The Top Sky Watching Destinations in Michigan

I am an absolute sucker for nature. It's a big reason I live where I live. It isn't because of the mouse house. It has more to do with the fresh air and the view. We see some beautiful sights in the sky here in the country. When you get away from the city, the stars POP like lights in a night club. When you get up north, it's like you don't need a flashlight, sometimes it's so bright, you can see clearly at night.

Where are the best places in Michigan to go to get a clear look at God's canvass?

We stumbled upon one of these views canoeing up north near Empire by the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. So, I speak from experience when I say, WATCH OUT FOR DEER! Pull your car over and don't try staring at the sky while you are driving.

1) Empire. The ONLY reason it is #1 is because I have been to this one. The other 4 I hope to see at least one in the next 4 years. The Sleeping Bear Sand Dune National Lakeshore is really amazing day or night. 

2) Have you ever heard of the Turnip Rock in Port Austin? In the tip of the thumb you will find the treasures of Port Austin. People rarely venture to the thumb, here is a great reason to check out the tip... Just for a few seconds... See how it feels? Looking for a spot? Check out Port Crescent State Park .

3) Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising. If you are looking for some serious likes on your social... Go snap some pics here. EVERY YEAR we talk about going but still haven't. It's a popular destination so start booking early.

4) Dark Sky Preserves in Alpena. There are 3 of the Dark Sky preserves. The Rockport State Recreation Area has been known to be a source of great views and pictures. Also 7 lighthouses and 12 sinkholes.

5) Headlands International Sky Park in Mackinaw City. It is the ONLY park in Michigan that has been given official INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY status. They just launched a 9 million dollar observatory and it's a prime place to see the Northern Lights in Michigan.

6) Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise. Snap some great pictures of the night and nature in this Michigan legend.