An IDA International Dark Sky Community is a town, city, municipality or other legally organized community that has shown exceptional dedication to the preservation of the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of a quality outdoor lighting ordinance, dark sky education and citizen support of dark skies. Dark Sky Communities excel in their efforts to promote responsible lighting and dark sky stewardship, and set good examples for surrounding communities.
Certified IDA International Dark Sky Communities
- Beverly Shores, Indiana (U.S.)
- Big Park / Village of Oak Creek, Arizona (U.S.)
- Bon Accord (Canada)
- Borrego Springs, California (U.S.)
- Camp Verde, Arizona (U.S.)
- Coll (Scotland)
- Cottonwood, Arizona (U.S.)
- Dripping Springs, Texas (U.S.)
- Flagstaff, Arizona (U.S.)
- Fountain Hills, Arizona (U.S.)
- Fredericksburg, Texas (U.S.)
- Fulda (Germany)
- Helper, Utah (U.S.)
- Homer Glen, Illinois (U.S.)
- Horseshoe Bay, Texas (U.S.)
- Ketchum, Idaho (U.S.)
- Lakewood Village, Texas (U.S.)
- Moffat (Scotland)
- Møn and Nyord (Denmark)
- Niue (NU)
- Norwood, Colorado (U.S.)
- Ridgway, Colorado (U.S.)
- Sark (Channel Islands)
- Sedona, Arizona (U.S.)
- Thunder Mountain Pootseev Nightsky (U.S.)
- Torrey, Utah (U.S.)
- Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, Colorado (U.S.)
- Wimberley Valley, Texas (U.S.)
Designate an International Dark Sky Community
IDA designates International Dark Sky Places following a rigorous application process requiring applicants to demonstrate robust community support for dark sky protection and document designation-specific program requirements. Learn more and start the process here.
Download the current International Dark Sky Community guidelines
2018 International Dark Sky Community Guidelines
2020 Submission Deadline Dates
| 24 February 2020 | 25 May 2020 |
| 24 August 2020 | 30 November 2020 |
Resources for applicants
How To Start A Local Dark Skies Group
From the Utah Community Development Office and Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative:
