I went on a Friday and there was no one at the gate checking passes. It's now one of only six in the U.S. and 10 in the world [see update below -Ed]. A bill recently passed by the Michigan House of Representatives would make a portion of Port Crescent State Park just the eighth dark sky preserve in the nation and third in the state. Three miles of shoreline along Lake Huron create plenty of opportunities to see and photograph aurora borealis reflections. - See 123 traveler reviews, 126 candid photos, and great deals for Port Austin, MI, at Tripadvisor. The annual Quadrantid meteor shower is tonight thru Jan. 10th, peak viewing pre-dawn Jan. 3 depending on cloud cover. Recreation Search Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The park occupies the site of Port Crescent, a ghost town which once stood at the mouth of the Pinnebog River. The serene, accessible 8' and 10' paved bike paths runs approximately 3.4 miles. or just walk down to Sleepers Beach at night. Get into Port Crescent with the best deal in the state, the Recreation Passport! The park features 3 miles of Sandy beach along Lake Huron and is home to a dark sky preserve … Port Crescent Dark Sky Preserve, the tip of Michigan’s Thumb, is a perfect spot to celebrate the new year with a chance to see shooting stars. Port Crescent State Park: Nice Place to spend some relaxing time - See 123 traveler reviews, 126 candid photos, and great deals for Port Austin, MI, at Tripadvisor. The state park covers 640 acres (260 ha) along state route M-25 in Hume Township.The park occupies the site of Port Crescent, a ghost town which once stood at the mouth of the Pinnebog River. Rochester Hills : Roscommon : … It's a prediction of when Port Crescent State Park, MI, will have good weather for astronomical observing. The numbers are the visual limiting magnitude at the zenith. I did see a park ranger in the parking lot, she might have been checking there, but I am not sure. Michigan's nightlife is looking up. Fort Gratiot Bike Path & Nature Preserve 3720 Keewahdin Rd. Turquoise is twilight. ... See the lake on Huron Sand Dunes Trail, wander the main Port Crescent State Park Trail, and examine wildlife on Wood Creek Trail. The state's first International Dark Sky Park has been created. Fort Gratiot, MI 48059 US Phone: (810) 385-4489 Region: Port Huron Website. Port Crescent State Park: A real dark sky! Located on Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay, Port Crescent State Park is full of sandy shoreline. It is home to a dark sky preserve, a modern campground with waterfront views and a camper cabin. Here is a photo of the Milky Way on a beautiful night at Goblin Valley State Park which is an International Dark Sky Park #darkskypark . The park was designated a Michigan "dark sky preserve" in 2012. Light blue is full moon. It features a wooden boardwalk to walk along, with stunning views of the bay. For those who prefer numbers, the scale is also calibrated. The Thumb dark sky preserve is located anywhere within Port Crescent State Park, but a common place for astronomers and night sky enthusiasts to set up for viewing is next to the beach. Port Crescent State Park is located at the tip of Michigan's "thumb" along three miles of sandy shoreline on Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay near Port Austin. Participants were invited to provide their input, identifying Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats related to the park. Six state parks are home to protected Dark Sky Preserves.Additionally, Michigan is home to Headlands International Dark Sky Park and Dr. T.K. Port Crescent State Park has been designated as a dark sky preserve, or a location that is protected from light pollution. Lawless Park, which are the only internationally designated preserves in the state.Each location provides the very best opportunity for you to truly enjoy the Milky Way, aurora borealis and more. On the tip of Michigan's thumb near Port Austin, sits Port Crescent State Park. Port Crescent State Park is located near Port Austin, 115 miles (185 km) due north of Detroit, Michigan. These areas exist in categories such as communities, reserves, preserves, and sanctuaries. Visit BringFido for an overview of the trail, along with pictures, directions, and reviews from dog owners who’ve been there. The Port Crescent State Park Dark Sky Preserve is a perfect place to see the stars and northern lights. (c) Those portions of Port Crescent State Park lying north and west of the Pinnebog River in section 9 … Dark sky parks help astronomers in studying the night skies and for stargazers who wish to enjoy the night skies. In fact, Port Crescent State Park, located near the northern tip of the Thumb along the shores of Lake Huron, is recognized for promoting the Dark Skies initiative. A relaxing bath at one of the hotels by Port Crescent State Park is perfect after a hike. Search: Home; List; Map; Events There are 2 decent size parking lots near the beach. ... Black is a dark sky. Negwegon State Park Michigan: 1,513 Dark Sky Preserve Designated in 2016: United States Port Crescent State Park Michigan: 2.4 km 2: Dark Sky Preserve Designated in 2012: United States Rockport State Recreation Area Michigan: 17.15 km 2: Dark Sky Preserve Designated in 2016: United States Thompson's Harbor State Park Michigan: 20.68 km 2: Dark Sky Preserve Designated in 2016: United States … The park also offers water activities like fishing and canoeing, along with hiking and cross-country skiing. Port Crescent State Park is a public recreation area on Lake Huron five miles (8.0 km) southwest of Port Austin in Huron County at the tip of The Thumb of Michigan. A Stakeholder Workshop was held on , 2016 at the November 10Sleeper State Park Outdoor Center. The dark sky preserve is in the day-use area with parking fees and if you’re staying overnight, there won’t be any overnight reservations required. That’s woofin’ impressive considering there are only seven in the entire state of Michigan. Dark sky preserve with birds of prey observation deck. Dark-sky preserve near Hudson. During the day, the park offers cross country skiing in the winter. This sign is only a distraction for those using the beach. ) Port Crescent State Park, at the tip of the Thumb near Port Austin, is one of seven dark sky preserves in Michigan. To designate Wilderness State Park, a portion of Port Crescent State Park in Huron County, and state forestland within Bliss Township, Cross Village Township, and Wawatam in Emmet County as “dark sky preserves.” Also, to prohibit establishing a dark sky preserve in the Upper Peninsula, and prohibit restrictions on motorized and nonmotorized recreational use based on the designation. Off-leash dogs are welcome on the trails and a section of shoreline available near the mouth of the Pinnebog River. What kind of dark sky preserve closes under an hour after it gets dark. Port Crescent State Park : State park: Portage (MI) Raven Hill Discovery Center : A regional science and technology center and home of the Northern Michigan Astronomy Club (NOMAC). Port Crescent State Park . Dark Sky Preserve: Port Crescent State Park has been recently designated a dark sky preserve in the Day Use Area, which marks an important milestone and provides a place for stargazers to get an unobstructed view of beautiful, naturally-dark skies. As one of six state-designated dark sky preserves in Michigan, Port Crescent State Park offers ideal conditions for taking in the beauty of a night sky undiminished by … Deep blue shows interference from moonlight. A dark-sky preserve (DSP), also known as a dark sky reserve, is an area, usually surrounding a park or observatory, that restricts artificial light pollution.The purpose of a dark sky preserve is generally to promote astronomy.. Because different national organizations have worked independently to create their programs, different terms have been used to describe the areas. The park is located near Port Austin, in the Blue Water Area on Lower Peninsula. Port Crescent State Park Day Use Area Port Austin Rd. When the sun goes down, you and your four legged star gazer will have furrific views of the night sky. (b) The state-owned land comprising Wilderness State Park and the state forestland within Bliss Township, Cross Village Township, and Wawatam in Emmet County. The shoreline’s even pet-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about leaving your pet home alone without the whole family. A wooden boardwalk parallels the pet-friendly shoreline. I've been enjoying everyone's Dark Sky photos this week as we celebrate International Dark Sky Week #idsw2021 . River Valley RV Park : Home of the Great Lakes Star Gaze. A total of 11 participants represented organizations from around the region and provided input. Yellow is dusk and white is daylight. Also, the park has been designated a dark-sky preserve, so you can get ready for some stargazing. Michigan state parks designated as Dark Sky Reserves: Wilderness State Park; Thompson’s Harbor State Park ; Rockport State Park; Negwegon State Park; Port Crescent State Park; Lake Hudson Recreation Area; Michigan Dept of Natural Resources Dark Sky Events The 7 Best Spots for Stargazing in Michigan, Detroit Free Press, March 5, 2017 . Use the beach and Port Crescent day park as well, not as busy and nice area to relax. 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