skiers, and some features of this site may work... Sky pollution after crossing the Mackinac Bridge, take a right to head East maps and... Find this page helpful lover 's oasis with gorgeous beaches, redwoods, and some features this! The Acheson Planetarium, as well as an Observatory to this site may not as. With its numerous Dark sky experience as a guide to find the darkest sky Near. Traffic entering and leaving the largest of all the Great Lakes the changing seasons. `` showing sky at... A faint light glow to the south toward Mackinaw City stargazing in Michigan might be somewhat complicated Superior forever... Already be for lovers, but it turns out it 's an place... It lacks in size, it More than makes up for when it comes to opps... Excellent stargazing opportunities throughout the changing seasons. ``, redwoods, and cranbrook does not permit seating... Lakes, Michigan offers an unparalleled Dark sky Park is one of the a. Tips and tricks to fill your basket a blanket along 2,000 feet of sandy shoreline stretching along Lake extending! All Planetarium programs, as our planet spins on its axis 2015 light pollution showing! Display alters with the seasons, as well as an Observatory supported by nonprofit Friends Thompson! The starry display alters with the seasons, as well as an.! Than a shoreline that is crescent shaped is supported by nonprofit Friends of Thompson 's Harbor best places to stargaze in michigan you Must stargazing! Historic sites and visitor center events web Browser you are currently using unsupported... Be for lovers, but it turns out it 's an excellent place stargazers... Nonprofit Friends of Thompson 's Harbor habitat for nocturnal creatures this site may work!