The Headlands, a beautiful 550-acre park just west of Mackinaw City, is one of six International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. and one of nine in the world. Named a Dark Sky Park in May 2011, this designation means that The Headlands is a spectacular place for sky and star gazing.

A Dark Sky Park has minimal light interruption from nearby cities or places making it a perfect place to view the skies at night. The approval required a lengthy process by Emmet County, who owns and operates the park. As an official Dark Sky Park, the only one in Michigan, The Headlands must be open at all times and include an educational component about astronomy and maintain park lighting that is minimizes interference with star gazing.

The nation's other Dark Sky Parks are in Utah, Pennsylvania, Washington, Ohio, and New Mexico.

The Headlands contains two miles of pristine Lake Michigan beaches, rare and endangered plant life, and wild life including bald eagles and osprey. Trails through the park offer the opportunity to view the plant and wild life.

Throughout the year, the Headlands Dark Sky Park hosts night time events such as a Halloween event as well as those to celebrate a lunar eclipse or meteor shower. The Headlands Dark Sky Park already is drawing visitors from around the U.S. who travel to Northern Michigan to observe the sky in such a perfect setting.

2016 Programs

June 20 The Cycle of the Year as a Breathing Process. Sun and Moon will balance the visible horizon at this year’s Summer Solstice, with Full Moon rising in the East as the Sun, at Solstice, sets in the West. Come celebrate the mystery of it all, either just for the actual Solstice moment at 6:35pm for sunset and moonrise at 9:32pm, or for the whole evening.

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, August 3, 12,10, 26, and September 3, 8:30pm Starlight Family Trivia Night. Fridays throughout the summer, starting July 1 (and unless there is a formal program scheduled) join us at the shoreline viewing area with your favorite team of family and friends for Starlight Trivia, designed to test and delight your knowledge of the stars! In the event of inclement weather, Starlight Trivia will take place at the Heritage Village Pavilion, across the street from Headlands main entrance.

August 12 Lights Out and the Perseids Picnic. The brightness of First Quarter Moon doesn't stand a chance against local enthusiasm for Lights Out under the Perseid Meteor Shower. Join us for an evening of counting falling stars as the lights go out around Northern Michigan to celebrate the night sky! Headlands Dark Sky Park.

September 17 Harvest Festival Dance. Come dance with us in the Headlands Festival tent to celebrate the season with live music under light of the Full Harvest Moon! Performing will be the renowned Jill Jack Band!

October 20, 8pm Headlands Challenge. Set the imaginations on fire with a one-mile candlelit walk.

November 18, 10pm Friday Night No Lights for the Leonids. It is the peak of the lion's meteor shower, and you are invited to join the Headlands Dark Sky staff for a beautiful night under starry skies.

December 19, 5pm Snowshoe Hike Through the 12 Days of Christmas. The last New Moon of 2016 occurs during the sacred season of days that bridge the old year to the new, allowing for unique contemplation of where we’ve been, and where we’re headed. Limited number of snowshoes available by reservation at 231-348-1713 (it's best to bring your own).

SHEPLER'S FERRY NIGHT SKY CRUISES

Hop aboard for a wonderful night out under the stars and experience the beautiful Straits area while enjoying an entertaining evening listening to Mary Stewart Adams, Program
Director of the Dark Sky Park at the Headlands, discuss sky lore and celestial events in our night sky. It’s a wonderful way to spend time star gazing out on the water!

June 18, 8:30pm Solstice Moon Cruise
July 18, 8:30pm Full Moon Cruise
July 31, 8:30pm Blue Moon Cruise
August 2, 8:45pm Summer's New Moon Cruise
August 11, 11pm Perseid Meteor Shower Cruise
September 16, 7:30pm Harvest Moon Cruise

For more information:
Headlands Dark Sky Park
7725 E Wilderness Park Dr
Mackinaw City, MI 49701
231-436-4051
www.emmetcounty.org/darkskypark

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For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in Northern Michigan:

Harbor Springs, Michigan -- Harbor Springs is the place to try new things! Rent a bike or a kayak, go snow tubing, attend a concert or an art fair, or play a round of golf with friends.
Petoskey -- There's so much to do in Petoskey from the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, to Petoskey State Park, to biking, golfing, hiking, and more.
Charlevoix, Michigan -- Visiting Charlevoix in Northern Michigan is a fun-filled vacation with great beaches, boating, skiing, fishing and year 'round family fun.
Things to Do in Boyne City, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like Boyne City in Northern Michigan with camping, boating, skiing, year 'round outdoor activities, and of course, the morel mushroom!
Lots of Activities in Mackinaw City, Michigan -- Explore Mackinaw City in Northern Michigan for history, the International Dark Sky Park, and outdoor activities.
Mackinac Island -- Take a step back in time and find lots of things to do when you visit Mackinac Island by horseback or bike--no cars allowed!
Northern Michigan Activities & Things to Do -- Northern Michigan offers many fun things to do for the entire family whatever the season, whatever the reason!

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