3 Incredible U.S. Destinations for Stargazing Under Dark Skies

The United States is full of breathtaking natural attractions, but none are quite so intriguing as the night sky itself. Gazing up at a night filled with stars and the ability to see the Milky Way with the naked eye isn't something you can truly experience with the presence of light pollution. Fortunately, this country has a collection of designated Dark Sky Parks, where the light pollution from surrounding towns is so minimal that you can enjoy the stars in all of their dazzling glory. So without further ado, here are the top three places with some of the darkest skies in the U.S.:

1. Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan

Located in Mackinaw City, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park is a notoriously beautiful place for spotting meteors. This 600-acre property became a designated Dark Sky Park in 2011, the sixth in the U.S. and the ninth in the entire world. The park is situated along two miles of undeveloped shoreline in the northwestern tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula and is open 24 hours a day for visitors to enjoy the grounds and hiking trails during the day, and the dark sky at night. There is even the Out of This World on-site gift shop, where you can purchase a variety of space-themed gifts for yourself or a loved one.

Visitors can also enjoy free monthly Dark Sky Park programs to learn more about the area's celestial beauty. You can find the park at 15675 Headlands Rd in Mackinaw City, Michigan. Visit the Emmet County website for more information on the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, including trail maps and gift shop hours.

2. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Because of its incredibly clear skies, Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport is considered one of the state's top places with low light pollution and is one of the best places along the East Coast for stargazing. Located in the Susquehannock State Forest, the park features an Astronomy Observation Field with a virtually unobstructed 360-degree view where you can bring your own stargazing equipment. There's also a rustic campground featuring 30 non-electric campsites.

Each year, this park organizes two "star parties," which are attended by hundreds of stargazers and curious astronomers, plus other stargazing events throughout the year. Visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website for upcoming events and to book a campsite at Cherry Springs State Park. The park is located at 4639 Cherry Springs Rd in Coudersport, Pennsylvania.

3. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

The state of Utah is home to an impressive 26 designated International Dark Sky Places, including 15 designated Dark Sky Parks, yet perhaps the most unique of all of them is the 337,598 acres acres of rugged wilderness that is Canyonlands National Park. By day, this otherworldly landscape is characterized by red rocks, endless horizons, and fascinating arches. Once the sun sets, your eyes will gaze upwards to the incredible array of nighttime magic.

Canyonlands National Park is located in Moab, Utah and is among the best national parks for stargazing. Visit the National Park Service website for camping information and dark sky programs.

There's nothing quiet as mesmerizing as staring up at a dark sky filled with millions of stars. Visiting these dark sky destinations, which are among the best places for stargazing in America, will create a sense of awe and wonder and make us realize the magnificence of the cosmos. Have you checked any of these DarkSky International locations off of your stargazing bucket list? For more destinations across the country, check out the most Stunning Stargazing and Dark Sky Destinations in the U.S.