If you're looking for a summer getaway to enjoy stargazing, Michigan offers plenty of remote areas to check out — particularly in northern parts of the state.
From International Dark Sky Parks, to state park dark sky preserves to an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the state boasts 10 dark sky areas across the Upper Peninsula, Lower Peninsula and Beaver Island in Lake Michigan.
Michigan's four internationally recognized dark sky areas are part of DarkSky International, a nonprofit seeking to reduce light pollution and promote dark sky sites for stargazing. The organization has designated over 160,000 square kilometers of dark sky areas across 22 countries on six continents, per its website.
"Light pollution disrupts wildlife, impacts human health, wastes money and energy, contributes to climate change, and blocks our view of the universe," DarkSky International's website says.
"When night falls and Michigan’s breathtaking views fade into the darkness, the skyscape opens to one of the greatest star shows in the continental United States. Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula in particular, offers perfect stargazing conditions because the Great Lakes surround the state in near total darkness. The result is an unrivaled viewing experience," Pure Michigan says.
Here's what to know about stargazing in Michigan.
What is a dark sky area?
Dark sky areas are clear, open spots away from light pollution for observing the night sky. The dark sky helps protect wildlife ecosystems, preserve cultural knowledge, advance science and exploration and more, per DarkSky International, a nonprofit organization focused on protecting the dark night sky and combatting light pollution.
Where are Michigan's international dark sky parks?
Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City in Emmet County sits at the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula, offering ideal stargazing near the Straits of Mackinac, per DarkSky International. Visitors can also check out a gift shop at the park.
In southwest Michigan's Cass County, Dr. T.K. Lawless Park is an 820-acre international dark sky park, DarkSky International says. The park features inland lakes and streams, hiking trails, picnic shelters, ball fields, fishing, mountain biking and more.
At the northern tip of the UP's Keweenaw Peninsula lies Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, the first International Dark Sky Park in the UP, per a news release. The park is headquartered at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, a 500-acre historic wilderness resort.
Where are Michigan's state dark sky parks?
Wilderness State Park, located 11 miles west of Mackinaw City in Emmet County, is a designated dark sky preserve, per the DNR. The state park features over 20 miles of trails, 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, camping, forests, ponds, meadows and more.
Northeast Michigan's Presque Isle County offers designated dark sky preserves at two state parks, Rockport Recreation Area and Thompson's Harbor State Park. Rockport Recreation Area lies just north of Alpena along the Lake Huron coastline. The 4,237-acre park features a protected natural area, sinkholes, limestone foundations, horseback riding, hiking and more. Thompson's Harbor State Park also runs along the Lake Huron coast 24 miles north of Alpena. The 5,000-plus acre park includes forests, sand dunes, marshes and a rocky shoreline.
Further south along the Lake Huron coast in Alcona County sits Negwegon State Park, featuring a designated dark sky preserve. The 4,000-acre park includes lowland areas, meadows, forests, eight miles of Lake Huron shoreline, a one-mile sandy beach and more.
Head to the tip of Michigan's Thumb region for Port Crescent State Park near Port Austin in Huron County to visit its dark sky preserve. The park includes three miles of sandy Lake Huron shoreline, a modern campground, trails, the Pinnebog River, fishing, hunting and more.
Lake Hudson Recreation Area in southeast Michigan's Lenawee County near the Ohio border features a dark sky preserve. The park also has a lake, grass fields, a semi-modern campground, boating access site, 1.5 mile trail, fishing, hunting and more.
This Michigan island features an international sanctuary
Beaver Island, located in Lake Michigan about 30 miles offshore from northwest Michigan, features the 55-square-mile Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
The site opened April 8, 2024, per a news release, and marks Michigan's first international dark sky sanctuary. That places the Beaver Island site among 23 certified international dark sky sanctuaries worldwide, per DarkSky International.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dark sky areas in Michigan: Majority are in northern parts of state
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