The Mitten State has plenty of incredible natural wonders like our stunning sand dunes and the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes. But there is one elusive and unpredictable natural phenomenon that few Michiganders ever get to witness. But if you’re feeling adventurous and spontaneous, you can view the northern lights in Mackinaw City, Michigan.

The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is a 550-acre county park in Emmet County in Northern Michigan.
Google Maps
Headlands is open every day of the year and 24 hours a day. There are hundreds of acres of forest with five miles of trails throughout the property. In this forest you can even find the rare dwarf lake iris flower that grows in the upper region of Michigan.
Northern Lights Mackinaw City Michigan
Michigan
Located on two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline in the Straits of Mackinac, you can see a magnificent sunset before the real fun begins.
Patrick Keaney/Google

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The star of the show, pardon the pun, is viewing the park at night and seeing the glorious starry night sky. The earth is spinning and creates a gradually changing display of the stars, which means no matter what season you visit, you’ll see a uniquely different view!
Diana Robinson/Google
But on rare occasions you’ll be able to view a spectacular natural phenomen that few Michiganders get to experience, the northern lights. Aurora can be best viewed when facing towards the north and after midnight so plan on staying out late.
The Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Be prepared to be spontaneous because Aurora predictions usually come out only a day or two in advance. Aurora can be very elusive and may occur without any forewarning which can make for a fun, spur of the moment trip to the Headlands International Dark Sky Park.
Toh AlmoST DeaD/Google

For a list of exciting seasonal events, visit the Headlands International Dark Sky Park website. Have you been to this amazing dark sky park? Have you ever seen the northern lights in Michigan? Let us know in the comments below! While you’re here, visit One Of The Most Unique Towns In America, Mackinaw City.

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15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, USA