Enjoy Meteors and S'mores at Michigan State Parks

Michigan DNR is throwing a party for the Perseid meteor shower.

Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images

Michigan Department of Natural Resorces (DNR) is hosting "Meteors and S'mores" events at State Parks throughout Michigan, August 11-12. Astronomers expect up to 200 meteors per hour to be visible during the next Perseid meteor shower.

The Perseid meteor showers are one of the best opportunities to see shooting stars with the naked eye. Michigan state parks offer excellent opportunities for stargazing.
-Stephanie Wirtz, DNR recreation programmer

Bring a blanket, your favorite camp chair, bug spray and snacks and enjoy a night of stargazing with complimentary s’mores and campfires at 22 Michigan State Parks:

Leelanau State Park (Leelanau County) on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Fort Wilkins State Park (Keweenaw County) on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 8 p.m. to midnight
Rockport Recreation Area ** (Alpena County) on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 8 to 11 p.m.
Lake Hudson Recreation Area ** (Lenawee County) on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 10 to 11:45 p.m.
Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County) on August 12 from 9 to 10 p.m.
Rifle River State Park (Ogemaw County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 10 to 11 p.m.
South Higgins State Park (Roscommon County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9 to 10 p.m.
Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9:30 to 11 p.m.
Young State Park (Charlevoix County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9 to 11 p.m.
Van Buren State Park (Van Buren County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9 to 11 p.m.
Clear Lake State Park (Montmorency County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9 to 11:30 p.m.
Silver Lake State Park (Oceana County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9:30 to 11 p.m.
Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 8:30 to 11 p.m.
Port Crescent State Park ** (Huron County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 8:30 to 11 p.m.
Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 10 to 11:45 p.m.
Holland State Park (Ottawa County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Hoeft State Park (Presque Isle County) on Friday, Aug. 12 from 9 to 11 p.m.
Hayes State Park (Lenawee County) on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 9 to 10 p.m.
Lakeport State Park (St. Clair County) on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 9 to 11 p.m.
Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County) on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 10 to 11:30 p.m.
Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County) on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 8 to 11 p.m.
North Higgins Lake State Park (Roscommon County) on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 9 to 10 p.m.

During the Meteors & S'mores events, parks stay open later than their normal closing times.

To take full advantage of the meteor showers that will take place Aug. 7-13, visitors are encouraged to make camping reservations throughout the week and to sleep under the stars. To check camping availability in state parks and make a reservation, visitwww.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS.

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