Where To Celebrate International Dark Sky Week In Michigan
DETROIT (WWJ) - International Dark Sky Week is coming up and Michigan is the perfect place to celebrate.
Residents and visitors alike will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the night sky during International Dark Sky Week, April 4-10, because a number of state parks will stay open for self-guided stargazing and views of the night sky.
Visitors should call ahead for individual park hours, and then bring a blanket, sit back and take in the sights.
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
Many parks are also hosting special events that are free to attend, but a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry.
International Dark Sky Week began in 2003 by a high-school student and has grown to become a worldwide event and a key component of Global Astronomy Month. Activists highlight the week to draw attention to problems associated with light pollution and encourage simple solutions to mitigate its effects.
