Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I go for dark sky viewing?
The grounds, trails, shoreline viewing areas, and restrooms (under the observatory tower) at Headlands are open 24 hours a day, every day, but we recommend the Dark Sky Viewing Area for stargazing, as it is lit and accessible. The facilities at Headlands (Waterfront Event Center, Guest House, and Stargazing House) are only open to the public during regularly scheduled programs or by private rental. The on-site gift shop and visitor information center are open nightly from mid-May through mid-October; call ahead to check the hours of operation.
Are there trails available within the park?
Yes! The park offers an extensive trail system, with nearly seven miles of beautiful trails. In the winter months, nearly five miles of trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trails are considered multi-use and are open to hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and skiing. Please share the trail!
Download the HEADLANDS TRAIL MAP and view trail alerts before you go.
Is there parking available?
ADA-accessible parking is available at the Waterfront Event Center. New in 2024: An extensive parking lot expansion project increased the parking availability for the dark sky viewing area and Waterfront Event Center. We have parking!
Are public restrooms available?
Yes! Restroom facilities are available 24/7 at the base of the observatory tower (even when the observatory is not open).
Where do the Dark Sky Programs take place?
Most programs are held in the Waterfront Event Center unless otherwise stated. If you’ve never been to Headlands, we advise that you arrive during daylight hours to get oriented. Call or email if you have further program questions.
Is Camping Allowed?
No. Camping is not permitted anywhere inside the Headlands park, and no campfires are permitted. However, visitors are welcome to stay out through the night and early morning hours for night-sky viewing opportunities. You may bring blankets, sleeping bags, chairs, food, beverages, etc. Nearby campsites are listed with links below.
Where can I camp nearby?
For those who would like to camp near the Headlands, there are several options:
- KOA Campground (approx. 5 minutes away)
- Wilderness State Park campground (approx. 15 minutes away)
- Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping (approx. 10 minutes away)
- Tee Pee Campground (approx. 10 minutes away)
- Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga, owned by Emmet County and operated by the Emmet County Parks and Recreation Department (approx. 30 minutes away in Alanson)
- Burt Lake State Park (approx. 45 minutes)
If you don’t want to camp, downtown Mackinaw City (two miles east of Headlands) has hundreds of hotel rooms. Visit the Mackinaw Chamber of Commerce to get started.
Are pets allowed at the park?
Dogs are allowed at the Headlands as long as they are on a leash. Please remember to pick up after your pet so everyone can enjoy the park experience. Dogs are not allowed inside the buildings at the Headlands.
Can I use a regular flashlight?
The Dark Sky Park is indeed very dark. We recommend visitors bring red-filtered flashlights only, so as to not disturb the vision of other park users. White light can ruin the viewing opportunities presented at the Headlands, for yourself and others. You can make your own red-filtered flashlight by taking red plastic wrap (or coloring clear plastic wrap red) and covering the tip of the flashlight. Here’s one way to get started making a night-vision flashlight.
Is the Facility ADA Accessible?
Headlands Waterfront Event Center is equipped with ADA-accessible lighted sidewalks that run from the parking area to the building, amphitheater, shoreline, and throughout the designated night sky viewing area. Outside, at the base of the observatory dome, there are two 24-hour family restrooms available 24/7/365 that are also ADA accessible. Inside of the facility, a family restroom is available, as well as men’s and women’s restrooms equipped with stalls, including a handicap stall in each bathroom. All three interior restrooms are also equipped with changing tables, automatic sinks, and hand dryers. There are no push buttons or automatic doors at this facility. Public access to the observatory dome is not permitted.
Emmet County Parks and Recreation welcomes everyone to our programs and facilities. To request or inquire about specific accommodations, please contact our Park Manager, Jamie Westfall, by phone or email.
What is a Dark Sky Park?
Emmet County achieved designation for the Headlands as an International Dark Sky Park in May 2011. The designation is awarded by Dark Sky, in Tucson, Arizona, the oldest organization dedicated to protecting and stewarding natural darkness in the world. When the Headlands achieved the designation, it was just the sixth such park in the United States and only the ninth in the world. Dark Sky now recognizes over 200 dark sky places, internationally.