INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PARKS
The International Dark Sky Parks (IDSParks) program's goal is to identify and honor protected public lands with exceptional commitment to, and success in implementing, the ideals of natural night preservation and/or restoration.
 Such parks are defined as a park or other public land possessing exceptional starry skies and natural nocturnal habitat where light pollution is mitigated and natural darkness is valuable as an important educational, cultural, scenic, and natural resource.
Download information on becoming an IDSPark.
The vigorous process of application requires public participation and often years/months of preparation. The following are the world's current list of IDSParks. It should be noted that these are not only locations with exceptional night sky, but locations that have gone above and beyond to preserve that night sky. That is, these locations exemplify public land management of our nocturnal resources.
The World's First International Dark Sky Park
Europe's First Dark Sky Parks
Certified International Dark Sky Parks
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The Night Sky at Clayton Lake State Park
Clayton Lake State Park
New Mexico, USA
Gold Tier
Established 2010
Review the application>>
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Image by Stephen Stout
Goldendale Observatory Park
Washington, USA
Silver Tier
Provisional Status
Established 2010
Review the application>>
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Nightwatch at the park
Starry Sky Park
Hortobagy National Park
Hungary
Silver Tier
Established 2011
Review the application
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Full Moon over the park
The Headlands
Emmet County, Michigan
Silver Tier
Established 2011
Visit the Headlands site
Schedule of Events
Press
New: "Celebrating our dark sky" Harbor Light News (4 January 2012)
"Park near Makinaw City offers stargazing delights" Chicago Tribune (18 July 2011)
"The Headlands, along Lake Michigan, earns International Dark Sky Park designation" Grand Rapids Press (17 July 2011)
"New International Dark Sky Park opens in Michigan; only nine others in the world" Treehugger (blog) (16 May 2011)
VIDEO: "Emmet County park on prestigious list for a really dark sky" Up North Live.com (09 May 2011) Watch video >>
Emmet County park gets top designation for sky- watching
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Observatory Park
Monteville Township, Ohio (USA)
Silver Tier
Established 2011
In 2008, Observatory Park was awarded provisional status during the planning and construction phases. The distinction helped the park raise money to install cutting edge, dark sky friendly lighting and sparked interest in enjoying the night skies of northeastern Ohio. Three years later, Observatory Park announced its full status at its dedication ceremony in August 2011. It is the first park ever to open as an IDSPark.
Review the application>>
Press
Observatory Park in Montville opens as a new star in the Geauga Park District
By Joan Rusek, Cleveland.com - OH, USA 2011
MONTVILLE - With overcast skies, nearly 1,000 visitors to Observatory Park had their heads in the clouds at the Aug. 20 opening of the $2.1 million internationally designated dark-sky park...
Observatory Park in Montville to open Saturday (video)
By Jeffrey L. Frischkorn, News-Herald - OH, USA 17 August 2011
IDA Press Release >>
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photo by Tyler Nordgren
Big Bend National Park
Texas, USA
Gold Tier
Established 2012
IDA Press Release >>
Press
Big Bend National Park Designated as Dark Sky Park Huffington Post
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