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Park · Mackinaw City, Michigan
Headlands International Dark Sky Park
A dark-sky park on the shore of Lake Michigan west of Mackinaw City, with forest trails and stargazing.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Headlands is a roughly 240-hectare park of forest and rocky shoreline on Lake Michigan, west of Mackinaw City, maintained by Emmet County. It has been designated an international dark-sky park, with lighting rules that protect star visibility.
At night, the lakeshore is open to people who want to observe the Milky Way and constellations, and the park runs astronomy programs with telescopes on certain dates. On clear nights with solar activity, the aurora borealis sometimes appears on the northern horizon, but it cannot be predicted in advance.
By day, trails wind through the forest down to the pebble beach, with views of the Mackinac Bridge in the distance.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to three hours.
Best time
On moonless, cloudless nights, preferably late summer and autumn; during the day for the trails.
How to get there
About 3 km from downtown Mackinaw City by car.
Tip
Bring a red-light flashlight and warm clothing, even in summer. Check the website for observing event schedules.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Can you see the aurora borealis in Mackinaw City?
Sometimes, on clear nights with solar activity; it cannot be predicted in advance.
Is Headlands open at night?
Yes, the lakeside observation area welcomes visitors at night.
Where is Headlands located?
About 3 km west of downtown Mackinaw City, on the shore of Lake Michigan.