2023 Star Parties at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The stars shine bright over the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Located far from sources of urban light pollution, visitors can take advantage of the extraordinary opportunities for both close-up and panoramic views of the night sky in the National Lakeshore during the astronomy events held in the park. The 2023 monthly astronomy programs hosted by the National Lakeshore will run from April through October. Park rangers and members of the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society (GTAS) will help you unravel some of the mysteries of the night sky, as well as discover more about the daytime sky.

Each event will have a drop-in telescope and information stations for you to visit at your leisure. Be sure to stop by the ranger greeter table for more information about the stations and their locations. The dark sky in the park provides an excellent opportunity to observe deep-space objects, like the Milky Way. For programs held at the Dune Climb, feel free to hike up the dunes during this event to conduct your own personal skywalk.