Observe International Dark Sky Week At Michigan State Parks

Michigan residents and park-goers will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the night sky this week during International Dark Sky Week (4/4-4/10). The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced that a number of state parks will stay open for self-guided stargazing and views of the night sky during this week. Visitors should call ahead for individual park hours

The following state parks and recreation areas will stay open for night sky viewing:

Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County), 989-684-3020
Fayette Historic State Park (Delta County), 906-644-2603
Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County), 989-348-7068
Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County), 810-229-7067
Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County), 517-445-2265
Maybury State Park (Wayne County), 248-349-8390
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County), 810-797-4439
Negwegon State Park (Alpena/Alcona County), 989-724-5126
North Higgins Lake State Park (Crawford County), 989-821-6125
Orchard Beach State Park (Manistee County), 231-723-7422
P.H. Hoeft State Park (Presque Isle County), 989-734-2543
Port Crescent State Park (Huron County), 989-738-8663
Rifle River Recreation Area (Ogemaw County), 989-473-2258
Rockport State Recreation Area (Alpena County), 989-734-2543
Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County), 248-634-7271
Sleepy Hollow State Park (Clinton County), 517-651-6217
Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Chippewa County), 906-492-3415
Tawas Point State Park (Iosco County), 989-362-5041
Van Riper State Park (Marquette County), 906-339-4461
Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County), 734-475-8307

In addition, the Besser Museum Planetarium in Alpena will host an informational program about the night sky this Friday (4/8) at 7 PM. At 8:30 PM, program participants are welcome to visit Rockport State Recreation Area harbor for night sky viewing. For more details contact P H Hoeft State Park at 989-734-2543.

Attendance is free at many of these events but a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry. Learn how you can gain access to Michigan state parks and more with a Recreation Passport at michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

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