Lake Hudson State Recreation Area, Dark-sky preserve and recreation area in Hudson Township, Michigan.
Lake Hudson State Recreation Area is a protected zone around a reservoir in Michigan designed for both outdoor recreation and dark-sky preservation. The facility includes camping areas, boat access, and designated spaces for observing the night sky without artificial light interference.
The area was created when an earthen dam merged three separate water bodies into a single reservoir. Its designation in 1993 as a dark-sky preserve marked a turning point in how the landscape was managed and valued.
The site earned designation as the first dark-sky preserve in the United States in 1993, making it a destination for those seeking to experience night skies free from light pollution. This recognition has transformed the landscape into a place where darkness itself becomes a feature worth protecting.
The recreation area provides camping spots with electrical connections and facilities for water and sanitation access. To see the night sky clearly, visitors should spend time away from lighted areas and use the zones specifically managed for darkness.
All boats must travel at no-wake speed, a rule that creates calm conditions for fishing and protects aquatic wildlife throughout the water. This restriction means the lake surface remains smooth and peaceful, enhancing both daytime and nighttime experiences.
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