Mackinaw City, Michigan, is home to more than just the Mackinac Bridge and delicious fudge, did you know that one of the world’s first International Dark Sky Parks is just about four miles from the downtown area?

DETROIT – Michigan now has two International Dark Sky Park designations. Lawless County Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association, making it one of only two located in the state of Michigan. The park is located nine miles east of Cassopolis on Monkey Run Street. Michigan’s other International Dark Sky Park is the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, near Mackinac City. There will be an official grand celebration of the International Dark-Sky designation during the annual Star Party held April 24-26 at Dr. Lawless Dark-Sky Park.

The Milky Way with Saturn on the right, photo taken from the front yard of the Headlands Dark Sky Park guest house. This a story about one such a place: Headlands International Dark Sky Park. The Milky Way with Saturn on the right, photo taken from the front yard of the Headlands Dark Sky Park guest house. The Headlands Dark Sky Park is open year round. Group photo in the backyard of the Headlands Dark Sky Park guest house.

There are many secret spots in Michigan, the places you went with as a child, beautiful and unique places you've discovered on a road trip.

This a story about one such a place: Headlands International Dark Sky Park. If you roll up, and its a full moon, the moon light will diminish your ability to see deep into the universe. NASA Ambassador Rod Cortright sets up his telescope in the front yard of the Headlands guest house. The Milky Way with Saturn on the right, photo taken from the front yard of the Headlands Dark Sky Park guest house. The Headlands Dark Sky Park is open year round.