Here's Where You'll Find the Darkest Nights in Michigan

Just about anywhere you go in Michigan to observe the night sky, there is still some kind of light shining in the distance: a street light, headlights, building lights, tower lights, city lights...it’s hard to escape and not as easy as you think to find complete darkness.

But there are a number of sites in Michigan where you can enjoy a dark sky...and the best, darkest nights can be found on Beaver Island.

Beaver Island has been called “the most remote place to live in Michigan” and almost devoid of any bright lights to cut through the peaceful, serene darkness.....and plenty of wide open spaces to fully take in vast amounts of dark and starry night skies.

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Beaver Island has gained a widespread reputation, with many professional and amateur sky observers / astronomers arriving here annually. Thanks to the efforts of these stargazers, Beaver Island was certified as Michigan’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2024.

Winter nights may get cold, but they are exceptionally long with amazingly clear skies; one especially impressive sight is the Milky Way. You can plainly see it anytime, barring a cloudy night.

What is a Dark Sky Sanctuary?

Dark sky sanctuaries are chosen for being the most remote and darkest places in the world.....and Beaver Island fits that description. Once the application was approved, Beaver Island became Michigan’s first dark sky sanctuary.

What else can you expect to see in the dark Beaver Island night skies?

When you visit, expect to see not just the Milky Way, but a variety of constellations, galaxies, meteor showers, the Northern Lights, and maybe an occasional comet, and if you’re extremely lucky, the rare Zodiacal light.

Scroll down to see just a few images in the gallery...