Emmet County Dark Sky Park
If you enjoy spending summer weekends Up North you are probably used to long lazy beach days and summer bonfires are sunset. You may have even star gazed a few times and possibly visited the Emmet County Dark Sky Park. Every other summer weekend we have a campfire at our house. Sometimes we invite friends over and sometimes we just chill out as a family enjoying snacks and s’mores around the campfire. One of our favorite activities is star gazing. We are lucky enough to live several miles outside of Petoskey and on clear summer and winter nights, the night sky lights up with beautiful stars. We love searching the night sky and pointing out the different constellations to each other. This past winter we even took the kids to the Michigan Science Center. While we were there we sat through a star show in the planetarium. It was great and pointed out all the amazing constellations you can see in the night sky.
(Photo Courtesy of Emmet County Dark Sky Park)
If you visit Emmet county often, you have probably heard of the Emmet County Dark Sky Park or the Headlands as many locals refer too it. During college, I worked summer breaks and weekends at Traverse Bay Woolen Company in Mackinaw City. Living in Mackinaw City during the summer months meant long beach days and late nights with friends. It was approximately 2001 and the Dark Sky Park wasn’t even on Emmet County’s radar at that time. The park, commissioned by the county wasn’t even really a ‘park’ at that point either. As college age kids, we would head out to Second Beach outside Mackinaw City on Lake Michigan and often stop into the Headlands. The main house at the time was nothing like it is today. It was very old and you could rent it for overnights and weekends. It was quite spooky almost, desolate, and simply awesome. Coming out through the wooded path leading up to the house and into the clearing along Lake Michigan, the house stood on the shores of the lake like an old beacon.
Fast forward to 2017 and the Emmet County Dark Sky Park remains a gorgeous and remote stretch of 550 acres that allows visitors to view the night sky without any interruptions, any time of year. The Headlands still boasts a beautifully updated guest house that visitors can rent. There is also a well-groomed trail system and is now one of 10 International Dark Sky Parks around the world. The park is open year round, 24 hours a day and admission is free. Overnight camping is not allowed, however visitors are welcome to stay the night star gazing. Visitors are also welcome to bring blankets, chairs, snacks and beverages if they wish.
(Photo Courtesy of Emmet County Dark Sky Park)
Construction of the Dark Sky Park is still in process however, the grounds are open and welcome to anyone who wishes to visit. Head over to the Dark Sky Park Events page for more information on events happening this summer.
