The night sky is one of the most awe-inspiring places in the world.
While most people travel for daytime sightseeing or adventure experiences, there are plenty of reasons to plan extra time into your vacation to see the stars when the skies are clear. It's considered the best shower of the year by NASA.
The International Dark Sky Association works with destinations around the world to certify the quality of their dark skies. All of the parks are certified dark sky places by the IDA and are great places to watch the meteor shower. Here is how to choose the best one for you.
Hiking down in the depths of the Grand Canyon is a bucket list-worthy adventure. You can enjoy the trails during the day and attend astronomy events when the sun is setting. There are a lot of ranger talks, constellation tours, and star parties on the north and south rim.
There are three campgrounds, an RV campground and a wide variety of accommodations to be found near both the north and south rim of the Grand Canyon. It is necessary to make reservations several weeks in advance.
Where are the best places to look up at the stars?
Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport, Pennsylvania is a great place for young people to explore the night sky. One of the best areas of darkness on the east coast is the 1.7 square mile state park. It plays host to many programs on weekends when park educators or guest speakers talk about the wonders of the night sky and natural world.
It's about 4.5 hours from Philadelphia toCherry Springs. You can camp overnight at one of the 30 sites in the park, but they fill up fast so make your reservations online before you go.
There are 8 best beaches and lakes in the area.
The Rainbow Bridge National Monument is one of the most remote places in the United States. There are no roads where you are going. The only way to get to the rock formation is with a permit from the nearby tribe.
If you want to go camping at Rainbow Bridge, you have to hike in and back out to a campsite on the other side of the river. If you want to camp at Lake Powell, you need to visit the office in Page, Arizona.
I just arrived home from Utah.
Look at stars whose light has traveled the same amount of time as you explore dinosaur fossils. You can ponder the history of the universe through the geologic record that is well-preserved in this park. It is possible to learn history that is a little more modern.
There are six campgrounds within the Dinosaur National Monument. It is possible to raft down the Green River from the Gates of lodore campground, but the most remote parts of the National Monument are reserved for this purpose.
Zion National Park is now an international park.
You have to prepare for a multi-night journey to stargaze in the most remote areas of the country. There are dark sky places that are close to you. Homer Glen is an hour's drive from downtown Chicago. It is certified as a Dark Sky Community and has regular stargazing events.
The Plaza Hotel is a great place to stay in Chicago. You can learn more about the wonders of the universe by walking to the Adler Planetarium.
The best things to do in Chicago are listed here.
There is a dark sky park for people who want to go off the grid. A sanctuary is usually very far away from the rest of the world. It requires advocates because of its remote location. The Sanctuary designation makes it easier to get the word out.
There are only pit toilets and no water or trash services at the campground, and you can only use red lights after dark. Visitors will enjoy the pristine night sky if they live rough.
On a first-come, first-served basis, Cosmic Campground has five campsites that can be used for RV, trailer or tent camping.
How to go on a road trip during spring break.
The article was first published in June of 2019.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
