Best Places for Stargazing in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s abundance of state parks, wildlife areas and observatories makes it an ideal destination for stargazing adventures. Whether you’re camping with family under the stars or learning from experts while looking through a telescope, you’re sure to be amazed by all you can discover at these out-of-this-world spots.

What makes a good stargazing spot?

For the best views of the cosmos, head away from light-filled cities and into Wisconsin’s natural landscapes. Traveling to areas with higher elevation also allows you to see the stars a little more clearly, and the clearest nights of all will be those with low humidity and within three to four days of a new moon.

Where can I go stargazing in Wisconsin?

Newport State Park - Ellison Bay

Head to the end of the Door Peninsula on the shores of Lake Michigan for some of the best stargazing in the Midwest. Newport State Park was named an International Dark Sky Park in 2017, a designation given to areas with an exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.

Newport is a class 2 dark site, meaning the structure of the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. The brightest parts look like “veined marble” when viewed with binoculars, Zodiacal light is bright enough to cast weak shadows and several M33 globular clusters (dense knots of many thousands of ancient stars gravitationally bound together) are visible. 

Stay at one of the 17 hike-in campsites or simply bring a blanket and friends for an awe-inspiring evening adventure.

Yerkes Observatory - Lake Geneva

For a close-up view of the night sky, visit the world’s largest refracting telescope at Yerkes Observatory. Located in Lake Geneva, during the day, visitors can wander through and around the architectural wonder and learn about the great astronomers who looked to the stars here, including Albert Einstein, Carl Sagan and others. At night, secure a ticket for an after-dark tour, during which the telescope team will help you navigate the cosmos.

Big Bay State Park - Madeline Island 

Off the northern tip of Wisconsin is Madeline Island, home to Big Bay State Park. The park sits on the eastern side of the island, removed from any light pollution, making it an ideal spot for gazing up at the stars. Part of the Apostle Islands, during the day you and your group can explore rugged sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, and miles of hiking trails. Reserve one of the 60 campsites here for spectacular night views that may even include the Northern Lights if conditions are right.

Hobbs Observatory within Beaver Creek Reserve - Fall Creek

In Northwest Wisconsin, Beaver Creek Reserve welcomes visitors to Hobbs Observatory for public viewings each (clear) Saturday night from May to October. The reserve partners with the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society (CVAS) to share the knowledge and wonder of astronomy with the public, including a lecture series on the third Saturday of each month. Plan your visit in September to be a part of Northwoods Star Fest, which brings together amateur astronomers from surrounding states and includes food, camping and even an equipment swap.

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest - Park Falls

Another class 2 dark site in Wisconsin is the expansive Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Covering over 1.5 million acres, the forest includes hundreds of acres of lakes for swimming and fishing, the historical Mountain Fire Lookout Tower and an abundance of wildlife. Stay with your group in a cabin or camp out at one of the many campgrounds to get a front row seat to the nighttime magnificence.

Huser Astronomy Center within Wyalusing State Park - Bagley

Wisconsin’s Driftless Region offers higher elevation, bringing you closer to the starry sky. The Huser Astronomy Center is located about a hundred yards past the Wyalusing State Park office and houses several high-powered telescopes. The center is operated by the StarSplitters Astronomy Club, a local non-profit group of amateur astronomers that provides regular free public astronomy programs.

Wildcat Mountain State Park - Ontario

Also located in the Driftless Region, Wildcat Mountain State Park is in the running to become Wisconsin’s second International Dark Sky Place. Book a cart-in site away from the light of vehicles (carts are available for free to help you transport supplies) or stop in for a hike on the aptly-named Starlight Trail. Park officials also recommend the upper picnic area observation point for stellar stargazing.

Blue Mound State Park - Blue Mounds

Perched atop the highest point in southern Wisconsin, Blue Mound State Park offers spectacular views of both the surrounding landscape and the night sky. Bike in from the Military Ridge State Trail and camp or reserve a stay in the park’s wheelchair-accessible cabin for the perfect outing tailored to you.

Other Tips for Stargazing

Research the Basics

Astronomy books for beginners will teach you the basics of stargazing: what you can expect to see in the night sky at certain times of year, how to get started observing the moon, and which stars and constellations are most prominent throughout the seasons. Stargazing apps can also help you locate and learn about the cosmos. Plan your visit around a meteor shower for extra magic; some occur at approximately the same time every year.

Adapt to the Darkness

Once you’ve found your observing site, you’ll need to give your eyes time to get used to the darkness. Astronomers call this process ‘dark adaptation’, and it takes about half an hour. Don’t browse on your phone while you wait; its bright screen will ruin your night vision. Turning your screen red can help preserve your dark adaptation.

Night-Sky Photography

If you're hoping to capture the cosmos with a camera, you'll need to prepare with the proper photography gear and training. Check out this night sky photography guide to get started.

Gear Up

Even the warmest summer days can lead to chilly nights. Come prepared with layers and blankets to stay comfy on your stargazing adventure.

Make the most of your stargazing adventure by staying at these Wisconsin campgrounds perfect for viewing the night sky!