Enjoy 'Meteors & S'mores' at state parks Aug. 11-12 during Perseid meteor shower

Michigan state parks offer great natural spaces for gathering
 with friends and family and enjoying a variety of special events,
like Meteors & S'mores and other seasonal programming that
 takes advantage of each park’s natural amenities. (DNR photo)

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites visitors and campers to catch a view of the Perseid meteor shower during "Meteors & S'mores" in participating Michigan state parks Aug. 11-12.

Day-use visitors and campers at participating state parks are encouraged to bring blankets, seating, bug spray and snacks and enjoy a night of stargazing.

Participating parks will stay open later than their normal closing times. Complimentary s’mores and campfires are part of the celebration. Designated viewing areas and viewing times will be specified at each park. 

"Many consider themselves lucky if they catch a shooting star, but the Perseid meteor shower is one of the best opportunities to see them with the naked eye," said Elissa Buck, a DNR event coordinator. "We encourage those who want to catch magnificent views with fellow parkgoers take part in one of these Meteors & S'mores events."

The calendar of events can be found online at michigan.gov/darksky and also is listed below.

• South Higgins Lake State Park (Roscommon County) Friday, Aug. 11, 9 to 11 p.m.
• Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County) Friday, Aug. 11, 9 to 11:30 p.m.
• Lakeport State Park (St. Clair County) Friday, Aug. 11, 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
• Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Fort Wilkins State Park (Keweenaw County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 8 to 11:45 p.m.
• North Higgins Lake State Park (Roscommon County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 9 to 10:30 p.m.
• Leelanau State Park (Leelanau County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 9 to 10:30 p.m.
• Young State Park (Charlevoix County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 9 to 11 p.m.
• Clear Lake State Park (Montmorency County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 9 to 11:30 p.m.
• Wilderness State Park (Emmet County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 9 to 11:30 p.m.
• Van Buren State Park (Van Buren County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 9 to 11:45 p.m.
• Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 9 p.m. to midnight
• Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
• Holland State Park (Ottawa County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 10 to 11 p.m.
• Indian Lake State Park (Delta County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 10 to 11:30 p.m.
• Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 10 to 11:30 p.m.
• Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County) Saturday, Aug. 12, 10 to 11:45 p.m.
• Negwegon State Park (Alcona and Alpena counties) Saturday, Aug. 12, 9 to 11 p.m.

About Dark Sky parks in MichiganDark Sky Preserves are protected against light pollution and are ideal locations for stargazing. Here in Michigan, six state-designated Dark Sky Preserves are located at Lake Hudson Recreation Area, Negwegon State Park, Port Crescent State Park, Rockport Recreation Area, Thompson's Harbor State Park and Wilderness State Park. In addition, Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities across more than 15,000 square miles. Learn more at michigan.gov/darksky.
Camp under the stars

To take full advantage of the meteor showers that are estimated to take place Aug. 9-16, visitors are encouraged to make camping reservations throughout the week and sleep under the stars. To check camping availability in state parks and make a reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS.

For more information about these events, contact Elissa Buck at bucke@michigan.gov or 989-313-0000.