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July 21, 2016
Contact: Stephanie Wirtz, 989-274-6182
Enjoy 'Meteors & S'mores' at state parks Aug. 10-13 during Perseid meteor shower
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites the public to catch magnificent views of the Perseid meteor shower during "Meteors & S'mores" in participating Michigan state parks Aug. 10-13.
Day-use visitors and campers are encouraged to bring blankets, seating, bug spray and snacks and enjoy a night of stargazing at a number of state parks during "Meteors & S'mores." Complimentary s’mores and campfires are part of the celebration. Designated viewing areas and viewing times will be specified at each park.
"The Perseid meteor showers are one of the best opportunities to see shooting stars with the naked eye," said Stephanie Wirtz, recreation programmer for the DNR. "Michigan state parks offer excellent opportunities for stargazing and include a number of parks that are legislatively designated as Dark Sky Preserves."
Dark Sky Preserves have protection against light pollution and are ideal locations for stargazing. Seven Michigan state parks have been designated as Dark Sky Preserves by the Michigan Legislature, including Lake Hudson Recreation Area, Negwegon State Park, Port Crescent State Park, Rockport Recreation Area, Thompson’s Harbor State Park and Wilderness State Park. The Headlands Dark Sky Park, an Emmet County park, is the only internationally designated Dark Sky Park in the state and offers another opportunity for viewing the night sky.
Events listed below with asterisks(**) take place at a Designated Dark Sky park. Meteors & S'mores events are scheduled at the following locations:
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Leelanau State Park (Leelanau County) Wednesday, Aug. 10, 9:30-10:30 p.m.
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Fort Wilkins State Park (Keweenaw County) Wednesday, Aug. 10, 8 p.m.-midnight
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Rockport Recreation Area** (Alpena County) Wednesday, Aug. 10, 8-11 p.m.
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Lake Hudson Recreation Area** (Lenawee County) Thursday, Aug. 11, 10-11:45 p.m.
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Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County) Aug. 12, 9-10 p.m.
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Rifle River State Park (Ogemaw County) Friday, Aug. 12, 10-11 p.m.
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South Higgins State Park (Roscommon County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9-10 p.m.
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Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9:30-11 p.m.
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Young State Park (Charlevoix County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9-11 p.m.
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Van Buren State Park (Van Buren County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9-11 p.m.
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Clear Lake State Park (Montmorency County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9-11:30 p.m.
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Silver Lake State Park (Oceana County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9:30-11 p.m.
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Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County) Friday, Aug. 12, 8:30-11 p.m.
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Port Crescent State Park** (Huron County) Friday, Aug. 12, 8:30-11 p.m.
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Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County) Friday, Aug. 12, 10-11:45 p.m.
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Holland State Park (Ottawa County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9:30-10:30 p.m.
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Hoeft State Park (Presque Isle County) Friday, Aug. 12, 9-11 p.m.
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Hayes State Park (Lenawee County) Saturday, Aug. 13, 9-10 p.m.
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Lakeport State Park (St. Clair County) Saturday, Aug. 13, 9-11 p.m.
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Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County) Saturday, Aug. 13, 10-11:30 p.m.
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Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County) Saturday, Aug. 13, 8-11 p.m.
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North Higgins Lake State Park (Roscommon County) Saturday, Aug. 13, 9-10 p.m.
 During the Meteors & S'mores events, parks stay open later than their normal closing times.
To take full advantage of the meteor showers that will take place Aug. 7-13, visitors are encouraged to make camping reservations throughout the week and to 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 Stephanie Wirtz at wirtzs@michigan.gov or 989-274-6182.
Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.
Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
/Editors' note: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions follow.
Telescope: A visitor gets ready to watch the Perseid meteor shower during a Meteors & S'mores event at a Michigan state park.
Fireside Program: Visitors enjoy one of many events taking place at Michigan state parks and recreation areas throughout the summer./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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