The DarkSky International organization holds the International Dark Sky Week each year to put focus on minimizing light pollution, and for people to understand the beauty and the benefit of the dark skies. This year International Dark Sky Week is April 13-20, 2026.
In the state of Michigan, the governor has made a proclamation this year that April 13-20, 2026 is DARK SKY WEEK in Michigan. The proclamation can be found here, with a copy of the proclamation text shown below:
April 13-20, 2026: Dark Sky Week
April 13, 2026
WHEREAS, empirical evidence shows the negative effects light pollution has on both the human population and environmental health; and,
WHEREAS, using inefficient outdoor lighting causes light pollution and obstructs the full view of the amazing Michigan sky and its surrounding environment; and,
WHEREAS, we can take steps to minimize the issues associated with light pollution, and preserve the beauty of our environment and night sky; and,
WHEREAS, there are nine dedicated land areas in Michigan, three of which are internationally designated dark sky parks and six of which are designated dark sky preserves in Michigan state parks; and,
WHEREAS, because Michigan is dedicated to the preservation of dark skies, dark sky preserves have been dedicated at: Lake Hudson Recreation Area, Lenawee County; Negwegon State Park, Alcona County; Port Crescent State Park, Huron County); Rockport Recreation Area, Presque Isle County; Thompson’s Harbor State Park, Presque Isle County; and Wilderness State Park, Emmet County; and,
WHEREAS, our state is known for three internationally designated dark sky parks, Headlands International Sky Park in Mackinaw City, Dr. T.K Lawless Park in Vandalia, and Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Copper Harbor; and,
WHEREAS, in 2024, Beaver Island became the first officially recognized international dark sky sanctuary in Michigan for its near absence of all light pollution which provides an extraordinary experience for stargazers; and,
WHEREAS, these parks are designated areas that allow for thousands of Michiganders and tourists to experience the true beauty of the Michigan night sky and observe the wonder of meteorological events such as the Northern Lights; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 13-20, 2026, as Dark Sky Week in Michigan.
As part of International Dark Sky Week, we will be holding the 2026 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival, April 16th, 17th, and 18th, 2026.
