Stargazing is an activity that has been enjoyed by people for thousands of years, and the United States is home to some of the best places to go stargazing in the world. From the deserts of the Southwest to the mountains of the West, and the vast forests of the Midwest to the coastlines of the East, the United States offers a wide range of options for stargazers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced stargazer, you’ll find that these 10 best places to go stargazing in the USA offer something for everyone.

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Arizona

The Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is located in the remote northwest corner of Arizona, and it offers some of the best stargazing in the Southwest. With minimal light pollution and clear, dark skies, the monument is an ideal place to stargaze and see the Milky Way, constellations, and even some shooting stars.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Mojave Desert, and it offers some of the best stargazing in the West. The park is known for its clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution, making it a great spot to see the Milky Way, constellations, and even some shooting stars.

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Great Basin National Park is located in the remote eastern part of Nevada, and it offers some of the best stargazing in the West. The park is known for its clear, dark skies, and minimal light pollution, making it a great spot to see the Milky Way, constellations, and even some shooting stars.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Denali National Park is located in the interior of Alaska, and it offers some of the best stargazing in the country. The park’s remote location, high elevation, and minimal light pollution make it an ideal spot to see the Northern Lights and the Milky Way, as well as other constellations and celestial phenomena.

Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan

Headlands International Dark Sky Park is located on the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and is the first park in the world to be certified as a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. The park offers some of the best stargazing in the Midwest, with minimal light pollution and clear, dark skies that offer stunning views of the Milky Way, constellations, and other celestial phenomena.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Cherry Springs State Park is located in the Pennsylvania Wilds, and it offers some of the best stargazing in the East. The park’s remote location, high elevation, and minimal light pollution make it an ideal spot to see the Milky Way, constellations, and even some shooting stars. The park also offers several stargazing programs and events throughout the year, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced stargazers.

Mauna Kea Observatory, Hawaii

Mauna Kea Observatory is located on the island of Hawaii, and it offers some of the best stargazing in the world. The observatory sits at an altitude of 13,796 feet, making it one of the best spots in the world for astronomical observation. The observatory offers stargazing tours that give visitors the opportunity to see stars and planets through powerful telescopes, and also offers several educational programs and events.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located in the remote northwest corner of New Mexico, and it offers some of the best stargazing in the Southwest. The park’s remote location, high elevation, and minimal light pollution make it an ideal spot to see the Milky Way, constellations, and even some shooting stars. The park also offers several stargazing programs and events throughout the year, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced stargazers.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the southern Appalachians and straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. This park offers some of the best stargazing in the East and it is a perfect spot for both beginners and experienced stargazers. The park offers a perfect mix of remote and secluded locations, minimal light pollution, and clear, dark skies that make it an ideal spot to see the Milky Way, constellations, and other celestial phenomena. Additionally, the park offers several stargazing programs and events throughout the year, including ranger-led programs, astronomy classes, and more.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Another great spot in the East coast is Acadia National Park, Maine. The park’s location on the coast and its high elevation, as well as its designation as an International Dark Sky Park, make it a prime spot for stargazing. You can see spectacular views of the Milky Way, constellations and even the auroras from the park, especially from the top of Cadillac Mountain.

The National Parks of the Southwest USA, such as Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Death Valley, are also great places for stargazing, thanks to their clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution. The parks offer a variety of stargazing programs, from ranger-led stargazing walks to telescope viewing sessions.

In conclusion, the United States is home to some of the best stargazing spots in the world, from the deserts of the Southwest to the mountains of the West and the coastlines of the East. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced stargazer, there is something for everyone in the US, from national parks to observatories, and many other spots. Be sure to check the schedules of the specific place you want to visit, as stargazing events are planned in advance and not always available every day.

Featured Image: Photo by Mark de Jong on Unsplash