One of the great things about living in Michigan is the natural beauty of our state. Match that with something cool happening in the heavens, and you have a winning combination.
You can do that during the upcoming Perseid meteor shower during “Meteors & S’mores” in participating Michigan state parks Aug. 10-13.
It’ll be even better if you can travel a little and check it out at a Dark Sky Preserve, of which Michigan has a few.
Dark Sky Preserves have protection against light pollution and are ideal locations for stargazing. Seven Michigan state parks have been designated as Dark Sky Preserves by the Michigan Legislature, including Lake Hudson Recreation Area, Negwegon State Park, Port Crescent State Park, Rockport Recreation Area, Thompson’s Harbor State Park and Wilderness State Park. The Headlands Dark Sky Park, an Emmet County park, is the only internationally designated Dark Sky Park in the state and offers another opportunity for viewing the night sky.
At all participating parks, day-use visitors and campers are encouraged to bring blankets, seating, bug spray and snacks and enjoy a night of stargazing at a number of state parks during “Meteors & S’mores.”
Complimentary s’mores and campfires are part of the celebration. Designated viewing areas and viewing times will be specified at each park.
“The Perseid meteor showers are one of the best opportunities to see shooting stars with the naked eye,” said Stephanie Wirtz, recreation programmer for the DNR. “Michigan state parks offer excellent opportunities for stargazing and include a number of parks that are legislatively designated as Dark Sky Preserves.”
Events listed below with asterisks(**) take place at a Designated Dark Sky park. Meteors & S’mores events are scheduled at the following locations, and we’ve bolded the ones in the wider 10 county southeast Michigan region.
- Leelanau State Park (Leelanau County) Wednesday, Aug. 10, 9:30-10:30 p.m.
- Fort Wilkins State Park (Keweenaw County) Wednesday, Aug. 10, 8 p.m.-midnight
- Rockport Recreation Area** (Alpena County) Wednesday, Aug. 10, 8-11 p.m.
- Lake Hudson Recreation Area** (Lenawee County) Thursday, Aug. 11, 10-11:45 p.m.
- Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County) Aug. 12, 9-10 p.m.
- Rifle River State Park (Ogemaw County) Friday, Aug. 12, 10-11 p.m.
- South Higgins State Park (Roscommon County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9-10 p.m.
- Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9:30-11 p.m.
- Young State Park (Charlevoix County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9-11 p.m.
- Van Buren State Park (Van Buren County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9-11 p.m.
- Clear Lake State Park (Montmorency County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9-11:30 p.m.
- Silver Lake State Park (Oceana County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9:30-11 p.m.
- Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County) Friday, Aug. 12, 8:30-11 p.m.
- Port Crescent State Park** (Huron County) Friday, Aug. 12, 8:30-11 p.m.
- Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County) Friday, Aug. 12, 10-11:45 p.m.
- Holland State Park (Ottawa County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9:30-10:30 p.m.
- Hoeft State Park (Presque Isle County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9-11 p.m.
- Hayes State Park (Lenawee County) Saturday, Aug. 13, 9-10 p.m.
- Lakeport State Park (St. Clair County) Saturday, Aug. 13, 9-11 p.m.
- Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County) Saturday, Aug. 13, 10-11:30 p.m.
- Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County) Saturday, Aug. 13, 8-11 p.m.
- North Higgins Lake State Park (Roscommon County) Saturday, Aug. 13, 9-10 p.m.
During the Meteors & S’mores events, parks stay open later than their normal closing times.
You could also make a trip out of it and camp in the period of Aug. 7-13 – but if you’re going to do that, get on it sooner than later. Reservations can be made for the state parks and make a reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS.