If you reside in a well-illuminated neighborhood or city, it's likely that light pollution obstructs your ability to fully admire the splendor of the night sky. This is why numerous travelers opt to veer away from popular routes each year and search for a location where they can marvel at the stars in all their magnificence. And there is no better place to do so than at one of the numerous
These specified regions cover more than 60,000 square miles spread across 22 nations, captivating avid stargazers with an unmatched encounter. Actually, the majority of these locations can be located within the United States, specifically within the different national and state parks of the country. If you're excited about observing the sky in a unique manner, here are 5 Dark Sky Parks that you should consider visiting this year. So, let's not waste any more time and examine each one in detail together!
So which US Dark Sky Parks should you pay special attention to?
1. Big Bend National Park – Texas
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Situated in Texas just north of the Mexican border, Big Bend National Park stretches alongside the Rio Grande, hundreds of miles to the west of San Antonio. This remote area is deeply nestled within the expansive wilderness of the Chihuahuan Desert, providing numerous opportunities for stargazing across its vast and untouched 1,112,000 acres. In fact, it has been proclaimed that Big Bend National Park possesses the darkest skies among all the national parks in the lower 48 states.
Thanks to its arid and desert climate, there are very few trees to obstruct your view, making it incredibly easy to admire the night sky. The park boasts several recommended spots for stargazing, including the Santa Elena Overlook and the Tuff Canyon Trail. For visitors seeking a comfortable stay, the nearby Summit at Big Bend offers accommodations, such as the Stargazing Domes, providing a wonderful way to sleep in comfort while marveling at the breathtaking scenery above.
2. Craters of the Moon National Monument – Idaho
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Craters of the Moon is a suitable destination for observing stars and is the only national park named after a celestial body. Situated in the south-central area of Idaho, this dry and desolate landscape was formed many years ago through repeated volcanic eruptions. Today, the region remains scarcely inhabited due to the absence of plant life, resulting in minimal artificial light that may obstruct your view of the stars.
Recognizing the park's popularity among Dark Sky enthusiasts, the National Park Service hosts Star Parties during the summer and autumn seasons. These events provide guests with high-quality telescopes to enhance their stargazing experience. Park officials are dedicated to ensuring visitors minimize their use of personal lighting to preserve the area's minimal light pollution.
3. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument – Maine
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You cannot venture much further northeast in the United States than Katahdin Woods. In 2020, this Dark Sky Park became the first of its kind in all of New England. This vast expanse of 87,564 acres of remote forest is situated in northern Maine, where the stars shine brighter than most areas in the region. Within the park grounds, there are no sources of commercial power, and all of the park's lighting structures are turned off at night to ensure the clearest view of the skies.
Due to the high population density along the rest of the East Coast, Katahdin Woods offers some of the darkest skies to the east of the Mississippi River. The annual Stars Over Katahdin event is the perfect time to visit Maine. This celebration includes engaging campfire discussions, local culinary delights, and, of course, extraordinary opportunities for stargazing that are unparalleled in the region.
4. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park – Florida
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Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, situated in central Florida, is conveniently located near Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, and Miami. This prime location offers the benefit of being both secluded from light pollution and easily accessible. Unlike other American Dark Sky Parks that are located in remote areas, this park can be reached in less than three hours from several major cities.
Visitors to this remarkable destination can readily observe Jupiter and Saturn in the night sky. However, the park's true highlight is the opportunity to view the International Space Station on exceptionally clear evenings. Parkgoers have also remarked on the ease of witnessing the Milky Way without the need for specialized telescopes. With these features, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve is recognized as one of the premier Dark Sky spots in the southeastern region.
5. Voyageurs National Park – Minnesota
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Voyageurs National Park is located at the northernmost region of Minnesota, near its border with Ontario, Canada. What sets Voyageurs apart is its easy accessibility to witnessing the amazing phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis. Although there is no fixed schedule for when these northern lights appear, they can be seen at any time of the year and during any part of the night. Therefore, it's important to be alert and observe the mesmerizing green hues of this breathtaking natural light show.
Within the park, there are two specific areas highly recommended for night sky viewing: the Meadowood Road Day Use Area and the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. However, any location within the park would still offer a wonderful experience. Although there is no wrong time to visit Voyageurs, the summer months are especially exceptional. During this time, the park is positioned closer to the Milky Way galaxy due to the Earth's tilt, providing a greater chance of experiencing its majestic beauty firsthand.
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Traveling worldwide shouldn't be something tiring – conversely, that's the time you can enjoy both the amazing landscapes of our Earth and joint activities with your loved ones. Nevertheless, things don't always go as planned, and we're at risk to face some challenges even at such an enjoyable moment. One such problem is actually airport parking, specifically its price. Let's have a look at the situation a bit closer.
If you used to get to the airport you're flying from by your own car, you probably know what we're talking about – the question of parking cost arises every time. You'll be definitely shocked – even though most US airports provide travelers with on-site parking, which allows them to leave their vehicles for their entire journey there, such a parking type is unfairly overpriced. Choosing this parking option, your next trip just might cost you a fortune. And that's not even considering it's complicated to find a free parking spot for your car. Since nobody wants to waste money and travel inconveniently, there begs the following question: is there actually any solution?
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What is off-site parking and why is it worth choosing this option exactly?
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