{ "title": "Dark Sky Places", "description": "Certified dark sky parks, sanctuaries, reserves, and communities across the United States and Canada.", "canonicalUrl": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com/places", "breadcrumbs": [ { "name": "Home", "url": "/" }, { "name": "Places", "url": "/places" } ], "updated": null, "data": { "places": [ { "slug": "amc-maine-woods-dark-sky-park", "name": "AMC Maine Woods", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "ME", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 45.45896, "lng": -69.59168, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.outdoors.org/amc-maine-woods-international-dark-sky-park/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/amc-maine-woods-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "AMC manages the lands for multiple uses, including biological conservation, sustainable forestry, backcountry recreation, and environmental education." }, { "slug": "ann-and-sandy-cross-conservation-area", "name": "Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area", "type": "nocturnal-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "AB", "nearest_town": "Calgary", "lat": null, "lng": null, "year_certified": 2015, "official_url": "https://www.crossconservation.org/projects/dark-sky-awareness/", "source_url": "https://rasc.ca/lpa/dark-sky-sites", "notes": "A private conservation ranch on Calgary's southwest edge that protects nocturnal wildlife habitat alongside dark skies." }, { "slug": "antelope-basecamp", "name": "Antelope Basecamp", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "OR", "nearest_town": "45414 Main Street, Antelope", "lat": 44.90994, "lng": -120.72261, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": "mailto:antelopebasecamp.com", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/antelope-basecamp/", "notes": "Antelope Basecamp is open year-round and welcomes both overnight guests and small groups seeking guided stargazing experiences." }, { "slug": "antelope-island-dark-sky-park", "name": "Antelope Island State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Syracuse", "lat": 40.97241, "lng": -112.21124, "year_certified": 2017, "official_url": "https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/antelope-island-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The largest in the Great Salt Lake, the island’s land area fluctuates according to the rise and fall of the lake level." }, { "slug": "antelope-oregon", "name": "Antelope, Oregon", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "OR", "nearest_town": "Antelope", "lat": 44.9116, "lng": -120.74675, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": "https://www.cityofantelope.us/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/antelope-oregon/", "notes": "Antelope revamped its website with dark sky resources, hosted star parties, and organized outreach events to educate the public about light pollution." }, { "slug": "anza-borrego-dark-sky-park", "name": "Anza-Borrego Desert State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CA", "nearest_town": "Borrego Springs", "lat": 33.09554, "lng": -116.3019, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/anza-borrego-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "This low desert experiences intense heat in the summer and frigid conditions in winter, although its elevation usually precludes the formation of frost." }, { "slug": "apache-junction-municipal-complex", "name": "Apache Junction Municipal Complex", "type": "urban", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Apache Junction", "lat": 33.42363, "lng": -111.54563, "year_certified": 2026, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/apache-junction-municipal-complex/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "arches-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Arches National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Moab", "lat": 38.72653, "lng": -109.56305, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/arches-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "au-diable-vert", "name": "Au Diable Vert", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "QC", "nearest_town": "Glen Sutton", "lat": 45.03, "lng": -72.67, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "https://audiablevert.com/en/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/news/au-diable-vert-canadas-first-darksky-approved-lodging/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "badlands-national-park", "name": "Badlands National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "SD", "nearest_town": "Interior", "lat": 43.74944, "lng": -101.94552, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/badlands-national-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "beaver-hills-dark-sky-preserve", "name": "Beaver Hills Dark-Sky Preserve", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "AB", "nearest_town": "Sherwood Park", "lat": 53.61444, "lng": -112.86611, "year_certified": 2006, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elk_Island_National_Park", "notes": "Centred on Elk Island National Park about 50 km east of Edmonton, within a UNESCO-recognized biosphere region." }, { "slug": "beaver-island-state-wildlife-research-area", "name": "Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area", "type": "sanctuary", "country": "US", "state_province": "MI", "nearest_town": "Beaver Island", "lat": 45.67483, "lng": -85.80844, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": "http://www.darkskyisland.org", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/beaver-island-state-wildlife-research-area/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "bee-cave-dark-sky-community", "name": "Bee Cave", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Bee Cave", "lat": 30.30854, "lng": -97.94501, "year_certified": 2023, "official_url": "https://www.beecavetexas.gov/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/bee-cave-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "Including the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, the city encompasses 15.1 square miles." }, { "slug": "beverly-shores-indiana-dark-sky-community", "name": "Beverly Shores, Indiana", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "IN", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 41.69254, "lng": -86.97753, "year_certified": 2014, "official_url": "http://www.beverlyshoresindiana.org/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/beverly-shores-indiana-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "In recent years, they have embraced dark-skies as an important part of the local environment drawing residents and tourists alike." }, { "slug": "big-bend-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Big Bend National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 29.33325, "lng": -103.19433, "year_certified": 2012, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/big-bend-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "big-bend-ranch-dark-sky-park", "name": "Big Bend Ranch State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Terlingua", "lat": 29.53174, "lng": -104.0657, "year_certified": 2017, "official_url": "https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/big-bend-ranch", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/big-bend-ranch-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "Designated 2017 Category Dark Sky Park Address Barton Warnock Visitor Center Terlingua, TX 79852 Google Maps Contact Omar V." }, { "slug": "big-cypress-dark-sky-park", "name": "Big Cypress National Preserve", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "FL", "nearest_town": "East Ochopee", "lat": 25.93612, "lng": -81.09513, "year_certified": 2016, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/bicy/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/big-cypress-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "federal lands in southern Florida, about 72 km west of Miami." }, { "slug": "big-park-village-of-oak-creek-dark-sky-community", "name": "Big Park / Village of Oak Creek, Arizona", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Yavapai County", "lat": 34.77807, "lng": -111.77832, "year_certified": 2016, "official_url": "http://www.vocaonline.com/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/big-park-village-of-oak-creek-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "bisbee-arizona", "name": "Bisbee, Arizona", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Bisbee", "lat": 31.44051, "lng": -109.91579, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/bisbee-arizona/", "notes": "Due to its mining origins, the settlement is clustered in a steep canyon near the old mine that once drove the town’s economy." }, { "slug": "black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Montrose", "lat": 38.57981, "lng": -107.7437, "year_certified": 2015, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "National Park situated in a part of western Colorado." }, { "slug": "black-gap-dark-sky-sanctuary", "name": "Black Gap Wildlife Management Area", "type": "sanctuary", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Alpine", "lat": 29.56126, "lng": -102.88703, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=2", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/black-gap-dark-sky-sanctuary/", "notes": "The property is administered by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for the purpose of wildlife research, conservation, and management." }, { "slug": "black-mesa-state-park", "name": "Black Mesa State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "OK", "nearest_town": "OK-325, Kenton", "lat": 36.84194, "lng": -102.88582, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/black-mesa-state-park/", "notes": "For those seeking a rugged experience during daylight hours, the nearby Nature Preserve contains the trail to Oklahoma’s highest elevation point." }, { "slug": "city-of-blanco-texas-dark-sky-community", "name": "Blanco, Texas", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Blanco", "lat": 30.24193, "lng": -98.40046, "year_certified": 2022, "official_url": "http://www.blancocountynightsky.org", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/city-of-blanco-texas-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "bluewater-outdoor-education-centre", "name": "Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "ON", "nearest_town": "Wiarton", "lat": 44.74136, "lng": -81.23545, "year_certified": 2012, "official_url": "https://oec.bwdsb.on.ca/families_community/astronomy", "source_url": "https://rasc.ca/lpa/bluewater-outdoor-education-centre", "notes": "A school-board outdoor education centre about 9 km west of Wiarton with a public observatory used for astronomy programming." }, { "slug": "bluff-utah", "name": "Bluff, Utah", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Bluff", "lat": 37.28542, "lng": -109.55949, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/bluff-utah/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "bon-accord", "name": "Bon Accord", "type": "community", "country": "CA", "state_province": "AB", "nearest_town": "Edmonton", "lat": 53.83278, "lng": -113.41889, "year_certified": 2015, "official_url": "https://darksky.org/locations/canada/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/locations/canada/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "borrego-springs-dark-sky-community", "name": "Borrego Springs, California", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "CA", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 33.25486, "lng": -116.35695, "year_certified": 2009, "official_url": "http://www.borregodarkskies.org", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/borrego-springs-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "boundary-waters-canoe-area-dark-sky-sanctuary", "name": "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness", "type": "sanctuary", "country": "US", "state_province": "MN", "nearest_town": "Duluth", "lat": 48.00104, "lng": -91.33625, "year_certified": 2020, "official_url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/recreation/?cid=fseprd834393", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/boundary-waters-canoe-area-dark-sky-sanctuary/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "browns-canyon-national-monument", "name": "Browns Canyon National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Nathrop", "lat": 38.77085, "lng": -106.11412, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": "https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/browns-canyon", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/browns-canyon-national-monument/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "bruce-peninsula-national-park", "name": "Bruce Peninsula National Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "ON", "nearest_town": "Tobermory", "lat": 45.23889, "lng": -81.61417, "year_certified": 2009, "official_url": "https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/bruce", "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Peninsula_National_Park", "notes": "Designated jointly with adjacent Fathom Five National Marine Park; hosts an annual Dark Skies Weekend each July." }, { "slug": "bruneau-dunes-state-park", "name": "Bruneau Dunes State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "ID", "nearest_town": "Mountain Home", "lat": 42.91117, "lng": -115.71766, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/bruneau-dunes-state-park/", "notes": "Bruneau Dunes is open year-round for day use and camping." }, { "slug": "bryce-canyon-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Bryce Canyon National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Bryce", "lat": 37.57079, "lng": -112.18559, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/bryce-canyon-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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)." }, { "slug": "buffalo-national-river-dark-sky-park", "name": "Buffalo National River", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "AR", "nearest_town": "St Joe", "lat": 36.04008, "lng": -93.30979, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/buff/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/buffalo-national-river-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "camp-verde-dark-sky-park", "name": "Camp Verde, Arizona", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Camp Verde", "lat": 34.56364, "lng": -111.85432, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "https://visitcampverde.com/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/camp-verde-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The town is the oldest settlement in the valley, founded in the 1860s by Anglo-American settlers attracted to the area’s mineral resources." }, { "slug": "canyonlands-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Canyonlands National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 38.23326, "lng": -109.92066, "year_certified": 2015, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/canyonlands-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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)." }, { "slug": "cape-lookout-national-seashore-dark-sky-park", "name": "Cape Lookout National Seashore", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "NC", "nearest_town": "Harkers Island", "lat": 34.83078, "lng": -76.34207, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/calo/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/cape-lookout-national-seashore-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The Seashore is a low, narrow ribbon of sand running from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet to the southwest." }, { "slug": "capitol-reef-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Capitol Reef National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Torrey", "lat": 38.06703, "lng": -111.15526, "year_certified": 2015, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/capitol-reef-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "While welcoming over 1.3 million guests annually, Capitol Reef has largely resisted infrastructure development and instead offers visitors a rustic experience." }, { "slug": "caprock-canyons-state-park-texas", "name": "Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Quitaque", "lat": 34.40961, "lng": -101.07718, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": "https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caprock-canyons", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/caprock-canyons-state-park-texas/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "capulin-volcano-national-monument-dark-sky-park", "name": "Capulin Volcano National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "NM", "nearest_town": "Capulin", "lat": 36.78077, "lng": -103.97305, "year_certified": 2016, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/cavo/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/capulin-volcano-national-monument-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The cone rises steeply from the surrounding grassland to an elevation of 2,494 m above sea level." }, { "slug": "cataloochee-ranch", "name": "Cataloochee Ranch", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "NC", "nearest_town": "119 Ranch Drive Maggie Valley", "lat": 35.549, "lng": -83.09507, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": "http://cataloocheeranch.com/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/cataloochee-ranch/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "cattle-point", "name": "Cattle Point", "type": "urban-star-park", "country": "CA", "state_province": "BC", "nearest_town": "Oak Bay (Victoria)", "lat": null, "lng": null, "year_certified": 2013, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://rasc.ca/lpa/dark-sky-sites", "notes": "A coastal viewpoint in Oak Bay near Victoria, part of Uplands Park along Beach Drive." }, { "slug": "cedar-breaks-national-monument-dark-sky-park", "name": "Cedar Breaks National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Brian Head", "lat": 37.63877, "lng": -112.84475, "year_certified": 2017, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/cebr/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/cedar-breaks-national-monument-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "National Monument in the state of Utah comprising 2,941 ha (6,155 acres) of badlands at the edge of the Colorado Plateau." }, { "slug": "central-idaho-dark-sky-reserve", "name": "Central Idaho", "type": "reserve", "country": "US", "state_province": "ID", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 43.61092, "lng": -116.20153, "year_certified": 2017, "official_url": "http://www.idahodarksky.org/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/central-idaho-dark-sky-reserve/", "notes": "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)" }, { "slug": "chaco-culture-national-historic-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Chaco Culture National Historical Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "NM", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 36.03832, "lng": -107.95833, "year_certified": 2013, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/chaco-culture-national-historic-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "cherry-springs-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Cherry Springs State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "PA", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 41.66276, "lng": -77.8222, "year_certified": 2008, "official_url": "http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/cherrysprings/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/cherry-springs-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "Cherry Springs is open year-round and 60 to 85 nights each year have ideal conditions for observing." }, { "slug": "chimney-rock-national-monument", "name": "Chimney Rock National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Pagosa Spring", "lat": 37.16451, "lng": -107.31405, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": "https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/sanjuan/recreation/chimney-rock-national-monument", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/chimney-rock-national-monument/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "chiricahua-national-monument-dark-sky-park", "name": "Chiricahua National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Willcox", "lat": 32.01397, "lng": -109.34754, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/chiricahua-national-monument-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "city-of-rocks-dark-sky-park", "name": "City of Rocks National Reserve", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "ID", "nearest_town": "Almo", "lat": 42.0725, "lng": -113.70616, "year_certified": 2023, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/CIRO", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/city-of-rocks-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "clayton-lake-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Clayton Lake State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "NM", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 36.58135, "lng": -103.3088, "year_certified": 2010, "official_url": "https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/clayton-lake-state-park-and-dinosaur-trackways/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/clayton-lake-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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..." }, { "slug": "copper-breaks-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Copper Breaks State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 34.12157, "lng": -99.75766, "year_certified": 2014, "official_url": "http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/copper-breaks", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/copper-breaks-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "“Breaks” refers to the fractures and faults that define the limited waterways of the park." }, { "slug": "cosmic-campground-dark-sky-place", "name": "Cosmic Campground", "type": "sanctuary", "country": "US", "state_province": "NM", "nearest_town": "", "lat": 33.47972, "lng": -108.92316, "year_certified": 2016, "official_url": "http://www.nmdarksky.org/cosmic/cosmic.html", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/cosmic-campground-dark-sky-place/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "cottonwood-canyon-state-park", "name": "Cottonwood Canyon State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "OR", "nearest_town": "Wasco", "lat": 45.46566, "lng": -121.0073, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": "https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=195", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/cottonwood-canyon-state-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "cottonwood-arizona-dark-sky-community", "name": "Cottonwood, Arizona", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Cottonwood", "lat": 34.74756, "lng": -112.02724, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "http://cottonwoodaz.gov", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/cottonwood-arizona-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "It’s located in Yavapai County, between Prescott and Sedona." }, { "slug": "craters-of-the-moon-national-monument-dark-sky-park", "name": "Craters Of The Moon National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "ID", "nearest_town": "Arco", "lat": 43.40504, "lng": -113.50608, "year_certified": 2017, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/craters-of-the-moon-national-monument-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "Repeated lava flows raised the land elevation enough to expose it to prevailing southwesterly winds, helping to keep the area dry." }, { "slug": "crestone-colorado-dark-sky-community", "name": "Crestone, Colorado", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Crestone", "lat": 37.99544, "lng": -105.69919, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.darkskycrestone.com/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/crestone-colorado-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "curecanti-national-recreation-area-dark-sky-park", "name": "Curecanti National Recreation Area", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Gunnison", "lat": 38.45244, "lng": -107.36947, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/cure/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/curecanti-national-recreation-area-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The reservoirs and surrounding lands that make up Curecanti today are a destination for land- and water-based recreation high in the Rocky Mountains." }, { "slug": "cypress-hills-interprovincial-park", "name": "Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "AB", "nearest_town": "Maple Creek", "lat": 49.57528, "lng": -110.00639, "year_certified": 2004, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypress_Hills_Interprovincial_Park", "notes": "Straddles the Alberta-Saskatchewan border; its elevated plateau above the surrounding prairie keeps skies exceptionally clear." }, { "slug": "dead-horse-point-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Dead Horse Point State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Moab", "lat": 38.51422, "lng": -109.73877, "year_certified": 2016, "official_url": "https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/dead-horse-point-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "death-valley-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Death Valley National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CA", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 36.47024, "lng": -117.08839, "year_certified": 2013, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/deva/naturescience/lightscape.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/death-valley-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "devils-river-state-natural-area-dark-sky-sanctuary", "name": "Devils River State Natural Area — Del Norte Unit", "type": "sanctuary", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Del Rio", "lat": 29.93521, "lng": -100.93361, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/devils-river", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/devils-river-state-natural-area-dark-sky-sanctuary/", "notes": "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" }, { "slug": "diamond-mountain-retreat-center", "name": "Diamond Mountain Retreat Center", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Bowie", "lat": 32.15703, "lng": -109.42372, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": "https://www.diamondmountain.org", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/diamond-mountain-retreat-center/", "notes": "Located in the remote Chihuahuan high desert, Diamond Mountain Retreat Center offers secluded cottages surrounded by juniper, pine, and manzanita." }, { "slug": "dinosaur-national-monument-dark-sky-park", "name": "Dinosaur National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Dinosaur", "lat": 40.49369, "lng": -109.00079, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/dino/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/dinosaur-national-monument-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "dr-lawless-dark-sky-park", "name": "Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "MI", "nearest_town": "Jones", "lat": 41.90255, "lng": -85.79944, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "https://www.casscountymi.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Dr-TK-Lawless-Park-2", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/dr-lawless-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "Lawless Park (Lawless Park) is nestled within Cass County, in the Southwest corner of the Lower Peninsula." }, { "slug": "dripping-springs-dark-sky-community", "name": "Dripping Springs, Texas", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 30.19021, "lng": -98.08668, "year_certified": 2014, "official_url": "http://www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/dripping-springs-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "Civil War, Dripping Springs experienced massive growth in the last decade." }, { "slug": "east-canyon-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "East Canyon State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Morgan", "lat": 40.91915, "lng": -111.58862, "year_certified": 2020, "official_url": "https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/east-canyon/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/east-canyon-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "el-morro-national-monument-dark-sky-park", "name": "El Morro National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "NM", "nearest_town": "Ramah", "lat": 35.04035, "lng": -108.34642, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/elmo/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/el-morro-national-monument-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "enchanted-rock-state-natural-area-dark-sky-park", "name": "Enchanted Rock State Natural Area", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 30.50463, "lng": -98.82322, "year_certified": 2014, "official_url": "http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/enchanted-rock-state-natural-area-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "Enchanted Rock has hosted star parties for park visitors since 2011." }, { "slug": "flagstaff-area-national-monuments-dark-sky-park", "name": "Flagstaff Area National Monuments", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Flagstaff", "lat": 35.37115, "lng": -111.51132, "year_certified": 2016, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/wupa/learn/management/flag_parks.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/flagstaff-area-national-monuments-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "Together the three sites underscore both the human experience and natural drama of prehistoric northern Arizona." }, { "slug": "flagstaff-arizona-dark-sky-community", "name": "Flagstaff, Arizona", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 35.19875, "lng": -111.65182, "year_certified": 2001, "official_url": "http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/flagstaff-arizona-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "The city, home to Lowell Observatory and the U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station, enacted the world's first outdoor lighting ordinance in 1958." }, { "slug": "florissant-fossil-beds-national-monument-dark-sky-park", "name": "Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Florissant", "lat": 38.91244, "lng": -105.28143, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/flfo/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/florissant-fossil-beds-national-monument-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The fossils owe their incredible preservation state to the interaction of from the nearby Thirtynine Mile volcanic field with the biology of the lake." }, { "slug": "fort-union-national-monument-dark-sky-park", "name": "Fort Union National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "NM", "nearest_town": "Watrous", "lat": 35.90745, "lng": -105.01212, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/foun/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/fort-union-national-monument-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "There is a visitor center with exhibits about the fort and a film about the Santa Fe Trail." }, { "slug": "fountain-hills-arizona-dark-sky-community", "name": "Fountain Hills, Arizona", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Fountain Hills", "lat": 33.61171, "lng": -111.71736, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "http://fhdarksky.com/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/fountain-hills-arizona-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "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)." }, { "slug": "fredericksburg-texas-dark-sky-community", "name": "Fredericksburg, Texas", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Fredericksburg", "lat": 30.2752, "lng": -98.87198, "year_certified": 2020, "official_url": "http://www.fbgtx.org", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/fredericksburg-texas-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "As of the 2010 Census, the city had a population of 10,530." }, { "slug": "fremont-indian-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Fremont Indian State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Sevier", "lat": 38.57605, "lng": -112.34075, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/fremont-indian/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/fremont-indian-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "Since its founding, the park has hosted astronomical events such as star parties, “Astrofests,” and archaeoastronomical observances." }, { "slug": "frisco-colorado", "name": "Frisco, Colorado", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Frisco", "lat": 37.48693, "lng": -109.86246, "year_certified": 2026, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/frisco-colorado/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "fry-family-park-urban-night-sky-place", "name": "Fry Family Park", "type": "urban", "country": "US", "state_province": "OH", "nearest_town": "Magnolia", "lat": 40.66597, "lng": -81.34027, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://starkparks.com/parks/fry-family-park/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/fry-family-park-urban-night-sky-place/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "fundy-national-park", "name": "Fundy National Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "NB", "nearest_town": "Alma", "lat": 45.59528, "lng": -64.95389, "year_certified": 2011, "official_url": "https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/fundy", "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundy_National_Park", "notes": "Overlooks the Bay of Fundy's record-high tides near the village of Alma." }, { "slug": "geauga-observatory-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Geauga Observatory Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "OH", "nearest_town": "Montville Township", "lat": 41.58501, "lng": -81.08063, "year_certified": 2011, "official_url": "http://www.geaugaparkdistrict.org/parks/observatorypark.shtml", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/geauga-observatory-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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)." }, { "slug": "goblin-valley-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Goblin Valley State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Green River", "lat": 38.59816, "lng": -110.69997, "year_certified": 2016, "official_url": "http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/goblin-valley-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "golden-gate-canyon-state-park", "name": "Golden Gate Canyon State Park", "type": "urban", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Golden", "lat": 39.83085, "lng": -105.4131, "year_certified": 2026, "official_url": "https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/golden-gate-canyon-state-park/", "notes": "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..." }, { "slug": "goosenecks-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Goosenecks State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Mexican Hat", "lat": 37.17402, "lng": -109.92679, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goosenecks/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/goosenecks-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The park’s most famous feature is its view of a rare entrenched meander." }, { "slug": "grand-canyon-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Grand Canyon National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Grand Canyon", "lat": 36.30785, "lng": -112.2929, "year_certified": 2016, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/grand-canyon-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "grand-canyon-parashant-national-monument-dark-sky-park", "name": "Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 36.31729, "lng": -113.60871, "year_certified": 2014, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/para/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/grand-canyon-parashant-national-monument-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The monument is bounded to the south by the Grand Canyon and on the west by the Arizona-Nevada border." }, { "slug": "grasslands-national-park", "name": "Grasslands National Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "SK", "nearest_town": "Val Marie", "lat": 49.15, "lng": -107.51, "year_certified": 2009, "official_url": "https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/sk/grasslands", "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grasslands_National_Park", "notes": "Protects native prairie grassland with some of the darkest, least light-polluted skies in Canada." }, { "slug": "great-basin-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Great Basin National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "NV", "nearest_town": "Baker", "lat": 38.94416, "lng": -114.23495, "year_certified": 2016, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/grba/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/great-basin-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "great-sand-dunes-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Mosca", "lat": 37.79119, "lng": -105.61227, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/great-sand-dunes-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "mile) Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve contains the tallest sand dunes in North America and is located in south-central Colorado." }, { "slug": "greater-big-bend-international-dark-sky-reserve", "name": "Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve", "type": "reserve", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Fort Davis", "lat": 30.58916, "lng": -103.89496, "year_certified": 2022, "official_url": "https://www.bigbenddarkskyreserve.org/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/greater-big-bend-international-dark-sky-reserve/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "groveland-florida-dark-sky-community", "name": "Groveland, Florida", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "FL", "nearest_town": "", "lat": 28.56021, "lng": -81.85612, "year_certified": 2023, "official_url": "https://www.groveland-fl.gov/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/groveland-florida-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "Groveland covers roughly 28 square miles and has a population of over 23,000 residents." }, { "slug": "gunnison-gorge-national-conservation-area", "name": "Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Montrose", "lat": 38.67164, "lng": -107.88248, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": "https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/gunnison-gorge-nca", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/gunnison-gorge-national-conservation-area/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "hawthorn-woods-illinois-dark-sky-community", "name": "Hawthorn Woods, Illinois", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "IL", "nearest_town": "Hawthorn Woods", "lat": 42.21697, "lng": -88.04952, "year_certified": 2020, "official_url": "https://www.vhw.org", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/hawthorn-woods-illinois-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "headlands-dark-sky-park", "name": "Headlands", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "MI", "nearest_town": "Emmet County", "lat": 45.7777, "lng": -84.77925, "year_certified": 2011, "official_url": "http://www.midarkskypark.org/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/headlands-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "helper-utah-dark-sky-community", "name": "Helper, Utah", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Helper", "lat": 39.68413, "lng": -110.85461, "year_certified": 2020, "official_url": "https://www.helpercity.net", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/helper-utah-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "homer-glen-illinois-dark-sky-community", "name": "Homer Glen, Illinois", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "IL", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 41.60003, "lng": -87.93811, "year_certified": 2011, "official_url": "http://www.homerglenil.org/index.aspx", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/homer-glen-illinois-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "horseshoe-bay-texas-dark-sky-community", "name": "Horseshoe Bay, Texas", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Horseshoe Bay", "lat": 30.54421, "lng": -98.36698, "year_certified": 2015, "official_url": "http://www.horseshoe-bay-tx.gov", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/horseshoe-bay-texas-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "Johnson, some 50 miles west of the state capital, Austin." }, { "slug": "hovenweep-national-monument-dark-sky-park", "name": "Hovenweep National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Utah and", "lat": 37.38355, "lng": -109.07299, "year_certified": 2014, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/hove/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/hovenweep-national-monument-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The monument’s name means “deserted valley” in the native Western and Southern Numic languages, indicative of its extremely remote, harsh character." }, { "slug": "irving-nature-park", "name": "Irving Nature Park", "type": "urban-star-park", "country": "CA", "state_province": "NB", "nearest_town": "Saint John", "lat": 45.22378, "lng": -66.13194, "year_certified": 2011, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://rasc.ca/lpa/irving-nature-park", "notes": "A coastal peninsula park about 9.5 km from downtown Saint John, showing dark skies are still reachable near a city." }, { "slug": "jackson-hole-airport", "name": "Jackson Hole Airport", "type": "urban", "country": "US", "state_province": "WY", "nearest_town": "Jackson", "lat": 43.60368, "lng": -110.73875, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/jackson-hole-airport/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "jackson-lake-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Jackson Lake State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Orchard", "lat": 40.38126, "lng": -104.0799, "year_certified": 2020, "official_url": "https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/JacksonLake", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/jackson-lake-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "Quiet winter months provide hearty wildlife viewers some excellent opportunities to spot the many animals that live here." }, { "slug": "james-river-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "James River State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "VA", "nearest_town": "Gladstone", "lat": 37.62565, "lng": -78.80861, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/james-river#general_information", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/james-river-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The rolling hills of the Piedmont region are prevalent within the park, setting the stage for a variety of forests, meadows, and flood plains." }, { "slug": "jasper-national-park", "name": "Jasper National Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "AB", "nearest_town": "Jasper", "lat": 52.8, "lng": -117.9, "year_certified": 2011, "official_url": "https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper", "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasper_National_Park", "notes": "One of the largest Dark-Sky Preserves in the world at designation; hosts the Jasper Dark Sky Festival each October." }, { "slug": "johns-family-nature-conservancy-regional-park", "name": "Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park", "type": "nocturnal-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "BC", "nearest_town": null, "lat": null, "lng": null, "year_certified": 2023, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://rasc.ca/lpa/dark-sky-sites", "notes": "British Columbia's newest RASC-designated nocturnal preserve, protecting a regional park's night-active wildlife." }, { "slug": "jonestown-texas", "name": "Jonestown, Texas", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Jonestown", "lat": 30.48115, "lng": -97.93407, "year_certified": 2023, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/jonestown-texas/", "notes": "Jonestown was incorporated in 1985 and is a small, rural community with a population of approximately 2500." }, { "slug": "jordanelle-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Jordanelle State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Heber City", "lat": 40.62607, "lng": -111.41381, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/jordanelle/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/jordanelle-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "joshua-tree-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Joshua Tree National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CA", "nearest_town": "Twentynine Palms", "lat": 33.89707, "lng": -115.95112, "year_certified": 2017, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/joshua-tree-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "national park sprawling over land that straddles the boundary of two deserts: the higher Mojave Desert and lower Colorado Desert." }, { "slug": "julian-dark-sky-community", "name": "Julian, California", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "CA", "nearest_town": "Julian", "lat": 33.07396, "lng": -116.58785, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.juliandarkskynetwork.com/index.html", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/julian-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "kartchner-caverns-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Kartchner Caverns State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Benson", "lat": 31.83995, "lng": -110.35047, "year_certified": 2017, "official_url": "https://azstateparks.com/kartchner/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/kartchner-caverns-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The Park preserves a set of ‘living’ limestone caverns whose known passages total 3.9 km (2.4 miles)." }, { "slug": "katahdin-woods-and-waters-dark-sky-sanctuary", "name": "Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument", "type": "sanctuary", "country": "US", "state_province": "ME", "nearest_town": "Patten", "lat": 45.97659, "lng": -68.73346, "year_certified": 2020, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/kaww/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/katahdin-woods-and-waters-dark-sky-sanctuary/", "notes": "Google Maps Contact Jeanne Roy Kiah Walker Website Tel.: 1-207-456-6001 Land Area 354 km2 Documents Application Press Release Annual Reports" }, { "slug": "kejimkujik-national-park-and-national-historic-site", "name": "Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "NS", "nearest_town": "Maitland Bridge", "lat": null, "lng": null, "year_certified": 2010, "official_url": "https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ns/kejimkujik", "source_url": "https://rasc.ca/lpa/dark-sky-sites", "notes": "Nova Scotia's only national park, protecting inland lakes, forest, and Mi'kmaq petroglyph sites alongside its dark skies." }, { "slug": "ketchum-dark-sky-community", "name": "Ketchum, Idaho", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "ID", "nearest_town": "Ketchum", "lat": 43.68074, "lng": -114.36366, "year_certified": 2017, "official_url": "http://ketchumidaho.org/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/ketchum-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "keweenaw-michigan-dark-sky-park", "name": "Keweenaw Dark Sky Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "MI", "nearest_town": "Copper Harbor", "lat": 47.46807, "lng": -87.8888, "year_certified": 2022, "official_url": "https://keweenawmountainlodge.com/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/keweenaw-michigan-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The park is headquartered at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, which is open to the public and accessible year-round, from 7:00 p.m." }, { "slug": "killarney-provincial-park", "name": "Killarney Provincial Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "ON", "nearest_town": "Killarney", "lat": 46.11667, "lng": -81.41667, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/killarney", "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killarney_Provincial_Park", "notes": "A rugged La Cloche Mountains park about 90 km southwest of Sudbury, popular for canoe-in stargazing." }, { "slug": "kissimmee-prairie-preserve-dark-sky-park", "name": "Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "FL", "nearest_town": "Okeechobee", "lat": 27.56136, "lng": -81.05705, "year_certified": 2016, "official_url": "https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Kissimmee-Prairie", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/kissimmee-prairie-preserve-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "+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)." }, { "slug": "kosmos-stargazing-resort-spa", "name": "Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Mosca", "lat": 37.65428, "lng": -105.78694, "year_certified": 2026, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/kosmos-stargazing-resort-spa/", "notes": "The resort offers guided stargazing experiences and astronomy programming that help visitors better understand the cosmos and the importance of protecting dark skies." }, { "slug": "kouchibouguac-national-park", "name": "Kouchibouguac National Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "NB", "nearest_town": "Kouchibouguac", "lat": 46.84972, "lng": -64.96694, "year_certified": 2009, "official_url": "https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/kouchibouguac", "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kouchibouguac_National_Park", "notes": "A sandy-dune Acadian coast park on New Brunswick's east shore." }, { "slug": "lake-fork-earth-and-sky-center-dark-sky-park", "name": "Lake Fork Earth and Sky Center", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Lake City", "lat": 38.03505, "lng": -107.31407, "year_certified": 2020, "official_url": "https://lakecity.com/night-skies/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/lake-fork-earth-and-sky-center-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "They are planning to host stargazing programs for the public in the near future." }, { "slug": "lake-superior-provincial-park", "name": "Lake Superior Provincial Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "ON", "nearest_town": "Wawa", "lat": 47.59667, "lng": -84.74139, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/lakesuperior", "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Superior_Provincial_Park", "notes": "Stretches along Lake Superior's northeastern shore between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa." }, { "slug": "lakeland-provincial-park", "name": "Lakeland Provincial Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "AB", "nearest_town": "Lac La Biche", "lat": null, "lng": null, "year_certified": 2016, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://rasc.ca/lpa/dark-sky-sites", "notes": "A boreal-forest canoe-country park east of Lac La Biche in northeastern Alberta." }, { "slug": "lakewood-village-texas-dark-sky-community", "name": "Lakewood Village, Texas", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Lakewood Village", "lat": 33.14262, "lng": -96.96945, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "http://www.lakewoodvillagetx.us", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/lakewood-village-texas-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "Located in the northern part of the Dallas/Ft." }, { "slug": "leterrain", "name": "LeTerrain", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "QC", "nearest_town": null, "lat": null, "lng": null, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://rasc.ca/lpa/dark-sky-sites", "notes": "Quebec's newest RASC Dark-Sky Preserve, designated in 2025." }, { "slug": "liberty-hill-texas", "name": "Liberty Hill, Texas", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Liberty Hill", "lat": 30.66407, "lng": -97.92444, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": "https://experiencelhtx.com/save-our-stars/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/liberty-hill-texas/", "notes": "Save Our Stars regularly hosts star parties, leads night-sky audits, participates in local festivals, and promotes its “Night Sky Friendly Business” program." }, { "slug": "lost-trail-national-wildlife-refuge-dark-sky-sanctuary", "name": "Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge", "type": "sanctuary", "country": "US", "state_province": "MT", "nearest_town": "Marion", "lat": 48.17741, "lng": -114.89302, "year_certified": 2022, "official_url": "https://www.fws.gov/refuge/lost-trail", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/lost-trail-national-wildlife-refuge-dark-sky-sanctuary/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "lyndon-b-johnson-national-historical-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Stonewall", "lat": 30.25082, "lng": -98.62407, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/lyjo/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/lyndon-b-johnson-national-historical-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "Johnson National Historical Park is located 60 miles northwest of San Antonio, Texas just off Texas State Highway 290 along the beautiful Pedernales River." }, { "slug": "mammoth-cave-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Mammoth Cave National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "KY", "nearest_town": "Mammoth Cave", "lat": 37.18417, "lng": -86.12299, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/mammoth-cave-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The Park’s first organized efforts for astronomical and night sky programming began in 2017 and continues to this day." }, { "slug": "manitoulin-eco-park", "name": "Manitoulin Eco Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "ON", "nearest_town": "South Baymouth", "lat": 45.66132, "lng": -81.970475, "year_certified": 2008, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://rasc.ca/lpa/manitoulin-eco-park", "notes": "Located in Tehkummah at the southeast corner of Manitoulin Island along Highway 6." }, { "slug": "massacre-rim-wilderness-study-area-dark-sky-sanctuary", "name": "Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area", "type": "sanctuary", "country": "US", "state_province": "NV", "nearest_town": "", "lat": 41.70079, "lng": -119.68421, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "https://www.nevadawilderness.org/massacre_rim_wilderness_study_area", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/massacre-rim-wilderness-study-area-dark-sky-sanctuary/", "notes": "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" }, { "slug": "mayland-earth-to-sky-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Mayland Earth to Sky Park & Bare Dark Sky Observatory", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "NC", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 35.91722, "lng": -82.29967, "year_certified": 2014, "official_url": "https://www.mayland.edu/foundation/foundation-projects/earth-to-sky-park/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/mayland-earth-to-sky-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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)." }, { "slug": "medicine-rocks-state-park-dark-sky-sanctuary", "name": "Medicine Rocks State Park", "type": "sanctuary", "country": "US", "state_province": "MT", "nearest_town": "Ekalaka", "lat": 46.04444, "lng": -104.47134, "year_certified": 2020, "official_url": "http://stateparks.mt.gov/medicine-rocks/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/medicine-rocks-state-park-dark-sky-sanctuary/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "merritt-reservoir-dark-sky-park", "name": "Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "NE", "nearest_town": "Valentine", "lat": 42.60247, "lng": -100.89485, "year_certified": 2022, "official_url": "http://outdoornebraska.gov/merrittreservoir/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/merritt-reservoir-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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 ..." }, { "slug": "mesa-verde-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Mesa Verde National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Mesa Verde National Park", "lat": 37.25378, "lng": -108.4556, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/mesa-verde-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "Today, Mesa Verde preserves exceptionally dark skies thanks to the park’s remote location, dry climate, and high elevation." }, { "slug": "middle-fork-river-forest-preserve-dark-sky-park", "name": "Middle Fork River Forest Preserve", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "IL", "nearest_town": "Penfield", "lat": 40.38269, "lng": -87.97031, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "http://www.ccfpd.org/forest-preserve/middle-fork-river-champaign-county", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/middle-fork-river-forest-preserve-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "In the same year, CUAS began collaborating with the District’s Education Department to offer ‘Starwatch’ astronomy-related stargazing programs at the Preserve." }, { "slug": "milton-reimers-ranch-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Milton Reimers Ranch Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Dripping Springs", "lat": 30.36764, "lng": -98.12197, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/reimers-ranch", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/milton-reimers-ranch-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "Milton Reimers Ranch Park has been open to the public since 2006." }, { "slug": "mont-megantic-international-dark-sky-reserve", "name": "Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve", "type": "reserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "QC", "nearest_town": "Notre-Dame-des-Bois", "lat": 45.45694, "lng": -71.1625, "year_certified": 2007, "official_url": "https://www.cieletoilemontmegantic.org/en", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/mont-megantic-dark-sky-reserve/", "notes": "The world's first International Dark Sky Reserve, home to the ASTROLab observatory; three surrounding regional municipalities enforce strict lighting rules." }, { "slug": "mount-carleton-provincial-park", "name": "Mount Carleton Provincial Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "NB", "nearest_town": "Saint-Quentin", "lat": 47.37833, "lng": -66.875, "year_certified": 2009, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Carleton_Provincial_Park", "notes": "Home to Mount Carleton, the highest peak in the Maritimes, in New Brunswick's remote north-central highlands." }, { "slug": "natural-bridge-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Natural Bridge State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "VA", "nearest_town": "Natural Bridge", "lat": 37.63395, "lng": -79.55045, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/natural-bridge", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/natural-bridge-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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)." }, { "slug": "natural-bridges-national-monument-dark-sky-park", "name": "Natural Bridges National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 37.6026, "lng": -110.01118, "year_certified": 2007, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/nabr/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/natural-bridges-national-monument-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "newport-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Newport State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "WI", "nearest_town": "Ellison Bay", "lat": 45.24315, "lng": -86.98627, "year_certified": 2017, "official_url": "http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/newport/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/newport-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "north-fork-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "North Fork Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Weber County", "lat": 41.3867, "lng": -111.92494, "year_certified": 2015, "official_url": "https://www.visitogden.com/directory/north-fork-park/ target=", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/north-fork-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "north-frontenac", "name": "North Frontenac", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "ON", "nearest_town": "Plevna", "lat": null, "lng": null, "year_certified": 2013, "official_url": "https://www.northfrontenac.com/things-to-do/north-frontenac-astronomy-park/", "source_url": "https://rasc.ca/lpa/north-frontenac", "notes": "A township-wide preserve centred on the North Frontenac Astronomy Park, a free public viewing site with concrete telescope pads near Plevna." }, { "slug": "norwood-colorado-dark-sky-community", "name": "Norwood, Colorado", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Norwood", "lat": 38.13055, "lng": -108.2923, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "https://www.norwoodtown.com/dark-sky-advocate-group", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/norwood-colorado-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "Its high desert climate and very dry conditions create many days and nights with clear skies." }, { "slug": "nucla-and-naturita-colorado-dark-sky-community", "name": "Nucla and Naturita, Colorado", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "320 Main St, Nucla", "lat": 38.26943, "lng": -108.54787, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.colorado.gov/nucla", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/nucla-and-naturita-colorado-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "Human habitation in the vicinity extends back more than 2,000 years, long predating the arrival of European settlers in the mid-nineteenth century." }, { "slug": "obed-wild-and-scenic-river-dark-sky-park", "name": "Obed Wild and Scenic River", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "TN", "nearest_town": "Wartburg", "lat": 36.10873, "lng": -84.72447, "year_certified": 2017, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/obed/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/obed-wild-and-scenic-river-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The Obed drains a part of the Cumberland Plateau, a set of dissected plateau lands lying west of the main Appalachian Mountains." }, { "slug": "observatory-park-at-turner-farm", "name": "Observatory Park at Turner Farm", "type": "urban", "country": "US", "state_province": "VA", "nearest_town": "Great Falls", "lat": 38.9958, "lng": -77.31429, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/observatory-park-at-turner-farm/", "notes": "Observatory Park at Turner Farm is open daily from dawn to dusk." }, { "slug": "stephen-c-foster-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Okefenokee State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "GA", "nearest_town": "Fargo", "lat": 30.68657, "lng": -82.56172, "year_certified": 2016, "official_url": "http://www.gastateparks.org/StephenCFoster", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/stephen-c-foster-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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" }, { "slug": "old-man-on-his-back-prairie-and-heritage-conservation-area", "name": "Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area", "type": "nocturnal-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "SK", "nearest_town": "Frontier", "lat": null, "lng": null, "year_certified": 2015, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://rasc.ca/lpa/dark-sky-sites", "notes": "A Nature Conservancy of Canada property in southwest Saskatchewan protecting native grassland and its nocturnal wildlife." }, { "slug": "old-snowmass-colorado", "name": "Old Snowmass, Colorado", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Old Snowmass", "lat": 39.33287, "lng": -106.99299, "year_certified": 2026, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/old-snowmass-colorado/", "notes": "/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." }, { "slug": "oracle-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Oracle State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Oracle", "lat": 32.6093, "lng": -110.77225, "year_certified": 2014, "official_url": "https://azstateparks.com/oracle/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/oracle-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "oregon-caves-national-monument-and-preserve", "name": "Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "OR", "nearest_town": "Cave Junction", "lat": 42.09831, "lng": -123.68754, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/orca/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/oregon-caves-national-monument-and-preserve/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "oregon-outback-international-dark-sky-sanctuary-oregon", "name": "Oregon Outback", "type": "sanctuary", "country": "US", "state_province": "OR", "nearest_town": "Lakeview", "lat": 42.19072, "lng": -120.48508, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": "https://oregonoutbackdarkskysanctuary.com/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/oregon-outback-international-dark-sky-sanctuary-oregon/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument", "name": "Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Ajo", "lat": 32.028, "lng": -112.83462, "year_certified": 2026, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/orpi", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument/", "notes": "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 ..." }, { "slug": "palos-preserves-urban-night-sky-place", "name": "Palos Preserves", "type": "urban", "country": "US", "state_province": "IL", "nearest_town": "Willow Springs", "lat": 41.67895, "lng": -87.84368, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://fpdcc.com/nature/dark-skies-reducing-light-pollution/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/palos-preserves-urban-night-sky-place/", "notes": "Over the 100 years of its existence, the population of the nearby Chicago Area has nearly tripled from 2.7 to 8 million people." }, { "slug": "parc-du-mont-bellevue", "name": "Parc du Mont-Bellevue", "type": "urban-star-park", "country": "CA", "state_province": "QC", "nearest_town": "Sherbrooke", "lat": null, "lng": null, "year_certified": 2022, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/locations/canada/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "parc-national-du-mont-tremblant", "name": "Parc national du Mont-Tremblant", "type": "park", "country": "CA", "state_province": "QC", "nearest_town": "Saint-Donat", "lat": null, "lng": null, "year_certified": 2023, "official_url": "https://www.sepaq.com/pq/mot/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/news/parc-national-du-mont-tremblant-becomes-canadas-sixth-certified-international-dark-sky-place/", "notes": "Canada's sixth International Dark Sky Place and Quebec's largest provincial park, covering nearly 1,500 square kilometres of the Laurentians." }, { "slug": "petrified-forest-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Petrified Forest National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Petrified Forest", "lat": 34.97448, "lng": -109.70799, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "http://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/petrified-forest-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The Park preserves a landscape dominated by semi-desert shrub steppe and a series of colorful, highly eroded badlands." }, { "slug": "pickett-memorial-and-pogue-creek-canyon-dark-sky-park", "name": "Pickett CCC Memorial State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "TN", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 36.56655, "lng": -84.79556, "year_certified": 2015, "official_url": "http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/pickett", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/pickett-memorial-and-pogue-creek-canyon-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "pipe-spring-national-monument-dark-sky-park", "name": "Pipe Spring National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Fredonia", "lat": 36.86283, "lng": -112.73986, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/pisp/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/pipe-spring-national-monument-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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" }, { "slug": "pisgah-astronomical-research-institute-dark-sky-park", "name": "Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "NC", "nearest_town": "Rosman", "lat": 35.14369, "lng": -82.82202, "year_certified": 2020, "official_url": "https://www.pari.edu/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/pisgah-astronomical-research-institute-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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" }, { "slug": "point-pelee-national-park", "name": "Point Pelee National Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "ON", "nearest_town": "Leamington", "lat": 41.96417, "lng": -82.51778, "year_certified": 2006, "official_url": "https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/pelee", "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Pelee_National_Park", "notes": "Canada's southernmost mainland point, hosting an annual Dark Sky Nights event." }, { "slug": "prineville-reservoir-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Prineville Reservoir State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "OR", "nearest_town": "Prineville", "lat": 44.12642, "lng": -120.7237, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=26", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/prineville-reservoir-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "quetico-provincial-park", "name": "Quetico Provincial Park", "type": "park", "country": "CA", "state_province": "ON", "nearest_town": "Atikokan", "lat": 48.39639, "lng": -91.53528, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/quetico", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/locations/canada/", "notes": "A remote canoe-wilderness park in northwestern Ontario bordering Minnesota's Boundary Waters." }, { "slug": "rainbow-bridge-national-monument-dark-sky-sanctuary", "name": "Rainbow Bridge National Monument", "type": "sanctuary", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Page", "lat": 37.07809, "lng": -110.96551, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/rabr/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/rainbow-bridge-national-monument-dark-sky-sanctuary/", "notes": "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" }, { "slug": "rappahannock-county-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Rappahannock County Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "VA", "nearest_town": "Washington", "lat": 38.71096, "lng": -78.15229, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "https://rappahannockcountypark.weebly.com", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/rappahannock-county-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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" }, { "slug": "ridgway-colorado-dark-sky-community", "name": "Ridgway, Colorado", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Ridgway", "lat": 38.15277, "lng": -107.76173, "year_certified": 2020, "official_url": "https://townofridgway.colorado.gov/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/ridgway-colorado-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "As true as it was in 1890, Ridgway today remains the “Gateway to the San Juan’s”." }, { "slug": "rockport-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Rockport State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "9040 UT-302, Peoa", "lat": 40.77477, "lng": -111.39827, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/rockport/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/rockport-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "/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." }, { "slug": "saguaro-national-park", "name": "Saguaro National Park", "type": "urban", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Tucson", "lat": 32.25307, "lng": -111.16826, "year_certified": 2023, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/saguaro-national-park/", "notes": "The park is divided into two discontiguous units: Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain District) and Saguaro National Park West (Tucson Mountain District)." }, { "slug": "salinas-pueblo-missions-national-monument-dark-sky-park", "name": "Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "NM", "nearest_town": "Mountainair", "lat": 34.25792, "lng": -106.0902, "year_certified": 2016, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/sapu/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/salinas-pueblo-missions-national-monument-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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 ..." }, { "slug": "sedona-arizona-dark-sky-community", "name": "Sedona, Arizona", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 34.86886, "lng": -111.76144, "year_certified": 2014, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/sedona-arizona-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "A community of more than 10,000 people, Sedona is a prime tourist destination featuring a variety of outdoor activities." }, { "slug": "shield-ranch-barton-creek", "name": "Shield Ranch Barton Creek", "type": "urban", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Austin", "lat": 30.29599, "lng": -98.01026, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/shield-ranch-barton-creek/", "notes": "The Ranch hosted its first public Dusk to Dark Star Party in November 2022." }, { "slug": "sinks-canyon-state-park", "name": "Sinks Canyon State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "WY", "nearest_town": "Lander", "lat": 42.75755, "lng": -108.84589, "year_certified": 2023, "official_url": "https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/places-to-go/sinks-canyon", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/sinks-canyon-state-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "sisters-oregon", "name": "Sisters, Oregon", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "OR", "nearest_town": "Sisters", "lat": 44.291, "lng": -121.544, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/sisters-oregon/", "notes": "This charming town, established in the 1880s, boasts a western-style aesthetic and a close-knit community of around 3,475 residents." }, { "slug": "sky-meadows-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Sky Meadows State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "VA", "nearest_town": "Delaplane", "lat": 38.99098, "lng": -77.95891, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/sky-meadows-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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" }, { "slug": "snow-canyon-state-park", "name": "Snow Canyon State Park", "type": "urban", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Ivins", "lat": 37.21781, "lng": -113.64217, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/snow-canyon-state-park/", "notes": "The entirety of Snow Canyon State Park is open year-round, seven days a week from the hours of 6:00 a.m." }, { "slug": "south-llano-river-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "South Llano River State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Junction", "lat": 30.42609, "lng": -99.80024, "year_certified": 2017, "official_url": "http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/south-llano-river", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/south-llano-river-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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" }, { "slug": "springdale-utah-dark-sky-community", "name": "Springdale, Utah", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Springdale", "lat": 37.18887, "lng": -112.99855, "year_certified": 2023, "official_url": "https://www.springdaletown.com/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/springdale-utah-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "It sits at the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, in the transition zone between the plateau, the Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert." }, { "slug": "spruce-woods-provincial-park", "name": "Spruce Woods Provincial Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "MB", "nearest_town": "Glenboro", "lat": 49.70944, "lng": -99.09722, "year_certified": 2022, "official_url": "https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/recreation-and-activities/nightskies/index.html", "source_url": "https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/dark-sky-preserve-spruce-woods-provincial-park-manitoba-1.6567790", "notes": "Manitoba's first Dark-Sky Preserve, home to the Spirit Sands dune field; most park lighting is motion-sensor controlled and shut off overnight." }, { "slug": "stacy-park-urban-night-sky-place", "name": "Stacy Park", "type": "urban", "country": "US", "state_province": "MO", "nearest_town": "Olivette", "lat": 38.67079, "lng": -90.39413, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.olivetteparksandrec.com/stacy-park.html", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/stacy-park-urban-night-sky-place/", "notes": "Established in 1926, Stacy Park is one of five parks in Olivette and is very popular with Olivette residents and residents of nearby cities." }, { "slug": "staunton-river-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Staunton River State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "VA", "nearest_town": "Scottsburg", "lat": 36.70619, "lng": -78.67931, "year_certified": 2015, "official_url": "http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/staunton-river.shtml", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/staunton-river-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The Park first hosted the Staunton River Star Party in fall 2011; the 2014 edition attracted 140 participants from around the region." }, { "slug": "steinaker-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Steinaker State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Vernal", "lat": 40.51965, "lng": -109.53141, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/steinaker/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/steinaker-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "sun-valley-resort", "name": "Sun Valley Resort", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "ID", "nearest_town": "Sun Valley", "lat": 43.69488, "lng": -114.3569, "year_certified": 2026, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/sun-valley-resort/", "notes": "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..." }, { "slug": "terra-nova-national-park", "name": "Terra Nova National Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "NL", "nearest_town": "Glovertown", "lat": 48.53056, "lng": -53.92806, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nl/terranova", "source_url": "https://www.canada.ca/en/parks-canada/news/2018/03/terra-nova-national-park-officially-designated-as-a-dark-sky-preserve.html", "notes": "A boreal-forest fjord park on Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador's easternmost Dark-Sky Preserve." }, { "slug": "teton-county", "name": "Teton County", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "WY", "nearest_town": "Jackson", "lat": 43.48272, "lng": -110.75776, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": "https://www.wyomingstargazing.org/?srsltid=AfmBOopvxsS7yJbRUdr8r1J6uFrWbcILG01alEgPjngNZRmxF9Oct0cH", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/teton-county/", "notes": "They offer private and free public stargazing programs year-round to visitors and local residents." }, { "slug": "the-city-of-moab", "name": "The City of Moab, Utah", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Moab", "lat": 38.5744, "lng": -109.55142, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/the-city-of-moab/", "notes": "International Dark Sky Community is located in the eastern part of the state on the Colorado Plateau." }, { "slug": "the-swag", "name": "The Swag", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "NC", "nearest_town": "Swag Road Waynesville", "lat": 35.57249, "lng": -83.17168, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": "http://theswag.com/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/the-swag/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "thousand-hills-state-park", "name": "Thousand Hills State Park", "type": "urban", "country": "US", "state_province": "MO", "nearest_town": "Kirksville", "lat": 40.359, "lng": -92.78846, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/thousand-hills-state-park/", "notes": "The park consists of 3,086 acres with Forest Lake as its centerpiece." }, { "slug": "kaibab-paiute-indian-reservation-dark-sky-community", "name": "Thunder Mountain Pootsee Nightsky", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 36.94993, "lng": -112.52534, "year_certified": 2015, "official_url": "http://www.kaibabpaiute-nsn.gov/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/kaibab-paiute-indian-reservation-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "timpanogos-cave-national-monument-urban-night-sky-place", "name": "Timpanogos Cave National Monument", "type": "urban", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "American Fork", "lat": 40.43902, "lng": -111.7094, "year_certified": 2020, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/tica/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/timpanogos-cave-national-monument-urban-night-sky-place/", "notes": "Many colorful cave features or speleothems are on display in the caves." }, { "slug": "top-of-the-pines-dark-sky-park", "name": "Top of the Pines", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Ridgway", "lat": 38.10864, "lng": -107.79229, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.topofthepines.org/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/top-of-the-pines-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "torrance-barrens-conservation-reserve", "name": "Torrance Barrens Conservation Reserve", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "ON", "nearest_town": "Gravenhurst", "lat": null, "lng": null, "year_certified": 1999, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://rasc.ca/lpa/dark-sky-sites", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "torrey-utah-dark-sky-community", "name": "Torrey, Utah", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Torrey", "lat": 38.29974, "lng": -111.42047, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "http://www.torreyutah.gov/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/torrey-utah-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "It was established by Mormon settlers in the 1880s, who were drawn to the reliable waters of nearby Sand Creek." }, { "slug": "town-of-breckenridge-colorado", "name": "Town of Breckenridge, Colorado", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Breckenridge", "lat": 39.48259, "lng": -106.05069, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": "https://www.townofbreckenridge.com/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/town-of-breckenridge-colorado/", "notes": "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..." }, { "slug": "castle-valley", "name": "Town of Castle Valley, Utah", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Castle Valley", "lat": 38.63617, "lng": -109.48199, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/castle_valley/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "paonia-colorado", "name": "Town of Paonia, Colorado", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Paonia", "lat": 38.87, "lng": -107.59257, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": "https://www.darkskiespaonia.com/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/paonia-colorado/", "notes": "Its high-desert climate provides abundant clear, starry nights, with the Milky Way visible from many backstreets and open spaces throughout town." }, { "slug": "trinchera-ranch", "name": "Trinchera Ranch", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "Fort Garland", "lat": 37.38901, "lng": -105.33678, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": "https://trincheraranch.com", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/trinchera-ranch/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "tubac", "name": "Tubac, Arizona", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Tubac", "lat": 31.62957, "lng": -111.09774, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": null, "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/tubac/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "tumacacori-national-historical-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Tumacácori National Historical Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Tumacacori", "lat": 31.57227, "lng": -111.04763, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/tuma/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/tumacacori-national-historical-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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" }, { "slug": "ubaru-camp-and-retreat-center-dark-sky-park", "name": "UBarU Camp and Retreat Center", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "Mountain Home", "lat": 30.17841, "lng": -99.37502, "year_certified": 2015, "official_url": "http://www.ubaru.org", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/ubaru-camp-and-retreat-center-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "under-canvas-bryce-canyon", "name": "Under Canvas Bryce Canyon", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Widtsoe", "lat": 37.80912, "lng": -112.01889, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": "https://www.undercanvas.com/camps/bryce-canyon/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/under-canvas-bryce-canyon/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "under-canvas-grand-canyon", "name": "Under Canvas Grand Canyon", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "AZ", "nearest_town": "Grand Canyon Junction", "lat": 35.65304, "lng": -112.15831, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": "https://www.undercanvas.com/camps/grand-canyon/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw4ri0BhAvEiwA8oo6FzrEWHQNIfjBUuXICGIeL96KS0tEdcYcPTurkr4vQ-1dydKOzqoUoBoCjYYQAvD_BwE", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/under-canvas-grand-canyon/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "under-canvas-lake-powell-grand-staircase", "name": "Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Big Water", "lat": 37.06876, "lng": -112.33339, "year_certified": 2023, "official_url": "https://www.undercanvas.com/camps/lake-powell/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/under-canvas-lake-powell-grand-staircase/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "under-canvas-moab", "name": "Under Canvas Moab", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Moab", "lat": 38.68495, "lng": -109.77047, "year_certified": 2023, "official_url": "https://www.undercanvas.com/camps/moab/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/under-canvas-moab/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "under-canvas-ulum-moab", "name": "Under Canvas ULUM Moab", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Moab", "lat": 38.27584, "lng": -109.40179, "year_certified": 2025, "official_url": "https://www.ulumresorts.com/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/under-canvas-ulum-moab/", "notes": "Guests can participate in dark sky-themed programming, including guided stargazing activities, and enjoy the nighttime experiences at nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks." }, { "slug": "under-canvas-yosemite", "name": "Under Canvas Yosemite", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "CA", "nearest_town": "Groveland", "lat": 37.91847, "lng": -120.01097, "year_certified": 2026, "official_url": "https://www.undercanvas.com/camps/yosemite/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/under-canvas-yosemite/", "notes": "Combined with the Sierra Nevada’s elevation and low ambient light, the site offers exceptional opportunities for guests to experience clear, star-filled skies." }, { "slug": "under-canvas-zion", "name": "Under Canvas Zion", "type": "lodging", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Virgin", "lat": 37.25817, "lng": -113.11638, "year_certified": 2024, "official_url": "https://www.undercanvas.com/camps/zion/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw4ri0BhAvEiwA8oo6Fwni8kyLg1SFR-rOs7ZQAj5jNmt0RQAe-4TC2kg_k2abgUj8lHCs8hoC_ysQAvD_BwE", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/under-canvas-zion/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "valle-de-oro-national-wildlife-refuge-urban-night-sky-place", "name": "Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge", "type": "urban", "country": "US", "state_province": "NM", "nearest_town": "Albuquerque", "lat": 34.97856, "lng": -106.67638, "year_certified": 2019, "official_url": "https://www.fws.gov/refuge/valle_de_oro/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/valle-de-oro-national-wildlife-refuge-urban-night-sky-place/", "notes": "It is located 7 miles (11km) south of Albuquerque, New Mexico." }, { "slug": "valles-caldera-national-preserve-dark-sky-park", "name": "Valles Caldera National Preserve", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "NM", "nearest_town": "Jemez Springs", "lat": 35.91509, "lng": -106.5105, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/vall/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/valles-caldera-national-preserve-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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" }, { "slug": "voyageurs-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Voyageurs National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "MN", "nearest_town": "International Falls", "lat": 48.46555, "lng": -92.8854, "year_certified": 2020, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/voya/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/voyageurs-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "Voyageurs offers many ways to embrace the night including the spectacular Aurora Borealis, meteor showers, stargazing, and night sky programs." }, { "slug": "waterton-lakes-national-park", "name": "Waterton Lakes National Park", "type": "park", "country": "CA", "state_province": "AB", "nearest_town": "Pincher Creek", "lat": 49.04583, "lng": -113.91528, "year_certified": 2017, "official_url": "https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/locations/canada/", "notes": "Certified jointly with Montana's Glacier National Park as the first trans-boundary International Dark Sky Park." }, { "slug": "waterton-glacier-international-peace-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "MT", "nearest_town": null, "lat": 48.7194, "lng": -113.83445, "year_certified": 2017, "official_url": "https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/waterton", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/waterton-glacier-international-peace-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "watoga-state-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Watoga State Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "WV", "nearest_town": "Marlinton", "lat": 38.10249, "lng": -80.15596, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://wvstateparks.com/park/watoga-state-park/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/watoga-state-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "The combined 19,869 public acres are committed to protecting these natural and historic areas from light pollution." }, { "slug": "westcliffe-and-silver-cliff-dark-sky-community", "name": "Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, Colorado", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "CO", "nearest_town": "", "lat": 38.13472, "lng": -105.46584, "year_certified": 2015, "official_url": "https://www.darkskiescolorado.org/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/westcliffe-and-silver-cliff-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "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." }, { "slug": "wimberley-valley-texas-dark-sky-community", "name": "Wimberley Valley, Texas", "type": "community", "country": "US", "state_province": "TX", "nearest_town": "", "lat": 29.99682, "lng": -98.09541, "year_certified": 2018, "official_url": "https://www.facebook.com/WimberleyDarkSky/", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/wimberley-valley-texas-dark-sky-community/", "notes": "Including both cities’ large extraterritorial jurisdictions, Wimberley Valley is home to around 14,000 people." }, { "slug": "wood-buffalo-national-park", "name": "Wood Buffalo National Park", "type": "dark-sky-preserve", "country": "CA", "state_province": "AB", "nearest_town": "Fort Smith", "lat": 59.383, "lng": -112.983, "year_certified": 2013, "official_url": "https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nt/woodbuffalo", "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_Buffalo_National_Park", "notes": "The world's largest Dark-Sky Preserve, straddling the Alberta-Northwest Territories border; hosts a Sky Festival each August." }, { "slug": "zion-national-park-dark-sky-park", "name": "Zion National Park", "type": "park", "country": "US", "state_province": "UT", "nearest_town": "Springdale", "lat": 37.32217, "lng": -113.00479, "year_certified": 2021, "official_url": "https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm", "source_url": "https://darksky.org/places/zion-national-park-dark-sky-park/", "notes": "It is known worldwide as a geologic wonderland of towering cliffs, deep, narrow canyons, and sweeping expanses of bare sandstone slickrock." } ] }, "jsonld": { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": 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