Headlands International Dark Sky Park

A must see! It's beautiful during the day and it's not just for star gazing! From the website: The grounds, trails, and viewing areas at the Headlands are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Visitors are welcome to stay out through the night for dark-sky viewing opportunities, but camping is not permitted. The Headlands is not intended as an overnight sleeping destination but instead is designated as a place to stay awake and view the stars. You may bring blankets, chairs, food, beverages, etc. When packing, keep in mind that temperatures are typically 10 degrees lower than expected due to our proximity to the lake shore. As a courtesy to others, we do not permit white lights (flashlights or cell phones) in the designated viewing area. Red-filtered flashlights are permitted and are sold on-site. Well-mannered pets are permitted on a six-foot leash. View the Dark Sky Etiquette Guidelines before you visit.

This place is AMAZING. If you go when it's dark, bring red light (no white light allowed). The gift shop is open 24/7 and very informative. Maybe bring a blanket/sheet. Some bug spray. Turn the brightenness down on your phone and turn off adaptive brightness and screen light to for facial recognition. Your eyeballs will thank you later as you acclimate them to the darkness, more and more stars become visible to your makes eye. Bright screens reset that process.

My first dark sky park experience, and this was so cool! We went during the sunset for some good views and checked out the gift shop. But the best part was going back at midnight for a few hours to look up at the sky and stars! I wish I had brought a blanket or a chair that lays back so I could lay back to see everything, and I was glad I brought layers because it was chilly at night. Also, wear bug spray; by the water at night and with all the forestry around, it was buggy. Lastly, I wish I had binoculars (or even better, a telescope)… if you have these definitely bring them! I don’t have pictures from nighttime, but have one from the gift shop and a few from the sunset.

Absolutely GORGEOUS! The winding sidewalk was dotted with red lights as guides, opening into a mini-ampitheatre of seating & colums overlooking the wild lake & giant sky. Behind the Event Center spreads undulating manicured lawns--great to set up telescopes and picnic blankets . It's all so genuinely BEAUTIFUL! Good for the soul! We came here at night, & again near sunset. It was overcast at night, but it was great to be that close to the water in that classically beautiful environment! The universe is framed by silhouetted treetops & an ever-unfurling lake, even behind a batting of clouds. Totally nurtures your humanity!

These views are just a very very short walk through the trees from the massive parking lot! BREATHTAKING! When I went it was not busy at all, and I felt like I had the area mostly to myself. Well worth it to stop here- I know I'll return again and again!

We didn’t get to see much as we picked a bad moon phase with clouds, but the park itself was absolutely breathtaking! The paths were fairly well lit (though I do recommend bringing a small flashlight anyways as they’re lit with red lights. Just be sure to keep them pointed at the ground!) and the observatory was also stunning. We hiked out on the shore of the lake and got some great pictures as well. We definitely plan on going back on a better, warmer night to see more of the night sky!

This place was dark..! There were red lights to guide you on the trails and to the observation area.. Didn’t see much activity the night I went, but the evening sky was worth the trip.. Be careful driving to the park at night.. Roads leading in to the park are not lit with streetlights.. Take your time, be safe, and drive with the high beams if there are no oncoming cars..

Love headlands!! It’s a really dark and lowkey creepy drive through the paths but signage is clear on where to go. It takes a little for your eyes to adjust but it’s so so cool. Make sure you check out if there is a night with good views as it can be cloudy or the moon might be full and too bright. I’ve gone multiple times during meteor showers and it is stunning! Granted, the stars are big and bright in all of northern Michigan but this is a great spot. Bring blankets as it tends to be chilly and come lay and watch the stars! There’s the occasional telescope out which is cool.

It's just a short drive from Mackinaw City and this place has been on our bucket list for a few years. The place is nice but it is not exactly what we were expecting. The path is well marked with red lights (no white lights allowed). They do have bathrooms there too. It just felt a little underwhelming and over populated (and we went on a cold fall night). Some people were packing in wagons and had flashlights which was annoying since the white light ruins your eyes when they are adjusted to the dark.

The property looked very nice, but I didn't like the dark sky viewing area. I envisioned a tranquil experience while watching the perseid shower, but people were loud. I also felt like being on a beach would be a better setting for me. I ended up at the Wilderness state park dark sky area which was much nicer, secluded and felt connected with nature.

This is a perfect spot for dark sky viewing where you could see stars and a full moon on a clear night sky. This place was also super duper romantic especially if you went with a special one. You could either sit in the dark and look at the sky, or just sit right on the white limestone-covered shore of the unsalted coast and listen to the gorgeous and soothing white noise of the waves. Also this makes a perfect place to watch sunset - the sunset I saw today was so red and gorgeous. So if you happen in the Mackinaw City, I recommend giving this place a visit. I'd say though, make sure you come here with a sweater or a jacket on, or bring a blanket with you because as you're waiting for the night sky to turn dark, the temperature will drop and the breeze will become chillier and chillier, so you'd definitely want to be prepared for all that.

If you are in Mackinaw City then you must visit the Headlands - no excuses! Only a few minute drive west from Mackinaw and easy to navigate, even at night. Signage takes you to a paved winding road through the woods to get you to the viewing area. Lots of information along the path but since we went during the night we were unable to read anything. The driving path took a solid few minutes to get through. Tons of parking and a quick walk to the viewing areas. Woods surround you along with tranquil water while you look out. We were able to watch a sunset which was breath taking. The main observatory is amphitheater seating with stones as seats and there was a building behind us. The building was closed but I assume this was the gift shop and welcome area. A secondary viewing area is behind the main building and has a walking path which is lit up with red lights. Benches and picnic tables are spread throughout. If you want more of a solitary viewing area then I suggest finding a seat here rather than the amphitheater seating. The clouds came in quickly, so we only had a 10-15 minutes of good star viewing. Thankfully, the clouds were moving around and we caught glimpses of the stars. The stars we could see were amazing! I wish we went on a night where a park worker was present to let us use a telescope and get information about the night sky. I do caution to bring a red colored flashlight or make your own because it is very dark and while lights are not allowed! Even if it is a cloudy day - the park is a nice place to go for a walk and enjoy the gorgeous views of nature.

Located 10 minutes west of Mackinaw City is this Dark Sky Park. Meaning there are no lights ate night within a nearly 10 mile radius. This allows for a truly spectacular view at night. While it may nit be as good as out in the desert where there are no ligjts within 50 miles, it is still one of the best views in Michigan. There are no white lights allowed in this park so a red light flashlight is a good thing to have. The park is very nice in daylight too. A great place to relax. Overall a 5 star experience. Will I return? You bet I will!

Beautiful spot to gaze at the stars at night.... It's located a bit away from the main area of town, but not much of a drive. My husband and I have been here both during the day and at night. The viewing area/beach filled up pretty quickly at dusk to view the Milky Way and other stars. The Milky Way was super easy to spot and clear to the naked eye. The area is not lit much at night, which means be careful where you walk! No white light is allowed on site and there were signs posted everywhere stating such. It's really a peaceful area to star gaze. It was quiet at night, although if you looked around, the observation area was packed, with people spilling in from the parking lot as soon as dusk hit. We did not bring chairs or blankets,cans as such,Cajuns up sitting on the ground, but truthfully, that was just fine. It's a must for any fan of astronomy or even the casual observer. It might actually not be the best for impatient children or restless types, but the Headlands was a nice way for us to wind down an evening in Mackinaw City. We toured the super cute gift shop/observatory, which appeared recently constructed. The gift shop, open during daytime hours, was filled with interesting souvenirs and I bought some jewelry while I was there.

So much fun! We arrived early to see the sunset. My kids tried to find yooper stones on the beach. The full moon made it too bright to see the meteor shower, but there were some volunteer astronomers set up with very impressive telescopes. We were able to see a 2 star system and the rings of Saturn! Can't wait to return.

while it was cloudy at night which prevented dark sky viewing, we hiked the trails around the area during the day and they are fantastic! Clearly marked trails lead right down the water's edge and along the beach. Sorry to have missed the stargazing this time but the park is certainly worth a visit during the day as well.

We had an amazing visit! Of course we were hoping to see the Aurora Borealis, to no avail, but 4 planets and a shooting star were well worth our while! And stars! So many stars!! It was a beautiful view, and an easy paved path to navigate from the parking lot to the viewing area by the gift shop. We also caught the magic moment of no bugs! This apparently happens not too often, so we were very grateful. The staff person showed us planets through his telescope and the gift shop had a live feed of the (full) moon. Great place - a must visit!

If you know me, then you know.....I am a true "moonchild"! I love everything to do with our universe and solar system. I am know to hop in my car just to chase some shooting stars. I even have a Star Guide app. on my phone. I can't explain to you how excited I was to find out that we have an International Dark Sky Park, here in Michigan. We were planning our trip to the UP and a friend of mine suggested that I visit the Sky Park located in Mackinaw City. I was in shock!!! What?? Wait a minute....how AWESOME is this! We planned our route to stop in Mackinaw City, which is about 4 hours from my house, spend the night in Mackinaw City and then head on up to the UP the next day to continue our Waterfall/Brewery Trail of the UP. The Headlands by far is a must stop and see if you are in the area. This park is open 24/7 365 days a year and you are able to come and go as you please! Due to social distancing they did not have their telescopes out for people to view the amazing sky. You must also be prepared with a red light to see your surroundings in the pitch black of the night. I have to say that this place has to be one of the most romantic places I have ever been. It was quite late and we were the only two people in the park. We walked through the area and found the perfect spot to gaze at the sky above us. There is something humbling about this type of experience as you sit in silence, starring up at the Milky Way, and realize your role in the balance of this magnificent universe. We can't wait to come back and visit!

We went early to get a good spot. Parking can go fast and the sunset can be just as amazing as the night sky. There's very limited benches or picnic tables, so best to bring a blanket or folding chairs to be comfortable. Bring warm clothing and pest repellent. Lighting is limited in order to prevent white light pollution, so purchase a red flashlight in the store, if you are concerned. The visitor center looks closed but is most likely open. It looks closed since the windows are covered. Clean bathrooms were very nice to have. No telescopes when we went, even though the site said there would be. But you can enjoy the amazing night show. Bring refreshments to round out the evening. It's best when it is close to a New Moon.

My wife and I went here two nights in a row this summer. It was around new moon with clear skies and great weather. It was perfect for stargazing. I brought my own telescope and it was nice to spot a few planets and nebula. The expanse of the milky way was a sight to behold. There were also a number of other people hanging around which made us feel more comfortable and secure because of the extreme darkness. A note of WARNING: When you are driving through a dark, long and winding road at night in what seems to be middle of nowhere... it's not fun when a strange man suddenly appears on the road and staring dead straight at you. Those lifesize human posters scared the life out of me I swerved out of my lane and almost hit a tree.

We have never been to a dark star park but this was a really cool place! My wife and I always enjoy star gazing while camping!! It was so beautiful, also don't the souvenir shop , we both bought T-shirts of our night at the park!!! Also DRESS WARM , the wind was howling

Friends held their wedding reception at the Beach House at the Headlands. I stayed at the Beach House for a long weekend. The setting is lovely: woods right on Lake Michigan. The Beach House is this funky, 1950/60s gem--all sharp angles of brick and glass and wood. The house sleeps 22, which came in handy for housing the wedding party and assorted entourage members. There's a central great room with a fireplace, sofas, a giant dining table, and a small kitchen. Off to either side is a bedroom and bathroom. The back deck has a gorgeous view out across the Lake. The house comes complete with plenty of sheets and blankets, and the kitchen is stocked with dishes, glasses, utensils, etc. I enjoyed running on the trails that crisscross the woods of the Headlands. The paths are wide and pretty well-kept. The setting is beautiful and secluded. A wonderful place for a relaxing getaway.

My husband and I visited the Dark Sky Park on Wednesday night, 9-20-17. The view was out of this world!!! We were going in the slight hopes that we might catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. Which would've been amazing, a once in a lifetime experience. We didn't catch the northern lights, but the stars were magnificent, and full of wonder. Neither of us have seen a sky so full of stars. And they were so bright! I think the key (granted that you have clear sky's, no cloud cover), is to watch the lunar calendar. We purposely chose Wednesday night because it was a new moon, the darkest night on the lunar cycle.

I can't believe at how being at the Headlands can make you feel like youtnop're no longer in Michigan. Not saying that Michigan is bad by any means. The Headlands just takes your mind completely off of any worries, doubts, and fears. And places you in the moment and become hypnotized by the lake hitting the shore, the crickets and other insects chirping, and the moonlight shining off the lake. I think the last time I was able to feel so at peace was at the beach in Cali. My hubs and I went to Dark Sky Park and I was slightly disappointed that we didn't get to see as many stars as I expected there to be. But, it was still an awesome experience. We we're lucky enough that when we went, the park was holding an event, that lasted about two hours long and gave us a map of the stars that would be visible. I like that the park is open 24/7, so if you wanted to come here to meditate at any time, you could do so without having any distractions. The park can get very dark, especially through the woods, so definitely bring a flashlight!

Moon too bright. They don't bring the stars out until it's very late and there is only the one showing. Would be nice if they offered a matinee. Bug spray helpful, sunscreen not. Admission and parking free.

Staff were super!! They loved teaching and sharing their knowledge. Enjoyed the program on the Monday we went. Excellent venue!

Very nice. The walk is a mile in, but it's easy enough. We could use the stroller up until we arrived at the beach. Bring blankets to sit on and to cuddle up in. Bug spray is a must too. I would recommend allowing your eyes to adjust to the night and not use a flashlight on the trail - it ruins the night vision of others who are walking on the trail. The only negative - the porta-potties were not cleaned out. However it was over July 4th weekend, so they probably had a higher volume of visitors.

We went to the Headlands for the International Dark Sky Park experience. What an incredible evening. We lucked into a completely cloudless night, which is apparently rare for this area. We stopped by in the afternoon to make sure we knew what to expect. So we arrived at 7:15, as we'd been told to be there by 8:30 if we wanted a parking place (the program started at 9:30). So we were there to watch the sun go down on a gorgeous day and evening. Before the stars began to pop, the staff of astronomers brought out three different telescopes for all of the audience members to take turns viewing. Once the sun set, the main astronomer had a laser pointer which he used to point out constellations and stars in the sky. It's the first time I have ever seen the Milky Way. It was a very emotional experience. Gorgeous facility, beautiful and easily accessible bathrooms, knowledgeable staff. An extraordinary experience. BTW, we left the park well after 12:00 a.m.. As we drove out, we noticed cars coming in, down the long drive deep into the viewing area. When we got to the Caretakers house, we realized that there were cars lined up for a very long way, all the way outside the park itself. It must have taken them all night to get in to see the "celestial show". We were so happy we'd gotten there so very early.

Very disappointing. Not any clear signs or directions on where to go. So sad, this is one of a dozen dark sky's and probably the worst of all of them. Would not recommend to anyone. If I could I'd give it zero stars. So sad....