Entry No. 39 — the Detroit file — filed under: dark sky preserve

Lake Hudson Recreation Area

Designated in 1993, this quiet state park near the Ohio border is recognized as the very first dark-sky preserve in the United States, offering pristine, light-pollution-free stargazing.

The move: Pack a blanket, a thermos of hot cocoa, and a telescope to lie on the grassy fields near the picnic shelter, watching the Milky Way reflect off the glass-still, no-wake lake.

• 📍 Clayton
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 5505 Morey Hwy, Clayton, MI 49235

Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: michigan.gov

last checked: 2026-07-21