Meteors & S’mores at Northern Michigan State Parks

by C. D. | Aug 2, 2016 | Counties, Events, Outdoors, Vacation

meteors & s'mores

MyNorth News Service

(Press Release provided by Michigan DNR)

EMPIRE: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites the public to catch magnificent views of the Perseid meteor shower during “Meteors & S’mores” in participating Michigan state parks August 10 to 13.

Day-use visitors and campers are encouraged to bring blankets, seating, bug spray and snacks and enjoy a night of stargazing at a number of state parks during “Meteors & S’mores.” Complimentary s’mores and campfires are part of the celebration. Designated viewing areas and viewing times will be specified at each park.

“The Perseid meteor showers are one of the best opportunities to see shooting stars with the naked eye,” said Stephanie Wirtz, recreation programmer for the DNR. “Michigan state parks offer excellent opportunities for stargazing and include a number of parks that are legislatively designated as Dark Sky Preserves.”

Dark Sky Preserves have protection against light pollution and are ideal locations for stargazing. Seven Michigan state parks have been designated as Dark Sky Preserves by the Michigan Legislature, including Lake Hudson Recreation Area, Negwegon State Park, Port Crescent State Park, Rockport Recreation Area, Thompson’s Harbor State Park and Wilderness State Park. The Headlands Dark Sky Park, an Emmet County park, is the only internationally designated Dark Sky Park in the state and offers another opportunity for viewing the night sky.

Events listed below with asterisks(**) take place at a Designated Dark Sky park. Meteors & S’mores events are scheduled at the following locations:

park visitor sits next to telescope near lake

During the Meteors & S’mores events, parks stay open later than their normal closing times.

To take full advantage of the meteor showers that will take place August 7 to 13, visitors are encouraged to make camping reservations throughout the week and to sleep under the stars. To check camping availability in state parks and make a reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS.

For more information about these events, contact Stephanie Wirtz at wirtzs@michigan.gov or 989-274-6182.

Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.

Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

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Photo(s) by David Kenyon