Where to View the Duo of Meteor Showers near Metro Detroit Next Week

The weather forecast for the Metro Detroit Meteor Shower looks promising, with clear skies predicted for Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. At that time, two meteor showers should be visible in the area.

Metro Detroit Meteor Showers

On the night of Tuesday, July 28, into the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 29, metro Detroiters should be able to view two meteor showers: the southern Delta Aquarids in addition to the Alpha Capricornids. Stargazers can expect to see about 15 to 20 meteors per hour in darker skies. The best viewing time will be about 1 a.m. after the moon has set, meaning there will be less light pollution. Additionally, the showers will be higher in the night sky at that time.

Metro Detroiters will only need a clear view of the night sky as well as cloud-free weather conditions to be able to see the showers. However, this may prove difficult in the urban areas where light pollution dims the night sky.

Where to See the Meteor Showers near Metro Detroit

Unfortunately, living in the metropolitan area creates a ton of light pollution in the night sky, so the best viewing areas are well outside of metro Detroit. However, there are two dark sky parks within a few hours of Metro Detroit.

Lake Hudson Recreation Area
Address: 5505 Morey Highway, Clayton
Website: Michigan.org page
This park is located near the Michigan-Ohio border. Thus, Lake Hudson Recreation Area offers a nice dark sky observation for those closer to the southern part of metro Detroit. Port-a-potty restrooms are available as well as plenty of space to park. You will need a Michigan Recreation Passport to visit this park. Additionally, the park asks that you call ahead to let them know you are visiting.

Port Crescent State Park
Address: 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin
Website: Michigan.org page
Port Crescent State Park in Huron County is located near the tip of Michigan’s thumb along Saginaw Bay. For this reason, it is a great choice for those that live in the northern part of metro Detroit. It is important to realize that the best dark sky viewing location is located near the day-use parking lot, where a viewing platform is available. In addition to the dark sky preserve, Port Crescent State Park hosts 565 acres of woods, in addition to sand dunes and 3 miles of sandy beaches. Finally, you will need a Michigan Recreation Passport to visit this park.

Dark Sky Parks in Michigan

Dark sky preserves are also located in these Michigan state parks

• Negwegon State Park (Alcona County)
• Rockport Recreation Area (Presque Isle County)
• Thompson’s Harbor State Park (Presque Isle County)
• Wilderness State Park (Emmet County)

Two internationally designated dark sky parks

• Headlands Dark Sky Park (Emmet County park)
• Dr. T.K. Lawless Park (Cass County park) 

State parks are a great place to visit during the day as well. Check out our experience at Dodge Park #4 in Waterford.