headlands international dark sky park

Visited this park while looking for something different to do in Mackinaw City, other than shopping. Took our chairs and some refreshments and sat with about 20 other people and enjoyed a nice relaxing evening. As it got later, a group of noisy teens came, so we moved to another area in the park. I will make it a point to visit again the next time we're in Mackinaw.

One of 8 dark sky parks in the US. Go and see the stars or partake in any of the nighttime activities. This is frequented by a special group of star gazers and they will explain anything you want to know about the sky. Best during no moon nights, but anytime is wonderful. Great hiking trails also. Many locals walk the park every morning.

We heard a rumor about this place and researched. Drove out (about 10 mins from Mackinaw City) with "supplies" (wine/cheese) and watched a beautiful sunset on Huron with several other onlookers. Very interesting location.

This place is well worth the drive down a narrow, twisting road. Just when you wonder if you're ever going to "get there", you see a place to park, and that's it. Nothing fancy, but that's the point. This is a unique place for star-gazing, open 24/7/365 (though during the winter the road might not plowed?) You can spend the night, but you can't camp out. The evening I went, I watched a lovely sunset, as well as a rain shower coming my way. I was hoping to watch meteor showers, but clouds didn't cooperate. I wish there were more Dark Sky Parks in the world....

We drove back there and checked it out, but it was overcast so we didn't see any stars. Since it was dark we were a little confused about where to park, and where to walk to. We didn't see any marked paths. This could be our fault though because we got there after dark.

We were excited to visit The Headlands in Mackinaw City. We went at sunset, which was gorgeous in and of itself. Since it was mid-September, it was pretty cool waiting for dark, so we ended up in the car to stay warm while we waited for darkness. Before waiting, we scoped out the area while it was still light (I recommend doing this if you can) to get our bearings. Just as we were preparing to go out again everyone started leaving. We couldn't figure it out. Once we re entered the park we understood-- while we were waiting it had completely clouded over and no stars were visible. It was still a neat experience and I would go back.

The drive was way back in the woods. We tried it out before dark, just to be sure it was safe. We talked with locals, after seeing it, and were assured it was very safe. Beautiful night sky views. Don't miss. It's free and accessible to all.

The Dark Sky Park is an amazing little gem in northern part of Michigan. We drove from downstate to check out the wonders of this place and we were not disappointed. The weather was perfect because there wasn't a cloud in the sky. This gave us a beautiful sunset right over Lake Michigan and some of the most gorgeous colors I've ever seen. The sky was perfect for stargazing and if you like astrophotography like me it was perfect. We couldn't have asked for a better night! Some recommendations from a couple of first timers - bring a blanket or something warm if you come in the fall, camera and tripod are your best friend, a red lensed flashlight so you can see in the dark and not disrupt other star gazers, and drinks and snacks if you plan on staying for a while since the park is open all night. Pets are welcomed too! I would also suggest getting there early because the parking lot is not that big and fills up quick!

Another great SURPRISE! Very romantic at sunset, we were so surprised for our Anniversary Drive after Dinner! Got to walk along the beach and see the big rock, took great pictures, sat at the bench that was donated by people down from our area Ann Arbor. Highly recommended!

Absolutely beautiful...will return to see the "Show" in the Heavens on a night with fewer clouds. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable!

I have been going to Mackinaw every year for 20+ years and this is the first year I knew about Headlands. Being interested in the night sky photography I knew I had to spend a night out here. Its an incredibly short drive from the downtown strip but the views are spectacular. When we first arrived there were a handful of people set up but after just about an hour everyone had cleared out. Even with a full moon the night was filled with stars. I would love to come back on a night with a new moon. Lots of great programs for solo enthusiast or the entire family! The people who run this place really love and appreciate what they do for a living and it truly shows. Easily one of the nicest parks I have ever been to.

We went during the day, on a rainy day, to get our bearings and a feel for the lay of the land. Then went back a few nights later on a clear night to the rocky sunset beach just before sunset. Viewed a beautiful sunset, then stayed to watch the stars come out. A lighthouse (Greys Reef Light?) on the horizon caught our eye and two ore boat appeared all lite up so we drove to Old Mackinac Lighthouse and watched them go under the Mackinac Bridge. It was a great evening. Would recommend a jacket or blanket to wrap as it is cool near the water in the late summer. Also your own chair, although benches are provided for sitting. A flashlight would be good too although the path for the sunset beach to the parking lot has enough solar lights to mark the path and with our eyes adjusted to the dark we did not use our flashlight. Look forward to the future visitor center and restrooms.

This was the second time we had visited here. We came last year and it was spooky. This year because I think more people have caught on, it was more traveled, making it less horroriffic. I recommend going to the "sunset view" path instead of the "dark sky viewing area" at least for now, as I think they are changing it a little at a time. Both of these areas are connected by a stony path (wear shoes, not sandals), along the water. The sunset view has wooden benches and a firepit you can view by. The benches you could lay on your back, not on the ground and look up. Either way it is beautiful, and mind boggling that light pollution obscures us from seeing the stars. We saw a shooting star as well. I agree with what another traveler said, if possible go when the moon is not full or very bright because it does obscure a lot of the stars. It is still worth going if you realize to turn around from looking at the lake and look up to see the beauty. There is a guide out there who is helpful. I don't know what hours he is there. We went on a Tuesday evening at 11pm. If you go to the "dark sky viewing" take a blanket with you to lay and look up, and it is pretty cool (cold) down there in September, so take some jackets. There is an app for android droid skyview that was very helpful. You aim your phone/app at the sky and it outlines the constellations for the stars you are seeing, which is helpful for the novice. I didn't have any bug issues. 9/2/2014 we will visit again, free, free!

I appreciate that this park is staffed at night with fun and knowledgeable folks! Fred was our "tour guide" that evening, and he was really outgoing and clearly passionate about the night sky! Fred made the experience really enjoyable by taking time to visit with the folks in attendance and nicely helping people with their lights (cell phones, etc) to ensure others were not bothered by light that would distract the viewing. BRING BUG SPRAY. We actually had to leave the park and head to the local IGA about 2 miles away to buy $6 bug spray. Yep - DUH! We're surrounded by woods and forgot the mosquito spray! Just a warning - if there is any cloud cover at all, the lights from Mackinaw City will reflect off them and prevent the park from being truly dark. The port-a-potty was SMELLY (more than the normal Port-a-potty) so "go" before you go! =) Will visit again someday!

We had a perfectly clear night & were amazed at just how much you can see.You see satellites, meteors, countless stars everywhere you look.There was even a park astronomer that walked around asking if you had any questions about what you were seeing.Definitely a night well spent!