Perseid Meteor Shower Returns Early August
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the biggest astronomical events of the year, taking place Aug. 7-13. Select Michigan state parks will stay open late during “Meteors & S’mores” events to help visitors catch magnificent night views. Complimentary s’mores and campfires are part of the celebration.
Day-use visitors and campers are encouraged to bring blankets, seating, bug spray and snacks to enjoy a night of stargazing. Designated viewing areas will be specified at each park. The Perseid Meteor Shower, taking place Aug. 7-13, are best viewed during the darkest time of the night, after midnight.
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Dark Sky Parks
The parks listed below are Designated Dark Sky Parks, meaning the state park has legislative protection against light pollution and is an ideal location for stargazing. The parks are marked with an asterisk.
- Leelanau State Park (Leelanau County) on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
- Fort Wilkins State Park (Keweenaw County) on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 8 p.m. to midnight
- Rockport Recreation Area (Alpena County) on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 8 to 11 p.m.
- Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County) on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 10 to 11:45 p.m.
- Rifle River State Park (Ogemaw County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 10 to 11 p.m.
- South Higgens State Park (Roscommon County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9 to 10 p.m
- Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9:30 to 11 p.m.
- Young State Park (Charlevoix County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9 to 11 p.m.
- Van Buren State Park (Van Buren County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9 to 11 p.m
- Clear Lake State Park (Montmorency County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9 to 11:30 p.m.
- Silver Lake State Park (Oceana County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9:30 to 11 p.m.
- Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 8:30 to 11 p.m.
- Port Crescent State Park (Huron County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 8:30 to 11 p.m.
- Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 10 to 11:45 p.m.
- Hayes State Park (Lenawee County) on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 9 to 10 p.m.
- Lakeport State Park (St. Clair County) on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 9 to 11 p.m.
- Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County) on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 10 to 11:30 p.m.
- Holland State Park (Ottawa County) on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
- Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County) on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 8 to 11 p.m.
- North Higgens Lake State Park (Roscommon County) on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 9 to 10 p.m.
- Hoeft State Park (Presque Isle County) on Wednesday, Aug. 13 frp, 9 to 10 p.m.
Interested in Camping?
To make camping reservations and to sleep under the stars, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS.
