Congratulations on a star
Lying on a blanket under a sky so clear and full of stars that you feel as if you could pluck them from the sky is a humbling affair. But for a real taste of this experience, you need to escape the city street lights and find places where the sky turns black and the stars shine their brightest.
Across the United States, there are International Dark Sky Association-designated gems where the night sky comes alive and a must-visit for any stargazer. Here are the top 10 places to stargaze in the US
1. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park in Texas is a stargazer’s paradise and an astronomer’s dream, offering some of the darkest skies in the country. Located near the Mexican border, this massive park spans over 800,000 acres, serving as Texas’ cosmic playground.
Known as an International Dark Sky Park with almost zero light pollution, it is one of the best spots in the US 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 just right.
2. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Located near the Canadian border, Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park is a hidden gem for stargazing enthusiasts.
Spread over 218,000 acres of interconnected lakes and dense forests, this Midwestern park has been recognized by the International Dark Sky Association as an absolute stargazer’s delight.
The park attracts fewer than 250,000 visitors, meaning it is still largely isolated; it has low light pollution and incredibly dark skies, making it an ideal place to see the Milky Way and, if you’re lucky, the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
3. Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho
The Central Idaho Dark Sky Preserve is a celestial wonderland spanning over 1,400 square miles, making it one of the largest dark sky preserves in the US.
Located in Sun Valley, Idaho, this area is perfect for those who love stargazing. It holds the prestigious title of being the first International Dark Sky Reserve in the United States.
The reserve hosts Dark Sky themed dinners and events where you can learn from local astronomers. It’s an out-of-this-world experience that’s perfect for both avid stargazers and casual admirers of the night sky!
4. Death Valley National Park, Nevada
Sitting 282 meters below sea level, Death Valley National Park in Nevada is a starlet’s dream come true.
As a Gold Level International Dark Sky Park, it offers some of the darkest skies you’ll find anywhere and unparalleled views of the night sky, free of light pollution. Park ranger-led programs offer guided night sky tours, and spots like 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 skies are darkest. Don’t miss the annual Dark Sky Festival each spring, where you can enjoy talks 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 at Arches National Park in Utah. Certified as an International Dark Sky Park, Arches offers some of the darkest skies in the US, making it a stargazer’s dream destination.
Stargazing highlights in the park include the Balanced Rock Picnic Area, the Window Section, the Garden of Eden Viewpoint, and the 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 features the Park-to-Park at Dark Trail, which connects Great Basin to Death Valley National Park, offering incredible views of the night sky along the way.
7. Glacier National Park, Montana
With a night sky as pristine as its mountain peaks, Glacier National Park in Montana is a must-see for any starry-eyed traveler.
Throughout the summer, wanderlust-led astronomy programs make your stargazing experience even better with sophisticated telescopes and expert guidance. Join these programs in St. Mary and Apgar and don’t miss the special star parties at Logan Pass for an even more immersive celestial adventure.
8. Sedona, Arizona
For amateur Galileos and stargazers, Sedona’s night sky will leave you spellbound. Just 20 minutes from downtown Sedona, over 200 terracotta-colored hiking trails and panoramic views of the red rocks with a backdrop of skies 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 with stunning views of the night sky.
Imagine the Milky Way arching over Zion’s dramatic landscape, with landmarks like Angels’ Landing and the Watchtower silhouetted against the night sky. Whether hiking by day or stargazing at night, Zion takes your breath away.
For an unforgettable experience, join a ranger-led night 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, Crater Lake National Park in Oregon offers some of the clearest night skies in the Pacific Northwest and is perfect for stargazing.
Join a hiker-led astronomy program in Rim Village during the summer to view planets, constellations and galaxies through telescopes. Camping at Mazama Campground is another great way to see the stars.
This article was produced and published by MediaFeed.
