Wish on a star
Lying on a blanket under a sky so clear and full of stars that you feel like you could pluck them out of the sky is humbling. But to get a real taste of this experience, you need to escape the city streetlights and find places where the sky turns black and the stars shine brightest.
Across the United States, there are International Dark-Sky Association-designated gems where the night sky comes to life and which any star-seeking traveler must visit. Here are the 10 best places to stargaze in the United States
1. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park in Texas is a stargazer’s paradise and a stargazer’s paradise, offering some of the darkest skies in the country. Located near the border with Mexico, this massive park spans over 800,000 acres and is Texas’ cosmic playground.
Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park with almost zero light pollution, it’s one of the best places in the United States to marvel at the Milky Way.
The best time to visit is from October to April, when the skies are clearest and the weather is ideal.
2. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Located near the Canadian border, Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park is a hidden gem for stargazing enthusiasts.
Spanning 218,000 acres of interconnected lakes and dense forests, this Midwest park has been recognized by the International Dark Sky Association as an absolute delight for stargazing enthusiasts.
The park attracts fewer than 250,000 visitors, meaning it is still largely isolated; light pollution is low and the skies incredibly dark, making it a great place to view the Milky Way and, if you’re lucky, even the fascinating Northern Lights.
3. Central Idaho Dark Sky Preserve, Idaho
The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is a celestial wonderland spanning over 1,400 square miles, making it one of the largest dark sky preserves in the United States.
Located in Sun Valley, Idaho, this area is perfect for those who love stargazing. It holds the prestigious title of the first international dark sky preserve in the United States.
The preserve hosts Dark Sky themed dinners and events where you can learn from local astronomers. It’s an extraordinary experience, perfect for both stargazing enthusiasts and casual admirers of the night sky!
4. Death Valley National Park, Nevada
Located 282 feet below sea level, Nevada’s sprawling Death Valley National Park is a stargazer’s dream come true.
As a Gold-level International Dark Sky Park, it offers some of the darkest skies you’ll find and unparalleled views of the night sky, without light pollution. The park’s ranger-led programs offer guided tours of the night sky, and places like the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Harmony Borax Works, and Badwater Basin are your perfect vantage points for stargazing.
For the best experience, plan your visit around the new moon, when the sky is darkest. Don’t miss the annual Dark Sky Festival each spring, where you can attend lectures from NASA guest speakers and participate in hands-on activities.
5. Arches National Park, Utah
You can choose to wish on one of the 2,500 stars visible in the night sky in Arches National Park, Utah. Certified as an International Dark Sky Park, Arches offers some of the darkest skies in the United States, making it a stargazer’s dream destination.
The best places for stargazing in the park include the Balanced Rock Picnic Area, 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.
Photographer favorites are the Astronomy Amphitheater near the Lehman Caverns Visitor Center, Mather Overlook, and the Baker Archaeological Site.
The park also offers the “Park to Park in the Dark” route, connecting Great Basin to Death Valley National Park, offering incredible nighttime sky views along the way.
7. Glacier National Park, Montana
With night skies as pristine as its mountain peaks, Glacier National Park in Montana is a must-visit for any starry-eyed traveler.
Throughout the summer, ranger-led astronomy programs make your stargazing experience even better with sophisticated telescopes and expert advice. Join these programs at St. Mary and Apgar, and don’t miss special star nights at Logan Pass for an even more immersive celestial adventure.
8. Sedona, Arizona
For Galilee enthusiasts and star lovers, Sedona’s night sky will leave you spellbound. Just 20 minutes from downtown Sedona, more than 200 terracotta-hued hiking trails and panoramic views of red rocks with the sky as a 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 high-powered 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 offering stunning nighttime views.
Imagine the Milky Way arching over Zion’s spectacular landscape, with landmarks like Angels Landing and the Watchman silhouetted against the night sky. Whether hiking by day or stargazing at night, Zion is breathtaking.
For an unforgettable experience, take part in a nighttime ranger-led program at places like the Museum of Human History. Use telescopes and learn about stars, constellations and galaxies from expert guides.
Camping at Watchman or South Campground offers excellent 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 some of the clearest night skies in the Pacific Northwest and is perfect for wildlife viewing outings. stars.
Participate in a ranger-led astronomy program at Rim Village in the summer to observe planets, constellations, and galaxies using telescopes. Camping at Mazama Campground is another great way to stargaze.
This article was produced and distributed by MediaFeed.
