This list is for anyone who's never quite outgrown looking up, including me. I’ve found the best dark-sky parks and public observatories across the Midwest. Real places with real night skies, far enough from city light to actually see something
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A certified International Dark Sky Park with night programming and special viewing events during meteor showers
Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park
One of the most dedicated dark-sky destinations in the country, with regular astronomy programs and unobstructed lake-effect skies
Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Far enough from Duluth's light pollution to offer real star visibility, especially from the park's quieter overlooks
Jay Cooke State Park
Lake Michigan's open horizon makes for an unusually wide, unobstructed sky view, particularly along the dune boardwalk after dark
Kohler-Andrae State Park
A volunteer-run public observatory with a large telescope and knowledgeable hosts for guided viewing nights
Fox Park Public Observatory
Packing List
Turns your phone into the easiest stargazing tool you own. Point it at the sky and know exactly what you're looking at. Much easier than playing “connect the dots!”
Star Chart - App Store - Apple
Doesn't require an astronomy background to use. Just point, focus, and you'll see far more than the naked eye ever could
Portable Telescope
Lets you see what you're doing without ruining your night vision, which a regular flashlight will do almost instantly
Red Light Flashlight
Stargazing means sitting still for a while, often somewhere colder than you'd expect. This keeps you out longer without the worry of frostbite cutting the night short
Thermal Blanket - Amazon.com
Looking up for an extended period is a lot more comfortable with proper back support than a blanket on the bumpy ground
