ParkCertified 2021
AMC Maine Woods
ME, US
AMC manages the lands for multiple uses, including biological conservation, sustainable forestry, backcountry recreation, and environmental education.
Dark Sky Places
This directory lists certified dark sky places across the United States and Canada: parks, sanctuaries, reserves and communities recognized by DarkSky International for meeting its outdoor lighting and sky-quality standards, plus provincial dark-sky sites tracked by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Each listing links to its certifying body and shows the year it was certified, so you can find a genuinely dark sky within a reasonable drive rather than guessing from a map. Browse by state or province, then check /moon for the best night this month and /events for anything worth timing your trip around.
Nocturnal PreserveCertified 2015
Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area
AB, CA
A private conservation ranch on Calgary's southwest edge that protects nocturnal wildlife habitat alongside dark skies.
LodgingCertified 2025
Antelope Basecamp
OR, US
Antelope Basecamp is open year-round and welcomes both overnight guests and small groups seeking guided stargazing experiences.
ParkCertified 2017
Antelope Island State Park
UT, US
The largest in the Great Salt Lake, the island’s land area fluctuates according to the rise and fall of the lake level.
CommunityCertified 2024
Antelope, Oregon
OR, US
Antelope revamped its website with dark sky resources, hosted star parties, and organized outreach events to educate the public about light pollution.
ParkCertified 2018
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
CA, US
This low desert experiences intense heat in the summer and frigid conditions in winter, although its elevation usually precludes the formation of frost.
UrbanCertified 2026
Apache Junction Municipal Complex
AZ, US
Spanning roughly 45 acres, the campus serves as a central civic hub, housing key community resources including the Public Library, Multi-Generational Center, Police Department, City Council Chambers, and various municipal offices.
ParkCertified 2019
Arches National Park
UT, US
One of Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks, Arches is bordered by the Colorado River in the southeast and is widely known as the site of more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, such as the massive, red-hued Delicate Arch in the east.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2018
Au Diable Vert
QC, CA
A working farm and eco-lodge in the Sutton Mountains offering yurts and an observation deck; became Canada's first DarkSky Approved Lodging in 2026.
ParkCertified 2025
Badlands National Park
SD, US
Today, the park hosts ranger-led night sky programming throughout the year, including an annual Astronomy Festival each July that brings together visitors, astronomers, photographers, educators, and dark sky advocates.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2006
Beaver Hills Dark-Sky Preserve
AB, CA
Centred on Elk Island National Park about 50 km east of Edmonton, within a UNESCO-recognized biosphere region.
SanctuaryCertified 2024
Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area
MI, US
The sanctuary offers a serene expanse under a pristine night sky, encompassing 9,195.5 acres within the Wildlife Research Area, and an additional 230 acres at Miller’s Marsh.
CommunityCertified 2023
Bee Cave
TX, US
Including the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, the city encompasses 15.1 square miles.
CommunityCertified 2014
Beverly Shores, Indiana
IN, US
In recent years, they have embraced dark-skies as an important part of the local environment drawing residents and tourists alike.
ParkCertified 2012
Big Bend National Park
TX, US
national park renowned for its hiking and backpacking trails nestles in the “Big Bend” of the Rio Grande river, which marks the boundary between Mexico and the state of Texas.
ParkCertified 2017
Big Bend Ranch State Park
TX, US
Designated 2017 Category Dark Sky Park Address Barton Warnock Visitor Center Terlingua, TX 79852 Google Maps Contact Omar V.
ParkCertified 2016
Big Cypress National Preserve
FL, US
federal lands in southern Florida, about 72 km west of Miami.
CommunityCertified 2016
Big Park / Village of Oak Creek, Arizona
AZ, US
Home to slightly over 6,000 people, the Village is something of a ‘bedroom community’ or exurb of neighboring Sedona, a city designated an IDA International Dark Sky Community in 2014.
CommunityCertified 2024
Bisbee, Arizona
AZ, US
Due to its mining origins, the settlement is clustered in a steep canyon near the old mine that once drove the town’s economy.
ParkCertified 2015
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
CO, US
National Park situated in a part of western Colorado.
SanctuaryCertified 2021
Black Gap Wildlife Management Area
TX, US
The property is administered by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for the purpose of wildlife research, conservation, and management.
ParkCertified 2025
Black Mesa State Park
OK, US
For those seeking a rugged experience during daylight hours, the nearby Nature Preserve contains the trail to Oklahoma’s highest elevation point.
CommunityCertified 2022
Blanco, Texas
TX, US
The Texas Hill Country is a geographic region that forms the southern portion of the Edwards Plateau where West Texas, Central Texas, and Southern Texas intersect.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2012
Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre
ON, CA
A school-board outdoor education centre about 9 km west of Wiarton with a public observatory used for astronomy programming.
CommunityCertified 2025
Bluff, Utah
UT, US
Since 2016, the town has hosted an annual star party at Bluff Elementary featuring dark sky conservation talks, Indigenous star stories, constellation tours, and telescope viewing.
CommunityCertified 2015
Bon Accord
AB, CA
Canada's first International Dark Sky Community; the whole town retrofitted street and yard lighting to shielded, warm-colored fixtures, about 40 km north of Edmonton.
CommunityCertified 2009
Borrego Springs, California
CA, US
Surrounded by the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the community is uniquely protected from urban lights and hosts a variety of astronomy events year-round.
SanctuaryCertified 2020
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
MN, US
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness management area located in the northern third of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota.
ParkCertified 2024
Browns Canyon National Monument
CO, US
Ranging between 7,300 feet and 10,000 feet in elevation, the monument offers astonishing views of central Colorado’s Arkansas Valley and the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2009
Bruce Peninsula National Park
ON, CA
Designated jointly with adjacent Fathom Five National Marine Park; hosts an annual Dark Skies Weekend each July.
ParkCertified 2024
Bruneau Dunes State Park
ID, US
Bruneau Dunes is open year-round for day use and camping.
ParkCertified 2019
Bryce Canyon National Park
UT, US
Google Map Contact Kevin Poe Website Land Area 145 km2 Documents Application Announcement Annual Reports Weather Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for viewing the night sky at Bryce Canyon National Park (37.61862, -112.98583).
ParkCertified 2019
Buffalo National River
AR, US
As America’s first National River, the Buffalo River is managed by the National Park Service and is widely viewed as the crown jewel of Arkansas’s natural heritage resources.
CommunityCertified 2018
Camp Verde, Arizona
AZ, US
The town is the oldest settlement in the valley, founded in the 1860s by Anglo-American settlers attracted to the area’s mineral resources.
ParkCertified 2015
Canyonlands National Park
UT, US
Google Maps Contact Cadence Cook Website Land Area 1365 km2 Documents Application Annual Reports Announcement Weather Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for viewing the night sky at Canyon Lands National Park (38.2537, -109.93556).
ParkCertified 2021
Cape Lookout National Seashore
NC, US
The Seashore is a low, narrow ribbon of sand running from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet to the southwest.
ParkCertified 2015
Capitol Reef National Park
UT, US
While welcoming over 1.3 million guests annually, Capitol Reef has largely resisted infrastructure development and instead offers visitors a rustic experience.
ParkCertified 2025
Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas
TX, US
Through ongoing sky quality monitoring, public star parties, and hands-on educational programs, the park inspires visitors to see darkness not as something to fear, but as something to treasure.
ParkCertified 2016
Capulin Volcano National Monument
NM, US
The cone rises steeply from the surrounding grassland to an elevation of 2,494 m above sea level.
LodgingCertified 2025
Cataloochee Ranch
NC, US
Now as a boutique Relais & Châteaux property, Cataloochee Ranch welcomes guests to explore the beauty of North Carolina mountains while connecting with one another through horseback riding, wine tastings, art studio courses, and more.
Urban Star ParkCertified 2013
Cattle Point
BC, CA
A coastal viewpoint in Oak Bay near Victoria, part of Uplands Park along Beach Drive.
ParkCertified 2017
Cedar Breaks National Monument
UT, US
National Monument in the state of Utah comprising 2,941 ha (6,155 acres) of badlands at the edge of the Colorado Plateau.
ReserveCertified 2017
Central Idaho
ID, US
Google Map Contact Carol Cole Website Land Area 3,668 km2 Documents Application Lighting Management Plan Press Release Annual Reports Weather Media CIDSR promotional brochure (PDF)
ParkCertified 2013
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
NM, US
The park, which has been protecting its archaeological riches since it was established in 1907, also protects its naturally dark night skies through a set of strict lighting guidelines that include the use of dark sky friendly lighting.
ParkCertified 2008
Cherry Springs State Park
PA, US
Cherry Springs is open year-round and 60 to 85 nights each year have ideal conditions for observing.
ParkCertified 2025
Chimney Rock National Monument
CO, US
Night sky programming is held after regular visiting hours on every other Friday of the month, as well as on nights where astronomical phenomena are predicted to be visible.
ParkCertified 2021
Chiricahua National Monument
AZ, US
It preserves an example of the distinctive “sky island” geography of the North American Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts in which isolated mountain ranges soar up to 2,000 meters above surrounding desert lowlands.
ParkCertified 2023
City of Rocks National Reserve
ID, US
The site is unique because its visitor center and headquarters are located a short distance to the east at the Park’s sister park – Castle Rocks State Park.
ParkCertified 2010
Clayton Lake State Park
NM, US
The area around the Park was a stopover point for travelers along the Cimarron Cutoff of the Santa Fe Trail during the 19th century; today the Park hosts approximately 65,000 visitors per year, many of whom attend sta...
ParkCertified 2014
Copper Breaks State Park
TX, US
“Breaks” refers to the fractures and faults that define the limited waterways of the park.
SanctuaryCertified 2016
Cosmic Campground
NM, US
Forest Service – Glenwood Ranger Station Website (575) 539-2481 Land Area 0.01 km2 Documents Application Lightscape Management Plan Press Release Annual Reports Media New signage at the Cosmic Campground IDSS in western New Mexico, U.S., March 2017.
ParkCertified 2024
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
OR, US
Cottonwood Canyon State Park is open year-round, offering opportunities for several outdoor recreational activities such as wildlife viewing, camping, hunting, fishing, rafting, and stargazing.
CommunityCertified 2019
Cottonwood, Arizona
AZ, US
It’s located in Yavapai County, between Prescott and Sedona.
ParkCertified 2017
Craters Of The Moon National Monument
ID, US
Repeated lava flows raised the land elevation enough to expose it to prevailing southwesterly winds, helping to keep the area dry.
CommunityCertified 2021
Crestone, Colorado
CO, US
The small village sits at the foot of the western slope of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in the northern part of the adjacent San Luis Valley.
ParkCertified 2021
Curecanti National Recreation Area
CO, US
The reservoirs and surrounding lands that make up Curecanti today are a destination for land- and water-based recreation high in the Rocky Mountains.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2004
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
AB, CA
Straddles the Alberta-Saskatchewan border; its elevated plateau above the surrounding prairie keeps skies exceptionally clear.
ParkCertified 2016
Dead Horse Point State Park
UT, US
At an elevation of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) above sea level, its dry, high desert climate makes for challenging conditions for the survival of local flora and fauna.
ParkCertified 2013
Death Valley National Park
CA, US
While Death Valley is comprised of rugged wilderness areas and is famous for its extreme climate, the night skies above the park are as fragile as the land below.
SanctuaryCertified 2019
Devils River State Natural Area — Del Norte Unit
TX, US
Del Rio, Texas 78840 USA Google Map Contact Asa Vermeulen Website Tel.: (830) 395-2133 Land Area 80.3 km2 Documents Application Press Release Annual Reports
LodgingCertified 2025
Diamond Mountain Retreat Center
AZ, US
Located in the remote Chihuahuan high desert, Diamond Mountain Retreat Center offers secluded cottages surrounded by juniper, pine, and manzanita.
ParkCertified 2019
Dinosaur National Monument
CO, US
Owing to the Monument’s remote location, high elevation, and low humidity, enjoying Dinosaur National Monument’s starry night skies today is like stepping back in time.
ParkCertified 2019
Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park
MI, US
Lawless Park (Lawless Park) is nestled within Cass County, in the Southwest corner of the Lower Peninsula.
CommunityCertified 2014
Dripping Springs, Texas
TX, US
Civil War, Dripping Springs experienced massive growth in the last decade.
ParkCertified 2020
East Canyon State Park
UT, US
The centerpiece feature of the park is a 246-hectare reservoir formed by damming East Canyon Creek as part of the Weber Basin Project in the mid-1960s.
ParkCertified 2019
El Morro National Monument
NM, US
Today, the monument protects 1,278 acres of land at approximately 7,200 to 7,500 feet of elevation and is administered by the U.S. National Park Service.
ParkCertified 2014
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
TX, US
Enchanted Rock has hosted star parties for park visitors since 2011.
ParkCertified 2016
Flagstaff Area National Monuments
AZ, US
Together the three sites underscore both the human experience and natural drama of prehistoric northern Arizona.
CommunityCertified 2001
Flagstaff, Arizona
AZ, US
The city, home to Lowell Observatory and the U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station, enacted the world's first outdoor lighting ordinance in 1958.
ParkCertified 2021
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
CO, US
The fossils owe their incredible preservation state to the interaction of from the nearby Thirtynine Mile volcanic field with the biology of the lake.
ParkCertified 2019
Fort Union National Monument
NM, US
There is a visitor center with exhibits about the fort and a film about the Santa Fe Trail.
CommunityCertified 2018
Fountain Hills, Arizona
AZ, US
The Town derives its name from a fountain in the manmade lake at its center, which pushes 379,000 liters (100,000 gallons) of water to heights of up to 170 meters (560 feet).
CommunityCertified 2020
Fredericksburg, Texas
TX, US
As of the 2010 Census, the city had a population of 10,530.
ParkCertified 2021
Fremont Indian State Park
UT, US
Since its founding, the park has hosted astronomical events such as star parties, “Astrofests,” and archaeoastronomical observances.
CommunityCertified 2026
Frisco, Colorado
CO, US
The first American and European men to come through this area were known as “mountain men” who trapped beaver for their fur in the high mountain lakes from 1810 into the 1840s.The 1870s ushered in the mining industry, inspiring Frisco’s founding in 1873.
UrbanCertified 2021
Fry Family Park
OH, US
This 348-acre property is known for its rural country setting, rolling topography, scenic views, grassland, and hardwood forested ecosystems and honors the memory of Stark Park’s first director, Richard Fry, and his family.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2011
Fundy National Park
NB, CA
Overlooks the Bay of Fundy's record-high tides near the village of Alma.
ParkCertified 2011
Geauga Observatory Park
OH, US
Chris Mentrek Website Land Area 4.45 km2 Documents Application Announcement Lighting Plan Annual Reports Weather Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for viewing the night sky at Geauga Observatory Park (41.58442, -81.08056).
ParkCertified 2016
Goblin Valley State Park
UT, US
It is best known for its remarkable local topography, much of which consists of thousands of ‘hoodoos’, freestanding erosional pinnacles capped by durable sandstone rock layers protecting material beneath them.
UrbanCertified 2026
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
CO, US
With elevation ranging from 7,600 to over 10,000 feet, the topographical landscape features of GGCSP help block any light dome from the Denver metropolitan area only an hour away providing dark skies that are accessib...
ParkCertified 2021
Goosenecks State Park
UT, US
The park’s most famous feature is its view of a rare entrenched meander.
ParkCertified 2016
Grand Canyon National Park
AZ, US
National Park Service (NPS) efforts to make visitors aware that “half the park is after dark”, an authentic and meaningful dark-skies experience is available to over 6 million visitors annually.
ParkCertified 2014
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
AZ, US
The monument is bounded to the south by the Grand Canyon and on the west by the Arizona-Nevada border.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2009
Grasslands National Park
SK, CA
Protects native prairie grassland with some of the darkest, least light-polluted skies in Canada.
ParkCertified 2016
Great Basin National Park
NV, US
federal lands centered on the eponymous Great Basin, a dry and mountainous region between the Sierra Nevada of California and the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, USA.
ParkCertified 2019
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
CO, US
mile) Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve contains the tallest sand dunes in North America and is located in south-central Colorado.
ReserveCertified 2022
Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve
TX, US
The protected landscape encompasses a vast area of the Chihuahuan Desert characterized by diverse desert habitat and wildlife, complex geology, and a rich human history.
CommunityCertified 2023
Groveland, Florida
FL, US
Groveland covers roughly 28 square miles and has a population of over 23,000 residents.
ParkCertified 2024
Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
CO, US
The area’s dry climate and moderate elevation, ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 feet, contribute to consistently dark skies, with an average sky quality reading of 21.38 magnitudes per square arc-second.
CommunityCertified 2020
Hawthorn Woods, Illinois
IL, US
Since its incorporation in 1958, the Village has grown from 17 to 8,000 residents and is recognized for its ample open spaces and park amenities, among others.
ParkCertified 2011
Headlands
MI, US
The park hosts regular events celebrating the night sky such as nighttime storytelling, starry cruises, star parties and astrophotography nights, and special events such as lunar eclipse viewings.
CommunityCertified 2020
Helper, Utah
UT, US
Helper City is a diverse and welcoming community that celebrates our small–town character, is proud of our mining and railroading history, provides environmental stewardship and embraces thoughtful, proactive change with community feedback and guidance.
CommunityCertified 2011
Homer Glen, Illinois
IL, US
Founded in 2001 as a city committed to sustainable growth and conservationist principles with a motto of “Community and Nature in Harmony,” Homer Glen’s dark skies policy is a vital part of its identity.
CommunityCertified 2015
Horseshoe Bay, Texas
TX, US
Johnson, some 50 miles west of the state capital, Austin.
ParkCertified 2014
Hovenweep National Monument
CO, US
The monument’s name means “deserted valley” in the native Western and Southern Numic languages, indicative of its extremely remote, harsh character.
Urban Star ParkCertified 2011
Irving Nature Park
NB, CA
A coastal peninsula park about 9.5 km from downtown Saint John, showing dark skies are still reachable near a city.
UrbanCertified 2025
Jackson Hole Airport
WY, US
It is the only commercial airport located in a National Park (Grand Teton) and is dedicated to being an industry leader in environmental responsibility, green building initiatives, and energy efficiency.
ParkCertified 2020
Jackson Lake State Park
CO, US
Quiet winter months provide hearty wildlife viewers some excellent opportunities to spot the many animals that live here.
ParkCertified 2019
James River State Park
VA, US
The rolling hills of the Piedmont region are prevalent within the park, setting the stage for a variety of forests, meadows, and flood plains.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2011
Jasper National Park
AB, CA
One of the largest Dark-Sky Preserves in the world at designation; hosts the Jasper Dark Sky Festival each October.
Nocturnal PreserveCertified 2023
Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park
BC, CA
British Columbia's newest RASC-designated nocturnal preserve, protecting a regional park's night-active wildlife.
CommunityCertified 2023
Jonestown, Texas
TX, US
Jonestown was incorporated in 1985 and is a small, rural community with a population of approximately 2500.
ParkCertified 2021
Jordanelle State Park
UT, US
Nearby communities include Park City, Midway, and Heber City although the hills and mountains that surround mitigate the impact of artificial light generated by these communities.
ParkCertified 2017
Joshua Tree National Park
CA, US
national park sprawling over land that straddles the boundary of two deserts: the higher Mojave Desert and lower Colorado Desert.
CommunityCertified 2021
Julian, California
CA, US
First settled by Europeans in the mid-19th century, the area experienced a “gold rush” in the 1870s after the discovery of placer gold in 1869 followed shortly thereafter by hard-rock mining claims.
ParkCertified 2017
Kartchner Caverns State Park
AZ, US
The Park preserves a set of ‘living’ limestone caverns whose known passages total 3.9 km (2.4 miles).
SanctuaryCertified 2020
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
ME, US
Google Maps Contact Jeanne Roy Kiah Walker Website Tel.: 1-207-456-6001 Land Area 354 km2 Documents Application Press Release Annual Reports
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2010
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
NS, CA
Nova Scotia's only national park, protecting inland lakes, forest, and Mi'kmaq petroglyph sites alongside its dark skies.
CommunityCertified 2017
Ketchum, Idaho
ID, US
The City of Ketchum is a municipality of about 3,650 inhabitants situated at an elevation of 1,784 m in the Wood River Valley of central Idaho.
ParkCertified 2022
Keweenaw Dark Sky Park
MI, US
The park is headquartered at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, which is open to the public and accessible year-round, from 7:00 p.m.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2018
Killarney Provincial Park
ON, CA
A rugged La Cloche Mountains park about 90 km southwest of Sudbury, popular for canoe-in stargazing.
ParkCertified 2016
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
FL, US
+1 863 462 5360 Land Area 234.7 km2 Documents Application Lighting Plan Annual Reports Weather Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for viewing the night sky at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park(27.56126, -81.02285).
LodgingCertified 2026
Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa
CO, US
The resort offers guided stargazing experiences and astronomy programming that help visitors better understand the cosmos and the importance of protecting dark skies.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2009
Kouchibouguac National Park
NB, CA
A sandy-dune Acadian coast park on New Brunswick's east shore.
ParkCertified 2020
Lake Fork Earth and Sky Center
CO, US
They are planning to host stargazing programs for the public in the near future.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2018
Lake Superior Provincial Park
ON, CA
Stretches along Lake Superior's northeastern shore between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2016
Lakeland Provincial Park
AB, CA
A boreal-forest canoe-country park east of Lac La Biche in northeastern Alberta.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2025
LeTerrain
QC, CA
Quebec's newest RASC Dark-Sky Preserve, designated in 2025.
CommunityCertified 2025
Liberty Hill, Texas
TX, US
Save Our Stars regularly hosts star parties, leads night-sky audits, participates in local festivals, and promotes its “Night Sky Friendly Business” program.
SanctuaryCertified 2022
Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge
MT, US
As part of their ongoing commitment to dark sky conservation, Refuge staff will be hosting on-site stargazing programs and conducting community outreach in collaboration with the Big Sky Astronomy Club.
ParkCertified 2021
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
TX, US
Johnson National Historical Park is located 60 miles northwest of San Antonio, Texas just off Texas State Highway 290 along the beautiful Pedernales River.
ParkCertified 2021
Mammoth Cave National Park
KY, US
The Park’s first organized efforts for astronomical and night sky programming began in 2017 and continues to this day.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2008
Manitoulin Eco Park
ON, CA
Located in Tehkummah at the southeast corner of Manitoulin Island along Highway 6.
SanctuaryCertified 2019
Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area
NV, US
Designated 2019 Category International Dark Sky Sanctuary Address Washoe County Nevada, USA Google Maps Contact Nora Richter Website Tel.: 775-324-7667 Land Area 409.9 km2 Documents Application Press Release Annual Reports
ParkCertified 2014
Mayland Earth to Sky Park & Bare Dark Sky Observatory
NC, US
The six-acre (2.4-hectare) site, surrounded by rugged mountain terrain and the Pisgah National Forest, is owned by Yancey County and managed by Mayland Community College (MCC).
SanctuaryCertified 2020
Medicine Rocks State Park
MT, US
They host dark sky events including star parties that incorporate discussions about light pollution and its effects on dark sky quality, animal and human life.
ParkCertified 2022
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area
NE, US
Additional programs are being developed through a network of partners, including the Nebraska Tourism Commission, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Star Party Planning Committee, and other local non-profit ...
ParkCertified 2021
Mesa Verde National Park
CO, US
Today, Mesa Verde preserves exceptionally dark skies thanks to the park’s remote location, dry climate, and high elevation.
ParkCertified 2018
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
IL, US
In the same year, CUAS began collaborating with the District’s Education Department to offer ‘Starwatch’ astronomy-related stargazing programs at the Preserve.
ParkCertified 2021
Milton Reimers Ranch Park
TX, US
Milton Reimers Ranch Park has been open to the public since 2006.
ReserveCertified 2007
Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve
QC, CA
The world's first International Dark Sky Reserve, home to the ASTROLab observatory; three surrounding regional municipalities enforce strict lighting rules.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2009
Mount Carleton Provincial Park
NB, CA
Home to Mount Carleton, the highest peak in the Maritimes, in New Brunswick's remote north-central highlands.
ParkCertified 2021
Natural Bridge State Park
VA, US
James Jones Website Tel.: +1 540-291-1326 Land Area 6.1 km2 Documents Application Annual Reports Announcement Weather Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for viewing the night sky at Natural Bridge State Park (37.62558, -79.54361).
ParkCertified 2007
Natural Bridges National Monument
UT, US
Becoming an IDA Dark Sky Park challenged Natural Bridges to minimize its own nocturnal impact and share its magnificent starry sky with the park’s 95,000 annual visitors.
ParkCertified 2017
Newport State Park
WI, US
The Park’s territory consists of evergreen and hardwood forests, wetlands and upland meadows, along with 18 km (11 miles) of lake shoreline and 48 km (30 miles) of hiking trails.
ParkCertified 2015
North Fork Park
UT, US
The park attracts cross-country skiers in the winter months with 12 km of groomed skiing trails at elevations between 1,770 and 1,890 meters elevation.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2013
North Frontenac
ON, CA
A township-wide preserve centred on the North Frontenac Astronomy Park, a free public viewing site with concrete telescope pads near Plevna.
CommunityCertified 2019
Norwood, Colorado
CO, US
Its high desert climate and very dry conditions create many days and nights with clear skies.
CommunityCertified 2021
Nucla and Naturita, Colorado
CO, US
Human habitation in the vicinity extends back more than 2,000 years, long predating the arrival of European settlers in the mid-nineteenth century.
ParkCertified 2017
Obed Wild and Scenic River
TN, US
The Obed drains a part of the Cumberland Plateau, a set of dissected plateau lands lying west of the main Appalachian Mountains.
UrbanCertified 2024
Observatory Park at Turner Farm
VA, US
Observatory Park at Turner Farm is open daily from dawn to dusk.
ParkCertified 2016
Okefenokee State Park
GA, US
177 Fargo, GA 31631 USA Google Maps Contact Sarah Ratcliffe Tel.: +1 912-637-5274 Website Land Area 0.32 km2 Documents Application Lightscape Management Plan Annual Reports Weather
Nocturnal PreserveCertified 2015
Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area
SK, CA
A Nature Conservancy of Canada property in southwest Saskatchewan protecting native grassland and its nocturnal wildlife.
CommunityCertified 2026
Old Snowmass, Colorado
CO, US
/h3> Situated at an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet, Old Snowmass is a rural mountain enclave defined by its prehistoric roots, ranching heritage, and expansive open spaces.
ParkCertified 2014
Oracle State Park
AZ, US
The park was established in 2001 after a lengthy effort to transform the former Kannally Family ranch first into a wildlife preserve and then a publicly accessible state park.
ParkCertified 2024
Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve
OR, US
Initially established to protect the winding, maze-like cave systems that wend their way through the marbles of the Siskiyou Mountains, the 4,554-acre Park acts as a preserve for the rich biodiversity of the region.
SanctuaryCertified 2024
Oregon Outback
OR, US
These sites will be primarily self-interpretive, with at least one guided event annually, and will feature dark sky maps and brochures highlighting the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting.
ParkCertified 2026
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
AZ, US
Park staff began work towards a dark sky designation in 2016, and since then have collected months of night sky quality monitoring data, updated over 100 lights around the visitor center and campground, hosted annual ...
UrbanCertified 2021
Palos Preserves
IL, US
Over the 100 years of its existence, the population of the nearby Chicago Area has nearly tripled from 2.7 to 8 million people.
Urban Star ParkCertified 2022
Parc du Mont-Bellevue
QC, CA
An urban park inside the city of Sherbrooke certified as an Urban Night Sky Place, showing dark-sky-friendly lighting can work within a city.
ParkCertified 2023
Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
QC, CA
Canada's sixth International Dark Sky Place and Quebec's largest provincial park, covering nearly 1,500 square kilometres of the Laurentians.
ParkCertified 2018
Petrified Forest National Park
AZ, US
The Park preserves a landscape dominated by semi-desert shrub steppe and a series of colorful, highly eroded badlands.
ParkCertified 2015
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area
TN, US
Activities include an annual New Year’s Eve hike, a Junior Ranger Camp each July, an annual star party and regular dark skies programming during peak visitor season in the summer.
ParkCertified 2021
Pipe Spring National Monument
AZ, US
Designated 2021 Category International Dark Sky Park Address 406 Pipe Springs Road Fredonia, AZ 86022 USA Google Maps Contact Ian Harvey Website Tel.: +1 928-643-7105 Land Area 0.16 km2 Documents Application Annual Reports Weather
ParkCertified 2020
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
NC, US
Designated 2020 Category International Dark Sky Park Address 1 PARI Drive Rosman, NC 28772 US Google Maps Contact Tim DeLisle Website Tel.: +1 704-953-3902 Land Area 0.81 km2 Documents Application Press Release Annual Reports
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2006
Point Pelee National Park
ON, CA
Canada's southernmost mainland point, hosting an annual Dark Sky Nights event.
ParkCertified 2021
Prineville Reservoir State Park
OR, US
It is situated on the shores of the eponymous Prineville Reservoir, created in 1961 for irrigation and flood control by damming of the Crooked River by the predecessor of the US Bureau of Reclamation.
ParkCertified 2021
Quetico Provincial Park
ON, CA
A remote canoe-wilderness park in northwestern Ontario bordering Minnesota's Boundary Waters.
SanctuaryCertified 2018
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
AZ, US
Designated 2018 Category Dark Sky Sanctuary Address PO Box 1507 691 Scenic View Dr Page, AZ 86040 USA Google Maps Contact Edmonia Martinez Website Land Area 414 km2 Documents Application Press Release Annual Reports Weather
ParkCertified 2019
Rappahannock County Park
VA, US
Designated 2019 Category International Dark Sky Park Address 7 Park Lane Washington, Virginia 22747 USA Google Maps Contact Bonnie Beers Website Land Area .03 km2 Documents Application Press Release Annual Reports
CommunityCertified 2020
Ridgway, Colorado
CO, US
As true as it was in 1890, Ridgway today remains the “Gateway to the San Juan’s”.
ParkCertified 2021
Rockport State Park
UT, US
/h3> Rockport State Park sits at a base elevation 6,000 feet above sea level in a narrow rural valley nestled between two of northern Utah’s most remarkable mountain ranges: the Wasatch Mountains and Uinta Mountains.
UrbanCertified 2023
Saguaro National Park
AZ, US
The park is divided into two discontiguous units: Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain District) and Saguaro National Park West (Tucson Mountain District).
ParkCertified 2016
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
NM, US
These interpretive programs consists of ranger-led sunset hikes, stargazing opportunities with park telescopes, dark sky photography workshops, and educational materials that draw attention to what visitors can do to ...
CommunityCertified 2014
Sedona, Arizona
AZ, US
A community of more than 10,000 people, Sedona is a prime tourist destination featuring a variety of outdoor activities.
UrbanCertified 2024
Shield Ranch Barton Creek
TX, US
The Ranch hosted its first public Dusk to Dark Star Party in November 2022.
ParkCertified 2023
Sinks Canyon State Park
WY, US
The park offers two campgrounds, hiking and biking trails, a seasonal visitor center, a cave system, and the beautiful Popo Agie River flowing down the canyon’s length.
CommunityCertified 2025
Sisters, Oregon
OR, US
This charming town, established in the 1880s, boasts a western-style aesthetic and a close-knit community of around 3,475 residents.
ParkCertified 2021
Sky Meadows State Park
VA, US
Designated 2021 Category International Dark Sky Park Address 11012 Edmonds Lane Delaplane, VA 20144 USA Google Maps Contact Erin Clark Website Tel.: +1 540-592-3556 Land Area 7.54 km2 Documents Application Press Release Annual Reports Weather
UrbanCertified 2025
Snow Canyon State Park
UT, US
The entirety of Snow Canyon State Park is open year-round, seven days a week from the hours of 6:00 a.m.
ParkCertified 2017
South Llano River State Park
TX, US
Designated 2017 Category Dark Sky Park Address 1927 Park Road 73 Junction, TX 76849 USA Google Maps Contact Edward Terry Cheyenne Mack Website Tel.: 325-446-3994 Land Area 10.5 km2 Documents Application Press Release Annual Reports
CommunityCertified 2023
Springdale, Utah
UT, US
It sits at the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, in the transition zone between the plateau, the Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2022
Spruce Woods Provincial Park
MB, CA
Manitoba's first Dark-Sky Preserve, home to the Spirit Sands dune field; most park lighting is motion-sensor controlled and shut off overnight.
UrbanCertified 2021
Stacy Park
MO, US
Established in 1926, Stacy Park is one of five parks in Olivette and is very popular with Olivette residents and residents of nearby cities.
ParkCertified 2015
Staunton River State Park
VA, US
The Park first hosted the Staunton River Star Party in fall 2011; the 2014 edition attracted 140 participants from around the region.
ParkCertified 2018
Steinaker State Park
UT, US
The Park’s situation at 1,700 meters (5,500 feet) elevation near the foot of the Uinta Mountains brings an arid climate with hot summers and cold winters.
LodgingCertified 2026
Sun Valley Resort
ID, US
Beyond world-class skiing, hiking, biking, fly fishing, and cultural events, Sun Valley is expanding its dark sky experiences with guided stargazing programs, astronomy events, and educational offerings that invite gu...
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2018
Terra Nova National Park
NL, CA
A boreal-forest fjord park on Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador's easternmost Dark-Sky Preserve.
CommunityCertified 2025
Teton County
WY, US
They offer private and free public stargazing programs year-round to visitors and local residents.
CommunityCertified 2024
The City of Moab, Utah
UT, US
International Dark Sky Community is located in the eastern part of the state on the Colorado Plateau.
LodgingCertified 2025
The Swag
NC, US
One of the highest boutique hotel destinations in the country, the Relais & Châteaux getaway is known for exceptional weather, stunning views, romantic sensibilities, and impeccable food and service.
UrbanCertified 2024
Thousand Hills State Park
MO, US
The park consists of 3,086 acres with Forest Lake as its centerpiece.
CommunityCertified 2015
Thunder Mountain Pootsee Nightsky
AZ, US
The Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians are one of 10 member bands of the Southern Paiute tribe of Native Americans who live along the southern Great Basin and the San Juan and Colorado River watershed.
UrbanCertified 2020
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
UT, US
Many colorful cave features or speleothems are on display in the caves.
ParkCertified 2021
Top of the Pines
CO, US
Sneffels Range and Wilderness in the northern San Juan mountains of southwest Colorado, it is close to the mountain towns of Ouray, Ridgway, and Telluride.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 1999
Torrance Barrens Conservation Reserve
ON, CA
Canada's first RASC Dark-Sky Preserve, a Crown-land reserve near Bala in Muskoka reachable via a short walk from a roadside parking area.
CommunityCertified 2018
Torrey, Utah
UT, US
It was established by Mormon settlers in the 1880s, who were drawn to the reliable waters of nearby Sand Creek.
CommunityCertified 2025
Town of Breckenridge, Colorado
CO, US
Its high-elevation environment supports a rich array of wildlife — including bears, moose, foxes, hummingbirds, and owls — and provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and stargazing d...
CommunityCertified 2024
Town of Castle Valley, Utah
UT, US
The valley is located approximately 250 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, about 26 miles west of Grand Junction, and 8.8 miles northeast of Moab.
CommunityCertified 2024
Town of Paonia, Colorado
CO, US
Its high-desert climate provides abundant clear, starry nights, with the Milky Way visible from many backstreets and open spaces throughout town.
LodgingCertified 2025
Trinchera Ranch
CO, US
Far from city lights, the ranch’s remote location provides unobstructed views of the night sky, where stargazers can witness the Milky Way arching overhead in brilliant clarity.
CommunityCertified 2024
Tubac, Arizona
AZ, US
Light domes bloom at both ends of the valley — metropolitan Tucson, with a million residents, is 76 km (48 miles) north, and Ambos Nogales, the twin cities straddling the border of Arizona and Mexico, is 38 km (24 miles) south.
ParkCertified 2018
Tumacácori National Historical Park
AZ, US
Frontage Road Tumacacori, AZ 85640 USA Google Maps Contact Joseph (Tony) Palmer Website Tel.: +1 520 377 5060 Land Area 1.5 km2 Documents Application Lighting Plan Annual Reports Weather
ParkCertified 2015
UBarU Camp and Retreat Center
TX, US
Roy Ellzey Website Land Area 0.57 km2 Documents Application Press Release Annual Reports Media Photos of the UBarU Observatory, inaugurated October 2017 (all photos courtesy of John Phelps): UBarU Observatory interior.
LodgingCertified 2024
Under Canvas Bryce Canyon
UT, US
Under Canvas Bryce Canyon—located on 700 acres of juniper forest, just 15 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park—is a secluded, high-alpine oasis that offers easy access to the area’s famed, crimson-colored hoodoos and otherworldly rock formations.
LodgingCertified 2024
Under Canvas Grand Canyon
AZ, US
Under Canvas Grand Canyon is set upon 160 acres of secluded piñon and juniper forest, just 25 minutes from the South Rim Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.
LodgingCertified 2023
Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase
UT, US
Perched on a canyon rim plateau with its own on-site slot canyon and sweeping views, Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase reflects the awe-inspiring splendor of the American Southwest.
LodgingCertified 2023
Under Canvas Moab
UT, US
Under Canvas Moab, located seven miles north of Moab near Arches National Park, is surrounded by the towering plateaus, sandstone cliffs, and geographic wonders of Utah’s Canyon Country.
LodgingCertified 2025
Under Canvas ULUM Moab
UT, US
Guests can participate in dark sky-themed programming, including guided stargazing activities, and enjoy the nighttime experiences at nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
LodgingCertified 2026
Under Canvas Yosemite
CA, US
Combined with the Sierra Nevada’s elevation and low ambient light, the site offers exceptional opportunities for guests to experience clear, star-filled skies.
LodgingCertified 2024
Under Canvas Zion
UT, US
Under Canvas Zion—a secluded haven of natural beauty and serenity just 20 miles from Zion National Park—is surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, majestic red rock, and wide-open desert skies.
UrbanCertified 2019
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
NM, US
It is located 7 miles (11km) south of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
ParkCertified 2021
Valles Caldera National Preserve
NM, US
Designated 2021 Category International Dark Sky Park Address 39201 NM-4 Jemez Springs, NM 87025 USA Google Maps Contact Corey Lycopolus Website Tel.: +1(505) 309-2620 Land Area 361 km2 Documents Application Press Release Annual Reports Weather
ParkCertified 2020
Voyageurs National Park
MN, US
Voyageurs offers many ways to embrace the night including the spectacular Aurora Borealis, meteor showers, stargazing, and night sky programs.
ParkCertified 2017
Waterton Lakes National Park
AB, CA
Certified jointly with Montana's Glacier National Park as the first trans-boundary International Dark Sky Park.
ParkCertified 2017
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
MT, US
At a total of 4,606 km2 (1,138,167 acres), the parks share the distinction of being the world’s first International Peace Park (1932), two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and a single UNESCO World Heritage Site.
ParkCertified 2021
Watoga State Park
WV, US
The combined 19,869 public acres are committed to protecting these natural and historic areas from light pollution.
CommunityCertified 2015
Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, Colorado
CO, US
The combined total population of the contiguous towns was 1,155 at the time of the 2010 Census, spread over 43.3 km2 of land in Custer County.
CommunityCertified 2018
Wimberley Valley, Texas
TX, US
Including both cities’ large extraterritorial jurisdictions, Wimberley Valley is home to around 14,000 people.
Dark Sky PreserveCertified 2013
Wood Buffalo National Park
AB, CA
The world's largest Dark-Sky Preserve, straddling the Alberta-Northwest Territories border; hosts a Sky Festival each August.
ParkCertified 2021
Zion National Park
UT, US
It is known worldwide as a geologic wonderland of towering cliffs, deep, narrow canyons, and sweeping expanses of bare sandstone slickrock.