Incredible Stargazing Destinations in the Midwest United States!

Aug 7, 2023

Summer is winding down to a close; the heat is tapering off and the days are getting shorter, but it doesn’t mean the fun is over. Let’s all enjoy a last blast of summer making memories with the people we love the most, doing things we’ll talk about for years to come! Today, we’re celebrating National Campfire day with a great list of Stargazing Road Trips to take in the midwest. Gather your best pals and your family and let’s hit the road to fun, adventure, and exploration as we embark on some nighttime camping fun to appreciate the heavens. Check it out on today’s blog, and then let us know your picks for best stargazing spots in the area!

Best Stargazing Destinations for Dark Sky Viewing

Middle Fork River Forest Preserve – Champaign County, Illinois

This newly designated National Park takes home the gold when it comes to stargazing territory! With three different Dark Sky Viewing Areas to choose from, you’ll have a blast with your loved ones at 3 varying levels of darkness for your comfort. The Campground is considered a Level 1 location, with dark-sky approved lighting throughout the campgrounds. Sugar Creek is a Level 2 Dark Sky area, with no lighting, a public restroom, and an open air shelter. The North Waterfowl Area is a Level 3 Dark Sky area, featuring no restrooms or amenities, but a very dark area with prime sightlines for stargazing. The Dark Sky programs are open to the public and take place in both the Activity Center and North Waterfowl areas, complete with presentations and informational segments for visitors to learn more about what they’ll be experiencing. Keep in mind that camping is only available in designated areas, and you must obey camp rules about ambient lighting, flashlights, and pets as well.

Palos Preserves in Willow Springs, Illinois

This Urban Night Sky Place is the largest in the world! It stretches across more than 6,600 acres, and emits around 1000x less light than downtown Chicago. The Forest Preserve works very hard to protect the local nighttime environment, so please do your best to observe their overnight camping procedures and regulations about ambient lighting. Some areas will be closed off during different seasons or have monthly limitations. Other areas may close before sunset. Obey all posted signage for your safety and that of the environment. Join in on special events such as the August Moon Walk or the Dark Sky Walk for special guided tours run by the FPDCC! There’s even a Telescope Party at Swallow Cliff Woods-South in Cook County.

White Rock Conservancy in Coon Rapids, Iowa

This year round nature preserve may not be an officially designated Dark Sky Park, but it still offers phenomenal views of the night sky and constellations! This 5,500 acre land trust has evolved from an oak tree savanna habitat into a special destination for stargazing. The park has a spectacular designated “Star Field” where visitors can camp to observe the best views of the night sky, free from artificial light and generators. Cars are restricted at these campgrounds to preserve the darkest skies opportunity. Reservations are first-come, first-served, so book early! They also host an annual “Star Party” in partnership with the Ames Area Amateur Astronomers, where you can get some educational demonstrations and lectures about the importance of reducing light pollution and learn about observing the night sky.

Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City, Michigan

This incredible Dark Sky designated park offers some superior stargazing in its 550 acres of pristine woodlands and 2 miles of undeveloped swathes of Lake Michigan Shorelines! This destination is so impressive that it received the official Dark Sky designation in 2011, one of the first 10 International Dark Sky Parks in the world! You’ll spot the Orion constellation in March and April, and may catch a glimpse of it in May as it descends into the western skyline. By the time summer is in full swing, the Milky Way is in full glory, spreading across the sky with gorgeous twinkling stars and impressive views. You may even catch a meteor shower or two! As Summer wanes and Autumn rolls around you’ll get to view the Persieds in August, the Draconids and Orionids in October, and the Leonids in November! You may even spot the Aurora if you’re lucky enough.