Light pollution makes it nearly impossible to truly enjoy the most beautiful views of the night sky. So, if you live in any city with a population over 1,000 or anywhere near street lights, you're likely missing some of the incredible show that the universe is putting on for us every single night.

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LakeSuperiorPhoto on Vimeo
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However, there are tons of places you can head to where you can leave those city lights in the rear view and truly get the best view of Michigan's incredible night sky.

Dramatic Nighttime Sky and Clouds With Large Full Moon
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One new park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula has been certified by the International Dark-Sky Park Association as one of the best places to see the night sky.

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Plug it into your GPS if you want to visit Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.

Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is located near Copper Harbor, and is only the third park in the state of Michigan to receive the Dark-Sky Park certification.

How does a park get certified as a Dark-Sky Park?

The process to become a Dark-Sky park takes anywhere from 1-3 years, and requires that a park must prove that they are actively trying to prevent light population, and educate others on why dark areas should be protected.

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Credit: Canva
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While typically, parks that want to be certified must have a certain low level of light threshold, they also allow "urban dark sky parks" so that people in cities can find places that are slightly darker to enjoy.

Where are the other two Dark-Sky parks in Michigan?

You have two other options for certified stargazing in Michigan. The first one is just barely on the other side of the bridge from Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, right outside of Mackinaw you'll find Headlands International Dark Sky Park.

The second is actually a little closer to home, if you head to southwest Michigan and visit Monkey Run St in Jones, you'll find the Dr. Lawless International Dark-Sky Park which has an incredible view of the sky.

Can I camp / stay nearby?

Yes! Not only does the park have a lodge on the grounds that you can stay in, there are also several campsites in the area for those who want to have a stay that's fully engulfed in nature.

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Credit: Canva
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So get out there and see the stars the way they were intended. It will remind you how how amazing the world truly is, and won't cost a thing.

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