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Keweenaw Dark Sky Park:

Experience the Wonders of Michigan’s Stargazing Paradise

Discover the magic of the night sky at the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, a year-round celestial sanctuary headquartered at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor. Located in one of the most pristine and remote areas of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this family-friendly park offers unparalleled opportunities for stargazing, astrophotography, and reconnecting with the natural world.

What is the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park? 

The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is a Dark Sky International designated area dedicated to preserving the natural darkness of the Copper Country’s dark skies.  It’s one of the few places in the Midwest where light pollution is virtually nonexistent, making it an ideal spot for observing stars, planets, and distant galaxies with the naked eye or through a telescope. Whether you’re a serious astrophotographer, hobby aurora chaser, or just looking for a peaceful night under the stars with the family, the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is the perfect destination.

How Can I Find the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park?

Nestled at the tip of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park spans the rugged coastline and forested areas around the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, which serves as the park’s headquarters. The Lodge is located on US-41 just outside the charming town of Copper Harbor, making it an easily accessible gateway to your dark sky adventure.

Night sky at Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is an unmissable landmark, and a rich resource for Dark Sky info and events.

Where Should I Visit in the Park?

To ensure your safety while staying on the appropriately designated Keweenaw Mountain Lodge grounds, trails, and other publicly accessible portions of the expansive Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, download or pick up a stargazing map from the Outdoor Activities Center (OAC) in the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. For easily accessible dark sky viewing, this map contains demarcated Milky Way, Northern Lights and Dark Sky Viewing spots along Brockway Mountain Drive and between the Lodge parking lot and disc golf course

What should I bring for Night Sky Viewing? 

The ‘dark’ in Dark Sky Park is not in the name by coincidence. The lodge grounds and surrounding Keweenaw Dark Sky Park will be intensely dark. To be mindful of the other night sky gazers, be sure to bring a red flashlight to preserve night vision; however, the Lodge strongly suggests letting your eyes adjust, stepping out of your comfort zone, and waiting until the last possible second to turn on your red light. It’s not a bad idea to scope out where you’re going first in daylight. 

Nights on the Keweenaw can get quite chilly, make sure you are dressing in layers or bringing enough to keep you comfortable. A blanket or camp chair will keep you comfortable while stargazing. If you are coming to photograph the sky, be sure to research how to capture the night sky on your cellular device. If you are bringing a camera, pack a tripod and a wide-angle lens. If you need a little assistance with night photography, it is recommended to keep a longer shutter speed (like 30-60 seconds), a wide aperture (like f/8-f/16), and a low ISO will help reduce grain.

How to Adventure Safely and Responsibly

Remember to stay on designated trails and viewing areas during the park's open hours, 7AM - 7PM. It's recommended that visitors explore potential dark sky viewing locations during the daylight hours. This helps to familiarize yourself with the area and identify tripping potential tripping hazards. Be mindful of wildlife, and pack out all trash to keep the park pristine. If you’re new to night photography or night exploration, consider joining one of the guided tours to enjoy the night safely with an experienced guide.

Important Note: Indoor facilities at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge are reserved for KML guests and event attendees. For park information, stop at the Outdoor Activities Center (OAC) when you arrive. 

NIGHT SKY ETIQUETTE

Witnessing the Northern Lights and other heavenly displays can truly be a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and following some very simple guidelines can help preserve that perfect photo or moment for a fellow star-chaser:

  • Don't Make New Light: come prepared with night-friendly red light headlamps and flashlights, and be mindful where you point them. But don't forget that car dome lights, head lights, cell phones lights, and screens are all unnatural light sources that can bust shots. 
  • Be Respectful and Polite: everyone seeks a personal experience under the night sky. You may find yourself near a gaggle of first-time photogs, or someone who just is looking for solitude. Respect their space and in kind, they'll respect yours. 
  • Avoid Making Assumptions: be sure to give a courtesy call and communicate as you approach folks in the dark. Don't want to give anyone a fright!
  • Travel Cautiously and Considerately: these late-night experiences can be fleeting and exciting, but make sure you drive responsibly to locations, and be mindful of late-night fatigue. It's always best to bring a friend, and exercise caution even in familiar landscapes. Be a friend and kindly let fellow stargazers know if they're approaching known hazards. 
  • Follow Leave No Trace and Nature First Principles: plan ahead and prepare for your late-night destination. Be sure to set up on durable surfaces and bring home all equipment and trash. Prioritize nature's wellbeing over the photos, and learn about the places that you're visiting!
  • Be Ready to Help: cell phone and emergency services can be limited, or weather can change on a dime - be sure to stay aware and help any fellow stargazers!
  • Respect Private Property: Do not trespass on private or tribal lands without permission. Respecting property boundaries helps maintain access rights and fosters goodwill with landowners. For accessible private lands, follow any use restrictions diligently in order to preserve these privileges.

(These guidelines are provided by Thomas Oliver, Keweenaw nature and night sky photographer.)

 

Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival

a group of people illuminated in night friendly LED lighting look up into the starry night sky
Get hands-on experience with astrophotography and more at the Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival. (Credit: Chris Guibert)

The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park hosts an annual April event at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge HQ around International Dark Sky Week: The Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival. The DarkSky International encourages people worldwide to discover the night during International Dark Sky Week. This annual week-long event aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of light pollution, the solutions that exist and simultaneously celebrate the night. The event is intended for all ages of dark sky enthusiasts, and includes lectures, astrophotography workshops, and more!

Chasing the Northern Lights? Learn more about discovering the full depth of the Keweenaw's dark skies.