This Hiking Trail Is the Best Way to Experience a Full Moon in Wisconsin

Tiny wings flit to and fro. Darting between bluebells and bergamot, butterflies flock to this spot for rest, relaxation, and refreshment. Speckled with fragrant wildflowers, Wisconsin's Newport State Park is a haven for our little winged friends. The wide-open meadows that meander along the Monarch Trail, in particular, are perfect for them. And that openness makes them equally perfect for night sky viewing. When the multicolored beauty of day falls away, a whole new perspective is revealed as the sun fades from view. Once you get past the thickets of tall trees, the meadows reveal multitudes. A sky you could only sneak peeks of among the trees is suddenly a breathtaking expanse—one you cannot miss for a full, Buck Moon.

As the only official Dark Sky Park in Wisconsin, Newport State Park is the best place to be for a full moon—especially since it's open until 11 p.m. Away from most light pollution, the sky here becomes a canvas. The moon is your lantern, radiating beauty as far as the eye can see. And although there are a dozen trails at Newport, they aren't all equal. The most scenic one, Lynd Point Trail, will also have remarkable views of the night sky. However, for that sky-gazing with a lake view, you'll be hiking 3.5 miles, round-trip. I prefer my night sky gazing journeys to be shorter expeditions to unwind after a long day. Especially after a long day in notorious Midwestern summer humidity.

That's where this butterfly-named hiking spot comes in handy. Monarch Trail is a breezy 1.7-mile out-and-back path. It's one of the shorter trails at Newport State Park, though not as brief as the just over half-mile Poetry Trail. You won't have to bump up against all the other hikers in search of the perfect lakeside views, either. It's just you, the moon, and the resting meadow wildlife. Don't get me wrong, I love Lake Michigan. But sometimes, fields can be just as soothing.

Imagine it. A hush of the summer breeze tickles the nearby meadow grass as you gaze upon a summer moon. The ripple of that wind catches the scent of the wildflowers, wafting it towards you. And the Buck Moon gently illuminates the meadow around you. Fireflies hover over the sleepy violets, shining their little lights as if in competition against the shimmering moonlight.

That's the great thing about Newport State Park. Arguably one of the best state parks in Wisconsin, it is full of beautiful scenes like this. Although daytime hikes get most of the glory here, there is just as much majesty to go around for nighttime adventurers. Not to mention, you're missing out on hearing the park's nocturnal residents if you only visit during the day. Those owl hoots deserve just as much attention as a chickadee's trill. If you're visiting dreamy Door County, you can't miss this abundant nature. So gather for a stargazing party to enjoy some spectacular full moon magic.