I came here for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and will be returning in September. This is an absolutely beautiful dark sky park with spectacular views. The park offers various educational programs and experiences throughout the months, has a unique gift shop (the staff was great as well), and has several walking trails to enjoy. I love that you can learn on your walk by reading the various signs posted. It would be fun if they did an educational scavenger hunt on their educational trail, as that would be a fun way to learn. I look forward to visiting again in another month! read more

The Headlands - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mackinaw City, Michigan

See all

It's just a short drive from Mackinaw City and this place has been on our bucket list for a few years. The place is nice but it is not exactly what we were expecting. The path is well marked with red lights (no white lights allowed). They do have bathrooms there too. It just felt a little underwhelming and over populated (and we went on a cold fall night). Some people were packing in wagons and had flashlights which was annoying since the white light ruins your eyes when they are adjusted to the dark. read more

This is a perfect spot for dark sky viewing where you could see stars and a full moon on a clear night sky. This place was also super duper romantic especially if you went with a special one. You could either sit in the dark and look at the sky, or just sit right on the white limestone-covered shore of the unsalted coast and listen to the gorgeous and soothing white noise of the waves. Also this makes a perfect place to watch sunset - the sunset I saw today was so red and gorgeous. So if you happen in the Mackinaw City, I recommend giving this place a visit. I'd say though, make sure you come here with a sweater or a jacket on, or bring a blanket with you because as you're waiting for the night sky to turn dark, the temperature will drop and the breeze will become chillier and chillier, so you'd definitely want to be prepared for all that. read more

The Headlands - Gorgeous red sunset. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mackinaw City, Michigan

See all

If you are in Mackinaw City then you must visit the Headlands - no excuses! Only a few minute drive west from Mackinaw and easy to navigate, even at night. Signage takes you to a paved winding road through the woods to get you to the viewing area. Lots of information along the path but since we went during the night we were unable to read anything. The driving path took a solid few minutes to get through. Tons of parking and a quick walk to the viewing areas. Woods surround you along with tranquil water while you look out. We were able to watch a sunset which was breath taking. The main observatory is amphitheater seating with stones as seats and there was a building behind us. The building was closed but I assume this was the gift shop and welcome area. A secondary viewing area is behind the main building and has a walking path which is lit up with red lights. Benches and picnic tables are spread throughout. If you want more of a solitary viewing area then I suggest finding a seat here rather than the amphitheater seating. The clouds came in quickly, so we only had a 10-15 minutes of good star viewing. Thankfully, the clouds were moving around and we caught glimpses of the stars. The stars we could see were amazing! I wish we went on a night where a park worker was present to let us use a telescope and get information about the night sky. I do caution to bring a red colored flashlight or make your own because it is very dark and while lights are not allowed! Even if it is a cloudy day - the park is a nice place to go for a walk and enjoy the gorgeous views of nature. read more

See all

Located 10 minutes west of Mackinaw City is this Dark Sky Park. Meaning there are no lights ate night within a nearly 10 mile radius. This allows for a truly spectacular view at night. While it may nit be as good as out in the desert where there are no ligjts within 50 miles, it is still one of the best views in Michigan. There are no white lights allowed in this park so a red light flashlight is a good thing to have. The park is very nice in daylight too. A great place to relax. Overall a 5 star experience. Will I return? You bet I will! read more

See all

Beautiful spot to gaze at the stars at night.... It's located a bit away from the main area of town, but not much of a drive. My husband and I have been here both during the day and at night. The viewing area/beach filled up pretty quickly at dusk to view the Milky Way and other stars. The Milky Way was super easy to spot and clear to the naked eye. The area is not lit much at night, which means be careful where you walk! No white light is allowed on site and there were signs posted everywhere stating such. It's really a peaceful area to star gaze. It was quiet at night, although if you looked around, the observation area was packed, with people spilling in from the parking lot as soon as dusk hit. We did not bring chairs or blankets,cans as such,Cajuns up sitting on the ground, but truthfully, that was just fine. It's a must for any fan of astronomy or even the casual observer. It might actually not be the best for impatient children or restless types, but the Headlands was a nice way for us to wind down an evening in Mackinaw City. We toured the super cute gift shop/observatory, which appeared recently constructed. The gift shop, open during daytime hours, was filled with interesting souvenirs and I bought some jewelry while I was there. read more

See all

The property looked very nice, but I didn't like the dark sky viewing area. I envisioned a tranquil experience while watching the perseid shower, but people were loud. I also felt like being on a beach would be a better setting for me. I ended up at the Wilderness state park dark sky area which was much nicer, secluded and felt connected with nature. read more

So much fun! We arrived early to see the sunset. My kids tried to find yooper stones on the beach. The full moon made it too bright to see the meteor shower, but there were some volunteer astronomers set up with very impressive telescopes. We were able to see a 2 star system and the rings of Saturn! Can't wait to return. read more

See all

We had an amazing visit! Of course we were hoping to see the Aurora Borealis, to no avail, but 4 planets and a shooting star were well worth our while! And stars! So many stars!! It was a beautiful view, and an easy paved path to navigate from the parking lot to the viewing area by the gift shop. We also caught the magic moment of no bugs! This apparently happens not too often, so we were very grateful. The staff person showed us planets through his telescope and the gift shop had a live feed of the (full) moon. Great place - a must visit! read more

If you know me, then you know.....I am a true "moonchild"! I love everything to do with our universe and solar system. I am know to hop in my car just to chase some shooting stars. I even have a Star Guide app. on my phone. I can't explain to you how excited I was to find out that we have an International Dark Sky Park, here in Michigan. We were planning our trip to the UP and a friend of mine suggested that I visit the Sky Park located in Mackinaw City. I was in shock!!! What?? Wait a minute....how AWESOME is this! We planned our route to stop in Mackinaw City, which is about 4 hours from my house, spend the night in Mackinaw City and then head on up to the UP the next day to continue our Waterfall/Brewery Trail of the UP. The Headlands by far is a must stop and see if you are in the area. This park is open 24/7 365 days a year and you are able to come and go as you please! Due to social distancing they did not have their telescopes out for people to view the amazing sky. You must also be prepared with a red light to see your surroundings in the pitch black of the night. I have to say that this place has to be one of the most romantic places I have ever been. It was quite late and we were the only two people in the park. We walked through the area and found the perfect spot to gaze at the sky above us. There is something humbling about this type of experience as you sit in silence, starring up at the Milky Way, and realize your role in the balance of this magnificent universe. We can't wait to come back and visit! read more

See all

We went early to get a good spot. Parking can go fast and the sunset can be just as amazing as the night sky. There's very limited benches or picnic tables, so best to bring a blanket or folding chairs to be comfortable. Bring warm clothing and pest repellent. Lighting is limited in order to prevent white light pollution, so purchase a red flashlight in the store, if you are concerned. The visitor center looks closed but is most likely open. It looks closed since the windows are covered. Clean bathrooms were very nice to have. No telescopes when we went, even though the site said there would be. But you can enjoy the amazing night show. Bring refreshments to round out the evening. It's best when it is close to a New Moon. read more

while it was cloudy at night which prevented dark sky viewing, we hiked the trails around the area during the day and they are fantastic! Clearly marked trails lead right down the water's edge and along the beach. Sorry to have missed the stargazing this time but the park is certainly worth a visit during the day as well. read more

Friends held their wedding reception at the Beach House at the Headlands. I stayed at the Beach House for a long weekend. The setting is lovely: woods right on Lake Michigan. The Beach House is this funky, 1950/60s gem--all sharp angles of brick and glass and wood. The house sleeps 22, which came in handy for housing the wedding party and assorted entourage members. There's a central great room with a fireplace, sofas, a giant dining table, and a small kitchen. Off to either side is a bedroom and bathroom. The back deck has a gorgeous view out across the Lake. The house comes complete with plenty of sheets and blankets, and the kitchen is stocked with dishes, glasses, utensils, etc. I enjoyed running on the trails that crisscross the woods of the Headlands. The paths are wide and pretty well-kept. The setting is beautiful and secluded. A wonderful place for a relaxing getaway. read more

The Headlands - The Beach House - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mackinaw City, Michigan

See all

I can't believe at how being at the Headlands can make you feel like youtnop're no longer in Michigan. Not saying that Michigan is bad by any means. The Headlands just takes your mind completely off of any worries, doubts, and fears. And places you in the moment and become hypnotized by the lake hitting the shore, the crickets and other insects chirping, and the moonlight shining off the lake. I think the last time I was able to feel so at peace was at the beach in Cali. My hubs and I went to Dark Sky Park and I was slightly disappointed that we didn't get to see as many stars as I expected there to be. But, it was still an awesome experience. We we're lucky enough that when we went, the park was holding an event, that lasted about two hours long and gave us a map of the stars that would be visible. I like that the park is open 24/7, so if you wanted to come here to meditate at any time, you could do so without having any distractions. The park can get very dark, especially through the woods, so definitely bring a flashlight! read more

My wife and I went here two nights in a row this summer. It was around new moon with clear skies and great weather. It was perfect for stargazing. I brought my own telescope and it was nice to spot a few planets and nebula. The expanse of the milky way was a sight to behold. There were also a number of other people hanging around which made us feel more comfortable and secure because of the extreme darkness. A note of WARNING: When you are driving through a dark, long and winding road at night in what seems to be middle of nowhere... it's not fun when a strange man suddenly appears on the road and staring dead straight at you. Those lifesize human posters scared the life out of me I swerved out of my lane and almost hit a tree. read more

We have never been to a dark star park but this was a really cool place! My wife and I always enjoy star gazing while camping!! It was so beautiful, also don't the souvenir shop , we both bought T-shirts of our night at the park!!! Also DRESS WARM , the wind was howling read more

My husband and I visited the Dark Sky Park on Wednesday night, 9-20-17. The view was out of this world!!! We were going in the slight hopes that we might catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. Which would've been amazing, a once in a lifetime experience. We didn't catch the northern lights, but the stars were magnificent, and full of wonder. Neither of us have seen a sky so full of stars. And they were so bright! I think the key (granted that you have clear sky's, no cloud cover), is to watch the lunar calendar. We purposely chose Wednesday night because it was a new moon, the darkest night on the lunar cycle. read more

Very nice. The walk is a mile in, but it's easy enough. We could use the stroller up until we arrived at the beach. Bring blankets to sit on and to cuddle up in. Bug spray is a must too. I would recommend allowing your eyes to adjust to the night and not use a flashlight on the trail - it ruins the night vision of others who are walking on the trail. The only negative - the porta-potties were not cleaned out. However it was over July 4th weekend, so they probably had a higher volume of visitors. read more

Moon too bright. They don't bring the stars out until it's very late and there is only the one showing. Would be nice if they offered a matinee. Bug spray helpful, sunscreen not. Admission and parking free. read more

Staff were super!! They loved teaching and sharing their knowledge. Enjoyed the program on the Monday we went. Excellent venue!

Very disappointing. Not any clear signs or directions on where to go. So sad, this is one of a dozen dark sky's and probably the worst of all of them. Would not recommend to anyone. If I could I'd give it zero stars. So sad.... read more

We went to the Headlands for the International Dark Sky Park experience. What an incredible evening. We lucked into a completely cloudless night, which is apparently rare for this area. We stopped by in the afternoon to make sure we knew what to expect. So we arrived at 7:15, as we'd been told to be there by 8:30 if we wanted a parking place (the program started at 9:30). So we were there to watch the sun go down on a gorgeous day and evening. Before the stars began to pop, the staff of astronomers brought out three different telescopes for all of the audience members to take turns viewing. Once the sun set, the main astronomer had a laser pointer which he used to point out constellations and stars in the sky. It's the first time I have ever seen the Milky Way. It was a very emotional experience. Gorgeous facility, beautiful and easily accessible bathrooms, knowledgeable staff. An extraordinary experience. BTW, we left the park well after 12:00 a.m.. As we drove out, we noticed cars coming in, down the long drive deep into the viewing area. When we got to the Caretakers house, we realized that there were cars lined up for a very long way, all the way outside the park itself. It must have taken them all night to get in to see the "celestial show". We were so happy we'd gotten there so very early. read more