The Headlands, International Dark Sky Park in Michigan, United States

The Headlands is a 550-acre (220 ha) county park in Emmet County, Northern Michigan, operated by the county, with its nearest town being Mackinaw City. It preserves over 2 mi (3.2 km) of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline south and west of McGulpin Point Light in the Straits of Mackinac. The park holds woodlands and many species of rare and endangered plant life, and marked trails serve hiking, photography, bicycling and cross-country skiing.

The Headlands was awarded International Dark Sky Park designation by the International Dark-Sky Association in May 2011. It was the 6th such park in the United States and the 9th worldwide to receive the status. Park signage celebrates astronomy and the heritage of the Native Americans of Northern Michigan.

Park signage celebrates astronomy and the heritage of the Native Americans of Northern Michigan, so a visitor can read about both while walking the grounds. The park is operated by Emmet County, and its marked trails are used for hiking, photography, bicycling and cross-country skiing.

The site remains open 24 hours daily throughout the year without entrance fees. Visitors should bring warm clothing for nighttime viewing, as the site is accessible year-round and temperatures can drop significantly, especially during fall and winter months.

The park holds over 2 miles (3.2 km) of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline south and west of McGulpin Point Light, in the Straits of Mackinac. Its woodlands shelter rare and endangered plants, and black bear, whitetail deer, coyote, bald eagle, osprey and wild turkey live here. Park signage celebrates astronomy and the heritage of Northern Michigan's Native Americans.