Dark Sky Parks
Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area
Beaver Island, MichiganBortle 2 Best in Summer
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
Michigan's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary and the 20th in the entire world, Beaver Island sits 32 miles offshore in Lake Michigan, accessible only by ferry or small plane from Charlevoix. The island's remote location eliminates nearly all artificial light intrusion, producing some of the darkest skies in the Great Lakes region. Certified in 2024 within the core of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Beaver Island is one of the most distinctive dark sky destinations in the eastern United States.
What's here
On the map
What to bring
Our picks for a good night under the stars.
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