The 5 Most Magical Places Around The U.S. To Star Gaze

Stargazing is one of the most magical pastimes you can experience in the U.S. Whether you’re in your own backyard or sleeping under the stars at a remote campground, this activity has a way of stopping time and inspiring awe. If you’d like to take your appreciation for stargazing to the next level, there are a few designated areas around the U.S. that promise the most spectacular night sky clarity. Take a look:

Kenneth Slade/flickr

Located at the tip of Michigan's lower peninsula along the shores of the Straits of Mackinac, the Headlands Dark Sky Park is a spectacular place to see night sky. In 2011, the Headlands was registered as a National Dark Sky Park at the silver level. Night or day, this area is simply exquisite.

Virginia State Parks/flickr

Located in the mountains of Virginia, Staunton River State Park attracts star enthusiasts from all over for the chance to see an exquisite celestial show, especially during the summer months. What could be more magical than a night spent under this dazzling night sky?

Adam Baker/flickr

Situated near the Mexico border in southwestern Texas awaits a natural gem known as Big Bend Park. Thanks to low humidity and very little light pollution, this area of the Lone Star State enjoys incredible nighttime clarity for star viewing. Clear nights mean the chance to view thousands of stars, the Milk Way, and even a meteor or two. Exploring this designated Dark Sky Park is equally as delightful during the daytime.

Denali National Park/flickr

Paul Weeks/flickr

For a chance to escalate your experience of stargazing, you can head to Denali National Park in Alaska for incredible nighttime clarity. What's more, you may even spot the breathtaking natural phenomenon known as the Northern Lights. This fairy-tale like experience is one that belongs on everyone's bucket list.

Barton Davis Smith/flickr

Last but not least is the iconic Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. During the day, the park's main attraction are the unique rock spires known as hoodoos. After sunset, however, eyes are drawn upwards to the sky, where the display of stars is so magnificent you may forget about the rock formations altogether. Due to its high elevation, Bryce Canyon is one of the darkest places in the entire U.S.

Did any of your favorite stargazing destinations miss the list? If so, be sure to share them with us! For related content, you may enjoy reading about The Single Best Place In The Entire U.S. For Stargazing.