Northern Michigan Events: Michigan state parks invite residents and visitors to a night of spectacular views at "Meteors and S’mores" astronomy programs during the Perseid Meteor Shower from Aug. 9-13.
The Perseid Meteor Shower is the most highly visible astronomical event of the year, and the Meteors and S’mores events will offer night-sky presentations and all the fixings for s’mores around the campfire.
Meteors and S’mores received the Innovative Recreation Programming award from Michigan Parks and Recreation Association (MRPA) in 2012. The program provides a fun and educational opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy the night sky and learn about stargazing.
Best viewing of meteor showers takes place after midnight, so be sure to bring some lawn chairs, bug spray and maybe a few roasting sticks for enjoying s’mores. Program dates and times are as follows:
Friday, Aug. 9
Baraga State Park (Baraga County), 10-11 p.m.
Brimley State Park (Chippewa County), 8 p.m.
Burt Lake State Park (Cheboygan County), 10 p.m.
Otsego Lake State Park (Otsego County), 9 p.m.
Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County), 9 p.m.
South Higgins State Park (Roscommon County), 9 p.m.
Ionia Recreation Area (Ionia County), 9 p.m.
Brighton State Recreation Area (Livingston County), 8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 10
Fort Wilkins State Park (Keweenaw County), 10 p.m.
P.H. Hoeft State Park (Presque Isle County), 8 p.m.
Young State Park (Charlevoix County), 8 p.m.
Clear Lake State Park (Montmorency County), 9 p.m.
Bald Mountain State Recreation Area (Oakland County), 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
Island Lake State Recreation Area (Livingston County), 8:30 p.m.
Lake Hudson State Recreation Area (Lenawee County), 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 11
Fort Wilkins State Park (Keweenaw County), 10 p.m.
Van Riper State Park (Marquette County), 9-11 p.m.
Leelanau State Park (Leelanau County), 8-11 p.m.
Rockport Recreation Area (Alpena County), 9 p.m.
Harrisville State Park (Alcona County), 9 p.m.
Van Buren State Park (Van Buren County), 9 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 12 (shower peaks)
J.W. Wells State Park Silver Lake State Park (Menominee County), 10 p.m.-midnight
Rifle River Recreation Area (Ogemaw County), 9 p.m.
Silver Lake State Park (Oceana County), 9:30-10:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 13
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County), 9 p.m.
J.W. Wells State Park (Menominee County), 10 p.m.-midnight
More outdoor fun is available through the DNR’s Recreation 101 program, which provides expert instruction to budding outdoor enthusiasts by offering free, hands-on training in over 100 activities — with all the gear, guides and good times included! Learn about participating or becoming an instructor at michigan.gov/rec101.