Wish on a star
Lying on a blanket under a sky so bright and full of stars that it feels like you could pluck them out of the sky is a humbling affair. But to truly savor this experience, you’ll need to escape the city’s streetlights and find places where the sky turns pitch black and the stars shine brightest.
There are gems all over the US designated by the International Dark-Sky Association where the night sky comes alive and that every star-seeking traveler must visit. Here are the top 10 places to stargaze in the US
1. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park in Texas is a stargazer’s paradise and an astronomer’s dream, offering some of the darkest skies in the country. Located near the border with Mexico, this enormous park covers more than 800,000 acres and serves as Texas’ cosmic playground.
Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park with virtually no light pollution, it is one of the best places in the US to admire the Milky Way.
The best time to visit is from October to April, when the skies are clearest and the weather is just right.
2. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park, near the Canadian border, is a hidden gem for stargazing enthusiasts.
Spread over 218,000 acres of interconnected lakes and dense forests, this Midwestern park has been recognized by the International Dark Sky Association as an absolute delight for stargazing fans.
The park attracts fewer than 250,000 visitors and is therefore largely isolated; there is little light pollution and incredibly dark skies, making it an ideal place to witness the Milky Way and, if you’re lucky, even the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
3. Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is a celestial wonderland spanning 1,400 square miles, making it one of the largest dark sky reserves in the US
Located in Sun Valley, Idaho, this area is perfect for stargazing enthusiasts. It holds the prestigious title of being the first International Dark Sky Reserve in the United States.
The reserve hosts themed Dark Sky dinners and events where you can learn from local astronomers. It’s an otherworldly experience that’s perfect for avid stargazers and casual night sky admirers alike!
4. Death Valley National Park, Nevada
Located 85 meters below sea level, Nevada’s vast Death Valley National Park is a stargazer’s dream come true.
As a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, it offers some of the darkest skies you will ever find and unparalleled views of the night sky, free from light pollution. The park’s ranger-led programs offer guided night sky tours, and spots like Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Harmony Borax Works, and Badwater Basin are perfect vantage points for stargazing.
For the best experience, plan your visit around the new moon, when the sky is darkest. Each spring, don’t miss the annual Dark Sky Festival, where you can enjoy lectures by NASA guest speakers and participate in hands-on activities.
5. Arches National Park, Utah
You can choose to wish on a star from the 2,500 stars visible in the night sky in Utah’s Arches National Park. Certified as an International Dark Sky Park, Arches offers some of the darkest skies in the US, making it a dream destination for stargazers.
Top stargazing spots in the park include Balanced Rock Picnic Area, the Windows Section, Garden of Eden Viewpoint and Panorama Point.
For an unforgettable stargazing experience, visit on a moonless night.
6. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
With some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states, stargazers can marvel at thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and distant galaxies like Andromeda in Nevada’s Great Basin National Park.
Photographers’ favorites include the Astronomy Amphitheater near the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, Mather Overlook and the Baker archaeological site.
The park also features the ‘Park to Park in the Dark’ trail, which connects Great Basin to Death Valley National Park and offers incredible views of the night sky along the way.
7. Glacier National Park, Montana
With a night sky as pristine as the mountain peaks, Glacier National Park in Montana is a must for any starry-eyed traveler.
Throughout the summer, ranger-led astronomy programs make your stargazing experience even better with state-of-the-art telescopes and expert guidance. Join these programs in St. Mary and Apgar and don’t miss the special star parties at Logan Pass for an even more immersive celestial adventure.
8. Sedona, Ariz
For amateur Galileos and star lovers, Sedona’s night sky will leave you mesmerized. Just 20 minutes from downtown Sedona, more than 200 terra cotta-hued hiking trails and panoramic red rock views with a sky backdrop will make you feel like you’re on another planet.
The best way to truly appreciate it is with an expert guide – Sedona Stargazing astronomers will meet you equipped with powerful telescopes and a wealth of knowledge.
9. Zion National Park, Utah
Known for its towering sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons, Zion National Park is also an International Dark Sky Park with fantastic views of the night sky.
Imagine the Milky Way stretching across the dramatic landscape of Zion, with landmarks like Angels Landing and the Watchman silhouetted against the night sky. Whether you hike during the day or stargaze at night, Zion is breathtaking.
For an unforgettable experience, take part in a ranger-led night program at places such as the Human History Museum. Use telescopes and learn from expert guides about the stars, constellations and galaxies.
Camping at Watchman or South Campground offers great stargazing opportunities.
10. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Known for its deep blue lake in a volcanic crater, Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park offers one of the clearest night skies in the Pacific Northwest and is perfect for stargazing.
In the summer, take part in a ranger-led astronomy program at Rim Village and view planets, constellations and galaxies through telescopes. Camping at Mazama Campground is a great way to stargaze.
This article was produced and published by MediaFeed.
