International Dark Sky Park in Northern Michigan
The Headlands, a beautiful 550-acre park just west of Mackinaw City, is one of six International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. and one of nine in the world. Named a Dark Sky Park in May 2011, this designation means that The Headlands is a spectacular place for sky and star gazing.
A Dark Sky Park has minimal light interruption from nearby cities or places making it a perfect place to view the skies at night. The approval required a lengthy process by Emmet County, who owns and operates the park. As an official Dark Sky Park, the only one in Michigan, The Headlands must be open at all times and include an educational component about astronomy and maintain park lighting that is minimizes interference with star gazing.
The nation's other Dark Sky Parks are in Utah, Pennsylvania, Washington, Ohio, and New Mexico.
The Headlands contains two miles of pristine Lake Michigan beaches, rare and endangered plant life, and wild life including bald eagles and osprey. Trails through the park offer the opportunity to view the plant and wild life.
The park provides lodging in two unique buildings: the Beach House that houses up to 18 people, and the Guest House with accommodations for up to 22 people. In 2011, theknot.com, a national wedding source, named The Headlands a site for the Best of Weddings.
Throughout the year, the Headlands Dark Sky Park hosts night time events such as a Halloween event as well as those to celebrate a lunar eclipse or meteor shower. The Headlands Dark Sky Park already is drawing visitors from around the U.S. who travel to Northern Michigan to observe the sky in such a perfect setting.
Whether it's a hike along the beach, a view of the night sky, or a wedding, The Headlands does it all!
For information on events at the Dark Sky Park, visit:
Calendar of Events
Last Updated: 01-08-2012 01:10 PM
