The Only International Dark Sky Park in Michigan

Now before there is any arguing, yes, there are SIX Dark Sky Parks in Michigan, but this is the only international one in our state.

During one of my trips up north, I visited the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, just west of Mackinaw City. The park sits along two miles of undeveloped shoreline, with a visitor center that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

So exactly what is a “dark sky park”?
According to midarkskypark.org, it is “dedicated to protecting and stewarding natural darkness in the world”. The Emmet County location became the sixth such place in the U.S. and the ninth in the entire world.

What do you do here?
The most fun thing to do here is to star gaze and observe the sky at the natural outdoor planetarium. Throughout the year, special night viewing events are held outside by the lake shore with telescopes at the ready. Depending on what season you visit depends on you will observe. The constellation Orion the Hunter is easily seen during the spring months. Summer brings the width and breadth of the Milky Way, covering the sky. The constellations Scorpio and Sagittarius are easy to see from this vantage point.

Late summer as we head into fall, there are a good handful of meteor showers to view. If you are lucky enough to be up there at the right time – late March or September – you’ll get one heck of a view of the Aurora Borealis. The wide sky is free of any trees that may block your view and the sky above appears extraordinarily immense and full of celestial life.

What else?
Walking trails
Entrance is free except for certain special events
Close-by wildlife includes black bear, coyotes, and bald eagles
You can rent the event center or a cottage

The evenings at the Headlands along the shore of Lake Michigan are temperature-cool, even in summer…sometimes you even need to dress 10% cooler. This is a unique alternative to the usual “up north” things you usually do. It was very relaxing and I really enjoyed it!