6 Top Stargazing Spots in Michigan: Best Places to Stargaze
Do you know what it’s like to get lost in the infinity of the night sky in the beautiful, remote places of the world? Have you stood with your significant other on the edges of a massive body of water, away from the visual cacophony of the brights lights of the big city, gazing into the cosmos while being serenaded by the calming sound of waves gently lapping the shore?
It’s easy to forget in our everyday lives how much natural wonder we lose to modern convenience. We see a few stars in the sky, maybe the Big Dipper and a passing airplane and we think we’re seeing the splendor of the heavens. But then, we find ourselves in places where the light doesn’t block the sky, peaceful, beautiful places and we are reminded of the beauty the awaits above us.
When we think about romantic getaways our thoughts often hurry to a fancy dinner, maybe a little music or dancing. Stargazing in Michigan may not leap to mind but when planning your next romantic getaway in Michigan don’t overlook the appeal of the Huron House, our luxury bed and breakfast on the shore of Lake Huron makes for a memorable starry romantic night.
Stargazing Near Lake Huron
Michigan is ripe with remote places from which to view the night sky. What makes our area, on the shores of Lake Huron, among the best places to stargaze? In addition to our romantic and luxurious bed and breakfast, there’s a certain romance that comes with finding yourself on the precipice of two seemingly infinite spaces.
Stargazing near the big water, or from one of our beautiful parks, is like being enveloped by the universe. It is majestic.
And stargazing in Northern Michigan can also be colorful. We are frequently visited by the aurora borealis, aka the Northern Lights. The Lights, when spurred by solar activity from the sun, can dance across the night sky. They are most active in April, October, and November, but can be seen under the right conditions all year long.
6 Top Stargazing Spots near Oscoda
1.Tawas Point State Park – A bird watcher’s paradise by day, Tawas Point State Park – located on a sand spit of a peninsula jutting out into the lake and forming Tawas Bay - is just a 17-minute drive from the Huron House. With an unobstructed view from the shore out across Lake Huron, the park offers fantastic views of the nighttime sky, perfect for a romantic evening of taking in the wonders of the cosmos with your loved one.
2.Oscoda Beach State Park – Remember, stargazing doesn’t have to be limited to late–night hours. Oscoda Beach State Park – with it’s perfect views over the lake to the east is the perfect destination if your idea of romance is rising in the early morning hours to take in the wonders of the universe and then watch as our closest star makes its appearance for the day. Watching the stars twinkle their last before a breathtaking sunrise, is the perfect double feature to end a romantic night or start an adventurous day. The best news is the beach is only about six minutes from the Huron House. You can watch the sunrise and be back in plenty of time to enjoy a fresh and delicious breakfast on your private deck overlooking the water.
3.Au Sable River Scenic Lookout – While there is a certain romance in taking in the universe from the banks of the Great Lake, there is something to be said about stargazing next to the peaceful Au Sable River. Located about a 10-minute drive from our bed and breakfast, you can spend the evening watching the light fade from the sky from then watch the universe emerge while on a scenic bluff overlooking the river – the perfect spot where celestial and terrestrial meet.
4.From on the River itself – The peaceful, serene Au Sable River is a paddler’s paradise and home to one the world’s great overnight paddle events, the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon. While the race itself is far from serene, the river is often used for overnight paddle excursions out away from the world where you can look up at the heavens while peacefully floating down the river.
5.Harrisville State Park – Located about 25-minutes from the Huron House, the Harrisville State Park is more than 100 acres of forest and features a mile-long beach. Another perfect place to watch the stars and stay as night turns into day.
6.Negwegon State Park – This undeveloped public recreation area is located less than half an hour from the Huron House and features a mature pine forest, open meadows and a long, sand beach. Located at the tip of Thunder Bay, you can gaze across the water and see the city of Alpena or turn your attention to the night sky and take in the majesty above.
Tips for Stargazing Success
Check the weather – Bob Dylan once sang “you don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.” Well, you don’t need an astrologist to know cloudy nights are bad for stargazing.
Pack properly – Everyone knows that winter in Michigan is cold but even in summer, overnight temperatures on the lake can get beyond chilly. In fact, the average daytime high in Oscoda in July is 80. Average lows in the summer dip into the 50s and cooler temps are outside of the realm of possibility. Certainly, long pants, shoes - not flip flops or sandals – and a jacket wouldn’t be too much even in summer. If the wind is up, you’ll want something to cover your ears as well. A lip balm and a thermos of something warm are all good ideas.
Download a star gazing app – While you might not have cellular access in the remote places of the world, there are stargazing apps that you can download that don’t require cell service.
Take a picnic – While alcohol is not allowed at many Michigan state parks, you can take the makings for a romantic, late-night picnic.
Telescope or binoculars – The majesty of the heavens available to the naked eye is astounding but the amplification available through a telescope unlocks the night sky in a way that you can hardly imagine.
Good Camera – Modern smartphones offer pretty good camera options and if you can manage your settings, you can get good pictures of the night sky. But if you want something great? A good camera with a quality lens is the way to go.
It’s about more than the stars, check whether the Northern Lights are likely or if there are any meteor showers on the horizon. There is no show like a nighttime Michigan sky with shooting stars streaking over the lake.
Ready to Reach for the Stars?
When planning your romantic, stargazing getaway on the shores of Lake Huron, you have a bevy of options. From our beautiful state parks – Tawas Point, Oscoda Beach, Harrisville or Negwegon – or from one of the beautiful vantage points on or near the scenic and serene Au Sable River, the best places to stargaze in the area are easily available from our Michigan Bed and Breakfast. The perfect spot for a couple’s getaway, our is an ideal spot for sunrises, moon rises and more.
