Do the stars seem less visible than they have in past decades? They are. Around the world, the night sky is increasing in brightness at a rate of 7% to 10% per year, according to a 2023 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Science.
The culprit? Light pollution, caused by the widespread use of artificial light sources, which play an integral role in a developed society. Its obstruction of stargazing is only the beginning. Light pollution can harm ecosystems. It also uses excess energy, exacerbates climate change, and affects the human circadian rhythm, which is dictated by light exposure.
DarkSky International was established in 1988 to counter light pollution. The U.S. nonprofit has 65 chapters in more than 25 countries worldwide, each dedicated to protecting the night sky through education and advocacy.
The nonprofit awards International Dark Sky Place certifications to parks, sites, and even entire cities that it determines “preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.”
Michigan is home to three International Dark Sky Parks and one International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Additionally, the Michigan Legislature has designated sites within six state parks as “dark sky preserves.”
In addition to providing a natural refuge from light pollution, these sites offer captivating views of the cosmos with the naked eye: the Milky Way, constellations, and — depending on the time of year and conditions — the Northern Lights.
Michigan’s State Parks with Designated Dark Sky Preserves
- Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Clayton
- Negwegon State Park in Harrisville
- Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin
- Rockport State Recreation Area in Alpena
- Thompson’s Harbor State Park in Rogers City
- Wilderness State Park in Carp Lake
Michigan’s International Dark Sky Parks
- Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City
- Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Copper Harbor
- Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Jones
Michigan’s International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area on Beaver Island
Need a Shower?
Just about everyone — from the everyday joe to the professional astronomer — is transfixed by the sight of a meteor. These stunning streaks in the sky are produced by bits of comet and asteroid debris as they enter our atmosphere and burn up. There are several meteor showers throughout the year, but the most popular — and one of the most plentiful — is the Perseids. It starts in mid-July and peaks this year around Aug. 12-13. And the best place to see it in Michigan, of course, is a dark sky park, preserve, or sanctuary.
This story originally appeared in the July 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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