The facility includes rentable interior and patio space for private events and programs. The two numbers at the top of a column is the time. T. Headlands International, MI. No pets. 1,660 reviews. m. Additionally, Michigan is home to Headlands International Dark Sky Park , Keweenaw Dark. Ask 546jennahm about Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Keewenaw is the third IDSA park in Michigan, after Headlands International Dark Sky Park near Mackinaw City and Dr. With minimal light pollution, the park is the perfect place for solo travelers, groups of friends, and families to enjoy stargazing, astrophotography, and learning about. A constellation is a grouping of stars that forms a distinctive shape, usually that of an animal or mythological being. Summer Hours. , as an International Dark Sky Park, that state’s first such designation. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park was the sixth International Dark Sky Park in the United States and only the ninth in the world. Climb the dunes at night and ascend into the stars. The place is very spare, but comfortable and equipped just enough of what you need. November 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 2. m. Smaller Park/Bigger Sites. An International Dark Sky Park on the Straits of Mackinac Add to Itinerary The Headlands was established in the late 1950's when Roger McCormick hired a helicopter and dropped 50lb. Nature & Parks, National Parks. Skip to main content. Written by Kailyn Clay on MobileRVing The Buzz. Restaurants near Headlands International Dark Sky Park 15675 Headlands Rd, No Camping Allowed, Mackinaw City, MI 49701-8612. 0 hours from GMT. Home to the Dark Sky Discovery Trail this northern Michigan park has had multiple northern light sightings. 5. The 2022 schedule is as follows: April 25th -30th - International Dark Sky Week -Open until Midnight. Set at 2,300 feet on the Allegheny Plateau, buffered by protected forestland and with the closest towns. Headlands International Dark Sky Park: One-of a kind family experience under the stars! - See 337 traveler reviews, 116 candid photos, and great deals for Mackinaw City, MI, at Tripadvisor. Michigan has two others designated by the association: Headlands Dark Sky Park in Emmet County and Dr. 364 Louvigny Drive, Mackinaw City, MI 49701. Stayed Oct 2023. Check the park’s calendar and plan your visit accordingly. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is home to 550 acres of forest and extraordinary nighttime skies. A man enjoys the starry sky after dark at Joshua Tree National Park. Bring Fido to the pet-friendly Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City, MI. Lauren Scorzafava. T. The IDA’s satellite tools measured the same night as a 21. It features cultural docents, indigenous artwork and regional. Small cabin located at the end of a paved, dead end road in Carp Lake, Mi. A digit 1 on top of a 3 means 13:00 or 1pm. The park located in Lake Superior and is the only National Park to officially close. In addition, Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City is the only internationally designated preserve in the state and provides an exceptional environment for viewing night sky wonders. Website. 39,087 likes · 298 talking about this · 15,651 were here. Headlands is still the only internationally-designated Dark Sky Park in Michigan (it was the 6 th in the US and 9 th in the world) when it was designated in 2011. During one of my trips up north, I visited the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, just west of Mackinaw City. Ive been planning on taking a trip up to the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City, Michigan for a little while now, and just wanted to see if anybody has been there and can. Of course, Headlands is a world-renowned dark sky park that is very popular among astronomers. S. of 1. Size 600 acres Frontage 2. Mackinaw City, MI 49701. Headlands International Dark Sky Park; +1 231 348 1704. Headlands, Michigan. The largest forested tract in the vicinity of Mackinaw City is The Headlands, an Emmet County park that spans over 600 acres. Headlands received its designation as an official International Dark Sky Park in 2011, a true honor that sets it apart from other stargazing locales. . For availability and reservations, please all (231) 427-1001 or email [email protected]. NOAA Short-Term Aurora-Forecast Map for Clear Sky Chart Your browser does not support the HTML5 canvas tag. Headlands International Dark Sky Park; +1 231 348 1704. Headlands. 3 miles from Headlands International Dark Sky Park #23 of 41 hotels in Mackinaw City “ If you get off I-75 at the S. December 13th and 14th. Review. Trips Alerts Sign inHeadlands International Dark Sky Park: A Hidden Gem in the Sky - See 336 traveler reviews, 108 candid photos, and great deals for Mackinaw City, MI, at Tripadvisor. Stephen C. 24/7 support with Headlands International Dark Sky Park hotel reservations. McGulpin Point Lighthouse is located at The Headlands Dark Sky Park and overlooks the Straits of Mackinac, 2 miles west of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse near the Mackinaw City, Michigan village limit. Headlands International Dark Sky Park and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Though you’ll find most of Michigan’s Dark Sky Parks in its Upper Peninsula, Headlands International Dark Sky Park sits on two miles of undeveloped shoreline in northern Michigan and is worth a visit. Sleeping pills and planes: Embarrassing tales from 35,000 feet. Headlands International Dark Sky Park: Spectacular - See 330 traveler reviews, 108 candid photos, and great deals for Mackinaw City, MI, at Tripadvisor. The Dark Sky Park. Headlands International Dark Sky Park has been recognized with the 2017 International Dark Sky Place of the Year Award. Trips Alerts Sign inTo be certified as a dark-sky park, readings must be at 21. Lawless Park (Cass County park)Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Fri and Saturday- 4:30 p. T. The park sits along two miles of undeveloped shoreline, with a. It's located 88 miles northeast of San Diego, surrounded by the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. There is a MAX of eight people allowed in the cabin (5 beds). Animate this imageAsk Larken53 about Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Skip to main content. This is a newly designated international dark sky park, one of the few dark sky parks in the country. Ontario has the. Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Mackinaw City, Michigan. Besides the stars, watching the full moon illuminate the lake is unforgettable. Wilderness State Park, located just 11 miles west of Mackinaw City, is home to 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, 20-plus miles of trails, a designated swimming and pet-friendly beach and unique camping opportunities. It's local time, in 24hr format. Headlands boasts 550 acres of woodlands, more than two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline, and is located at the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The setting is lovely: woods right on Lake Michigan. Call ahead to confirm. The park is open from April 16 to October 31 of every year. Headlands is open every day of the year and 24 hours a day. Skip to main content. Geauga Observatory Park, Ohio. and one of nine in the world. The Park contains approximately 600 acres of pristine woodlands, more than two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline and many species of rare and endangered. Today it is one of. Government & Business; Headlands Dark Sky Park; Recycling & Refuse; Emmet/Charlevoix County Fair; Pellston Airport; Emmet County EMS; McGulpin Lighthouse; Camp Petosega; E-News Signup. This 600-acre park is home to some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. The Livingston County park. Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Nov 3 - Nov 4. We will post them. Dark Sky programs are available. Headlands International Dark Sky Park 15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 (231) 427-1001 Grounds Open 24/7/365; Admission Free. 7. Dark. Trips Alerts Sign inSkip to main content. This challenge will take place in the 10 to 11pm. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Website: Michigan DNR page. #6 of 33 things to do in Mackinaw City. The park operates 24 hours a day and grants free. While the park does not allow camping, overnight stargazing is permitted. The park borders over two miles of preserved Lake Michigan shoreline. The bridge's cable and tower flood lights will power. To mark International Dark Sky Week (April 15–21, 2018), here are some of the nation's finest dark-sky parks, where artificial light is all but absent. Headlands International Dark Sky Park is a public park in Michigan that offers a stunning view of the night sky and a variety of activities for visitors. 2 or higher. In May 2011, Emmet County's Headlands property became the sixth International Dark Sky Park in the United States and only the ninth in the world. 100 grassy, open or shaded sites for trailers or tents. 32. One of the first 10 International Dark Sky Parks in the world; 15675 Headlands Road, Mackinaw City, Michigan 49701 (231) 427-1001. Enter dates to see prices. Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan. The Headlands, a 600-acre IDA International Dark Sky Park on the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan will be hosting two evenings of “Owl Banding and Stargazing” during International Dark Sky Week. ”. Headlands International Dark Sky Park. This county park is the perfect place to spend both day and night in as they have many varied outdoor activities. Named a Dark Sky Park in May 2011, this designation means that The Headlands is a spectacular place for sky and star gazing. Designated August 2011. Chris Bovia Full moon over Headlands International Dark Sky Park, August 2022Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan Image by Ryan Hutton from Unsplash. These parks are open past dusk through the night of Sunday, April 10. Website. Photo credit: nick damico via Flickr. At the Lodge, visitors can participate in special nightly programming like astro-photography. October 27, 2022 Updated August 23, 2023. Learn about the park's history,. Visit a local observatory to see the stars from the 18 ft (6 m) dome and capture the heavenly bodies through a 20 in (50 cm) PlaneWave telescope. Open since 2017, the facility is located within Headlands International Dark Sky Park, which is a public county park sitting on 600 acres of old-growth forest. Milky Way. This park is located in Michigan state, and has some of the best dark sky viewing in the northern United States. Distance Highest Rated Most Reviews Category. Headlands International Dark Sky Park: Dark Sky Park - See 330 traveler reviews, 108 candid photos, and great deals for Mackinaw City, MI, at Tripadvisor. 39,208 likes · 21 talking about this · 15,761 were here. Oct 22, 2023 - Entire cabin for $175. -- Summer stargazing plans start now, as Headlands International Dark Sky Park has announced its lineup of astronomy programming for 2023. February 24 and 25: Open until 11 p. 4. Trail & Facilities Description A paved road […]The Headlands International Dark Sky Park segment . The Headlands possesses exceptional natural darkness, starry skies, and natural nocturnal habitat. Trips Alerts Sign inHeadlands International Dark Sky Park: View the night sky along the Straits of Mackinac, in northern Michigan. The World’s ninth International Dark Sky Park located in Mackinaw City With deep dark skies overhead, the vast expanse of Lake Michigan to the west, bustling Mackinaw City to the east and 600 acres of pristine, old-growth forest, the Headlands park property is a gem. We love to share the amazing photos that are taken at the Headlands, so please send them our way! Email your favorite Headlands pics, night or day, to [email protected] or post to our Facebook page. Headlands International, MI. The Headlands has 600 acres of woods and two miles of undeveloped shoreline just waiting to be explored. To find a stay that fits your family, you can also filter your search by popular kid-friendly. The Headlands possesses exceptional natural darkness, starry skies, and natural nocturnal habitat. 15675 Headlands Road. 39,208 likes · 21 talking about this · 15,761 were here. Directions. Step 2: Select your site. Juno – Mission to Jupiter with NOMAC. This review is for the Stargazing Cabin in the Headlands International Dark Sky Park. org. The place is very spare, but comfortable and equipped just enough of what you need. Clearwater Lakeshore Motel. A number of loops are possible but the entire. MACKINAW CITY, MICH. In 2011, the Headlands property became the sixth International Dark Sky Park in the United States. 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM. February 24 and 25: Open until 11 p. Read travelers' reviews and see photos of Headlands International Dark Sky Park, a national park in Michigan that offers stunning views of the night sky along Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan, wooded ridges. As a. MichiganTrailMaps. This 600-acre parcel of old-growth forest sits on more than two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline at the northwest tip of Michigan's lower peninsula, where the Straits of Mackinac sweep. Mary Stewart Adams, Dark Sky Park Program Director at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City, takes visitors on a video tour of the Dark. At the time it was only the sixth dark sky park in the. K. 0. ) The Headlands is the best place around for star lovers to have an uninterrupted viewing of the stunning night sky above Northern Michigan. Review. Learn about the park's history, attractions, events, and how to visit it on this website. Headlands International Dark Sky Park: Amazing night under the stars! - See 337 traveler reviews, 116 candid photos, and great deals for Mackinaw City, MI, at Tripadvisor. Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City, an IHG Hotel. Headlands International Dark Sky Park, situated between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas, often rates Michigan's number one stargazing destination. Lawless Park in Cass County. S. 2 or higher. ~ Petoskey, MI ~ 49770 (231) 348-5479 MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY! PARKS & REC STAFF RYAN BAUMAN – Director of Parks and Recreation Email:. Continuing with the dark sky park theme, Headlands was Michigan’s first park to earn international dark sky status. (Local time for Headlands International Dark Sky Park is -5. Visitors are welcome to stay out through the night for dark-sky viewing opportunities, but camping is not permitted. " Reviewed on Nov 1, 2023. Trips Alerts Sign inHeadlands International Dark Sky Park - posted in General Observing and Astronomy: Hello, first let me say hopefully Im posting in the right section. 2:30 p. This review is for the Stargazing Cabin in the Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Attached to the domed observatory is a. The Headlands has been designated with the International Dark Sky Association since 2011. The park also offers a variety of educational programs and events. Headlands International Dark Sky Park was literally built to ensure a stunning, glittering night sky experience for visitors, and that includes auroras. While the. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is home to 550 acres of forest and extraordinary nighttime skies. Buy the $. The Mackinac Bridge will go largely dark Wednesday night as part of the Headlands International Dark Sky Park's Lights Out Challenge. The Headlands has been designated with the International Dark Sky Association since 2011. 2 km) of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline south and west of McGulpin Point Light in the Straits of Mackinac. IDA’s program manager, John Barentine says, “Headlands has, for six years since receiving its IDA Dark Sky Park designation, consistently gone above and beyond in terms of the. Book a nearby vacation home for the whole family on Rent By Owner™Headlands International Dark Sky Park – Michigan. . March 24 and 25: Open until 11 p. 27km from Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Though Headlands is the only IDA designated dark sky park in Michigan, they participate at the international level supporting programming and the cultural history of humanity's relationship to the stars through their program director's. Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Mackinaw City, Michigan. The facility includes rentable interior and patio space for private events and programs. Aurora predictions usually come only a day or two in advance, so it’s hard to plan a trip several weeks or months ahead of time. The Guest House can be rented year-round and enjoyed. Crown Choice Inn & Suites Lakeview & Waterpark. . A public park in Emmet County, Michigan. Get away from the light domes of the cities and head north on I-75 and get to a dark sky location in Upper Michigan. Hotels near Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Mackinaw City on Tripadvisor: Find 21,022 traveler reviews, 4,299 candid photos, and prices for 154 hotels near Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City, MI. A fully-licensed kitchen and ADA restrooms are available, along with a stunning indoor/outdoor fireplace and a captivating open beam ceiling. K. It is one of six designated dark sky parks in the USA and is popular for stargazing. State officials said they intend to approve Beaver Island’s dark sky sanctuary application soon, which will then head to Dark Sky International for the requested special designation. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park stands at a 600-acre parcel of old-growth forest over two miles of Lake Michigan’s shoreline in Emmet County,. Rodeway Inn & Suites Mackinaw City - Bridgeview. The newest addition to the cultural interpretation of the dark sky at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park outside Mackinaw City, Michigan is a 1-mile long paved trail from the Headlands entrance to the designated Dark Sky Viewing Area. If you visit on the solstice make sure you're ready for a late night! The sun sets here around 9:00 and not really dark enough to see much until about 11. The colors of the blocks are the colors from CMC's forecast maps for that hour. 5 on Tripadvisor among 33 attractions in Mackinaw City. 2 Thank Larken53 . The Headlands became an International Dark Sky Park in May of 2011, one of the first 10 in the entire world! What it means: The sky over the 600 acre Headlands park will be protected from the effects of light pollution, forever! 1. All six dark sky preserves require entering vehicles to have a Michigan Recreation Passport. Headlands International Dark Sky Park: Make time to view the stars. 6. National parks are some of the best places in the world to appreciate dark night skies because the National Park Service works to protect these. 2 Reviews. The park preserves over 2 mi (3. Headlands International Dark Sky Park: Mackinaw City. There will. Map. m. Emmet County has a fantastic park located just 2 miles west of Mackinaw City, Mich. Headlands International Dark Sky Park All dogs must be on a leash! And please clean up after your pooches while using the trails. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Just minutes from downtown Mackinaw City, you will have easy access to restaurants, shops, beaches and the acclaimed Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Jun. 2020, after two years of effort, this 860-acre park in southwest Michigan became the second internationally designated dark-sky park in the state. Review. Most people visit the park in the late. #6 of 33 things to do in Mackinaw City. It's local time, in 24hr format. Each column represents a different hour. The International Dark-Sky Association designates them. Most visitors to the park are in the area to visit Michigan’s other famous tourist destinations, such as Mackinac Island or the renowned state parks in the Upper Peninsula. Those who venture out after dark can experience the glow of the Milky Way unobstructed. Headlands Shoreline. Its Dark Park designation is relatively new (2020), yet stargazers from all over the state already flock there to see the millions of stars at night. Headlands hosts loads of astronomy-themed events. 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM. 15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 (231) 427-1001 [email protected] The Headlands International Dark Sky Park – Mackinaw City In 2011, the Headlands became the sixth International Dark Sky Park in the United States and the ninth in the world. Natural Bridges was the first named International Dark-Sky Park on March 6th, 2007. A public park in Emmet County, Michigan. It features cultural docents, indigenous artwork and regional photography that interpret. Waterfront Event Center is a park and waterfront wedding venue situated in Mackinaw City, Michigan. . At Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Michigan, an Emmet County-wide outdoor lighting ordinance keeps light pollution at a minimum and starry-eyed wonderment at a maximum. The house sleeps 22, which came in handy for. This. Named a Dark. Outdoor Scavenger Hunts! Geocaching in Emmet County . 5. It's the perfect place to go for a cheap and fun day out! THE HEADLANDS STARGAZING HOUSE START YOUR RESERVATION NOW! For questions concerning reservations, call (231) 427-1001 **RENTAL FOR THE STARGAZING HOUSE IS A TWO-DAY MINIMUM** Please note that rates are subject to change annually Capacity: 8 People (SEE PHOTO GALLERY AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE) 2 Floors – 2 Full Baths; 1 each floor Upper level: […] Headlands International Dark Sky Park: I tried to see the Northern Lights. Visit Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Headlands International Dark Sky Park Emmet County. Found at the tip of Michigan’s mitten, Headlands encompasses 600 acres of old-growth forest on the shores of Lake Michigan and is open free of charge, all day, every day. This 550-acre county park in Emmett County offers over two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan. Read our transparency report to learn more. In June '22, the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, with its headquarters at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor, was certified by the International Dark Sky Association. Camp Petosega: 231-347-6536 or CampPetosega@emmetcounty. Since light pollution can seriously limit your visibility, we recommend visiting Dark Sky Parks. The park will be offering free. It's local time, in 24hr format. 1 miles from Headlands International Dark Sky Park. The state also has designated six dark sky preserves: Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County, Negwegon State Park in Alcona. If interested in volunteering, please contact: Jamie Westfall, Headlands International Dark Sky Park Manager [email protected] (231) 427-1001. In the Midwest. The Headlands was established in the late 1950s when Roger McCormick hired a helicopter and dropped 50lb. Headlands International Dark Sky Park: Beautiful Views - See 330 traveler reviews, 108 candid photos, and great deals for Mackinaw City, MI, at Tripadvisor. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Headlands Dark Sky Park is a 550-acre, undeveloped patch of land that plays host to a number of natural wonders,. "There are cutouts of people lining the drive to the dark sky. Enter dates to see prices. Sort By. Unique Experience! Jun 2023. Credit (John Hill/Courtesy of Travel Michigan) View as article. There are hundreds of acres of forest with five miles of trails throughout the property. 337 Reviews. Most people visit the park in the. Nature & Parks, National Parks. In May 2011, Emmet County's Headlands property became the sixth International Dark Sky Park in the United States and only the ninth in the world! This is our favorite of the dark sky parks as it is so. Headlands International is a fantastic place for dazzling views of Orion and the Milky Way. Jun 2023. Because each of these sites is within 30 minutes of Headlands, you can come out and enjoy our starry skies, then easily get. Open Year Round. Joshua Tree National Park night sky festival in. 15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI. Located in Mackinaw City, this nature reserve is free to enter. The Monument has. Show prices. 39,126 likes · 1,516 talking about this · 15,670 were here. Drone Delegation/Shutterstock. Making it shine even brighter is its International Dark Sky Park status, a. August 11th and 12th - Perseid Meteor Shower - Open until Midnight. T. Headlands International Dark Sky Park is located in Emmet County and occupies over 500 acres of land, including a stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. Mackinaw City, MI 49701. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The park becomes the 3rd IDA-certified Dark Sky Park in the State of Michigan, joining the Headlands International Dark Sky Park and the Dr. Constellations that you have only heard about are visible. As part of its 2013 proposal for International Dark Sky Park certification by the Mayland Community College Blue Ridge Observatory Star. Learn about the park's features, rules, events, and tips for stargazing and sunset viewing. The park is open 24/7 year round and is free to visitors. A public park in Emmet County, Michigan. Signin Signup. The Guest House at the Headlands START YOUR RESERVATION NOW! For questions concerning reservations, call (231) 427-1001 **RENTAL FOR THE GUEST HOUSE IS A TWO-DAY MINIMUM** Please note that rates are subject to change annually (SEE PHOTO GALLERY AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE) 3 Floors – 3 Full Baths; 1 each floor 1st Floor: 1 […] Perhaps its most coveted feature, the Headlands Dark Sky Park includes more than two miles of Lake Michigan coastline. There is a MAX of eight people allowed in the cabin (5 beds). Located on the Straits of Mackinac in northern Michigan, Headlands is a rustic paradise with 600 acres of old-growth forest and relatively no light pollution. (Local time for Headlands International Dark Sky Park is -5. Drone Delegation/Shutterstock. The Headlands Park in Michigan, USA has more to offer than dazzling views of Orion and the Milky Way. Review. The Dark Sky Discovery Trail is a 1-mile long paved trail from the Headlands entrance to the designated Dark Sky Viewing Area. Headlands International Dark Sky Park. 2 Reviews. Using a basic tool, Lewandowski recorded a 21. Geauga Observatory Park, Ohio. ), which won the. Where to Camp. Only the observation of planets and double stars is unaffected. Located in Emmet County, Dark Sky Park offers 600 acres for individuals to observe the beauty of the stars without artificial light interference. The historic Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Michigan's Upper Peninsula has been named an International Dark Sky Park -- a designation given only after a rigorous. headlands@emmetcounty. This review is for the Stargazing Cabin in the Headlands International Dark Sky Park. With over. Spend lazy summer days on the Lake Michigan shoreline in this 600-acre, wooded preserve near Mackinaw City. Surrounded by 550 acres of woodlands and 2 miles of undeveloped shoreline, the property gives you unparalleled views of the constellations above. Dr. Former Communications Manager. The Dark Sky Discovery Trail is a 1-mile long paved trail from the Headlands. 15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI. Dark Sky Camping in Oklahoma. This park’s remote location provides its dark sky and the only light pollution is a slight sky glow from Canada. The colors of the blocks are the colors from CMC's forecast maps for that hour. Tagged. Dark Sky Camping in Oklahoma. #1 Best Value of 348 places to stay in Mackinaw City. In 2011, it was declared an International Dark Sky Park—a prestigious and labor-intensive designation that guarantees the Headlands will remain both dark and protected forever. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is a 550-acre county park in Emmet County in Northern Michigan. Headlands International Dark Sky Park, located in Emmet County, Michigan, is a unique destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the night sky like never before.