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Dark sky parks and preserves
Dark sky parks and preserves
Michigan boasts stunning dark sky locations, perfect for stargazing and viewing aurora borealis. Escape light pollution and witness a night sky brimming with stars, thanks to these incredible front-row spots. All in all, Michigan is home to a prestigious collection of protected skies, including six state-designated preserves, three international dark sky parks and a rare International dark sky sanctuary.
Dark sky preserves in Michigan state parks
Experience the beauty of a protected night sky. These sites are officially designated by the Michigan Legislature and remain open 24/7. You can find these marked preserves at:- Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County)
- Negwegon State Park (Alcona County) - No winter plowing.
- Port Crescent State Park (Huron County) - No winter plowing, visitors can hike from the parking lot to the preserve.
- Rockport Recreation Area (Presque Isle County) - Plowed in the winter.
- Thompson's Harbor State Park (Presque Isle County) - Plowed in the winter.
- Wilderness State Park (Emmet County) - No winter plowing; however, area near park headquarters is plowed.
* To take full advantage of your night sky experience, make your Michigan state park camping reservation at MiDNRReservations.com.
International dark sky parks in Michigan
The following dark sky parks are recognized globally and designated by DarkSky International:
- Headlands Dark Sky Park (Emmet County park)
- Keweenaw Dark Sky Park (Keweenaw County)
- Dr. T.K. Lawless Park (Cass County park)
International dark sky sanctuaries in Michigan
This location is a short boat ride away, offering an untouched window into the cosmos. Certified by DarkSky International, this site has earned international acclaim for its window into the universe:Other stargazing opportunities
International Dark Sky Week
International Dark Sky Week, which takes place each spring, is hosted by the International Dark-Sky Association to encourage discovery of the night sky. The week-long event promotes worldwide stargazing opportunities and the negative impacts of light pollution.
The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are created by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the Earth's atmosphere. 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 for. They are best seen late August through early April.
2026 meteor showers
Although the dates listed represent the peak of activity, meteors are often visible for several days or even weeks surrounding these times.
- Lyrids: April 21-22, 2026.
- Eta Aquariids: May 5-6, 2026.
- Delta Aquariids: July 30-31, 2026.
- Perseids: Aug. 11-13, 2026.
- Draconids: Oct. 7, 2026.
- Orionids: Oct. 21-22, 2026.
- Northern Taurids: Nov. 4-5, 2026.
- Leonids: Nov. 17-18, 2026.
- Geminids: Dec. 13-14, 2026.
- Ursids: Dec. 21-22, 2026.
- Quadrantids: Jan 4, 2027.
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the biggest astronomical events of the year, taking place each August.
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