Top US Destinations for Stargazing

Stargazing can be one of the most beautiful experiences this world has to offer. Staring up a dark night sky filled with stars can fill you with a sense of wonder like nothing else. Since the dawn of mankind, people have looked up to the sky in wonder and learned to use the stars to navigate both on land and on sea. It's a bit harder now to stargaze in our own backyards, where light pollution can get in the way. That's why the International Dark-Sky Association created a list of the best places in the world to catch a glimpse of our vast galaxy.

Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, is one of the top seven places in the world for stargazing. Unobstructed views of an estimated 2,000 stars make this park a beautiful camping spot. If you plan to stick around for a few days, check out the Marathon Motel, which has a telescope for guests to use. Another great attraction is the McDonald Observatory two hours away in Fort Davis. With four massive telescopes, daily tours, weekly star parties and special viewing events, the observatory is the perfect end or beginning to any stargazing trip.

The Greater Palm Springs area of southern California is home to the Joshua Tree National Park, most famous for its forest of beautiful but deadly Joshua trees. Another great park to stargaze in is the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Visit the Rancho Mirage Observatory and ask an astronomer all your celestial questions.

Not far from the mainland of southern California lies the Channel Islands. One of the least-visited national parks in the country, Channel Islands National Park has the lowest levels of light pollution and offers camping on all five islands that comprise the park. Experience stargazing without distraction: endless ocean around you, a vast star-studded galaxy above. Simply perfect.

Badlands National Park is an incredible place for many reasons: it is home to one of the richest fossil beds in the country, a land of changing landscapes that provide for animals like bighorn sheep and bison. It's also home to an annual astronomy festival that attracts scientists and stargazers alike to participate in planetarium visits, technology viewings and stargazing.

The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is located 200 miles away from any large city. Combined with the arid desert conditions that allow for great visibility, giving overnight visitors a clear view of the Milky Way. During the day, hike through the park to experience an incredible fossilized forest and some of the most unique geological formations. Have you ever seen a fossilized coral reef in a desert? You can at this national park.

Ever wanted to go to a star party? At Gila National Forest's Cosmic Campground in Glenwood, New Mexico, you can. The campground is a rustic spot to camp, where the greatest amenity is the stunning view of the galaxy. For a place to stay, check out Los Olmos Lodge, where cabins are available to rent, located only a four-minute drive away from the park.

The Great Sand Dune National Park & Preserve in south-central Colorado is a land of incredible landscapes, with a desert of sand dunes surrounded by forest and snow-capped mountains, spotted by lakes and rivers. This Dark Sky Park is a great place to view the Milky Way. Its high elevation, dry air and location make it a beautiful spot to explore the sand dunes at night and test out your skill of navigating by the stars.

Glacier National Park is rated as one of the best and most beautiful parks in the country. The wildlife, diverse flora and geological formations, like the glaciers themselves, are big draws to the park. But staying a few nights within the park gives ample time to explore the night sky. During the summer, the Big Sky Astronomy Club hosts a variety of events, including educational programs and star parties.

Deep in the deadliest environment in the country lies one of the best opportunities for stargazing. The driest, lowest, hottest place in the country is a haven for stargazers. For an unobstructed view of the night sky, visit Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Badwater Basin, a salt flat, is a beautiful backdrop to watch the stars appear, too.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is located in Idaho. A land marred by ancient volcanic activity, during the day it looks like a scene from the moon, speckled with craters, caves and other geological features. When the sun goes down, the stars come out to play. Each spring and fall, the Idaho Falls Astronomical Society hosts a star party for people to gather and stargaze together, as well as other fun events. In summer, the park hosts ranger-led full moon hikes to explore the eerie landscape.

Visit the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw, Michigan to catch a rare glimpse of the northern lights. While camping is not permitted in the park, you are allowed to explore it and stargaze at night. The park usually hosts a variety of events each day, whether it be live music or stargazing events.