What is a dark sky place? Here’s where to find the best stargazing in Ohio

Looking up at the stars on a clear night can be a source of awe and inspiration.

However, stargazers in cities like Columbus or Cleveland can often be disappointed to look up and see a sky lit orange by light pollution with visible stars few and far between.

Looking for a dark sky place with plenty of stars in Ohio? Here are some of the best stargazing spots in the state, plus a few drivable out-of-state options.

What is a dark sky place?

A dark sky place is exactly what it sounds like. Modern lighting in cities and towns contributes to light pollution, which obscures many stars from sight for those who live in urban environments.

Fortunately for city-dwellers, some parks and areas take an active effort in reducing light pollution.

The International Dark Sky Places program, also known as IDSP, is an internationally recognized organization that certifies communities, parks and protected areas around the world that preserve dark skies through lighting policies and public education.

Here’s a look at Ohio’s two IDSP-designated dark sky places.

Geauga Observatory park

The Geauga Observatory Park, located in Montville Township in Geauga County, stakes its claim in Ohio as the one of two IDSP sites in the state, selected as a dark sky park for the program in 2011.

The park is centered around the Nassau Observatory, which was actually moved from Cleveland to Geauga County in 1957 due to increasing light pollution, but fell out of routine use in the 1990s.

On site, there is an astronomy museum, around three miles of trails and other amenities. The park is open Memorial Day to Labor Day from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., and from Labor Day to Memorial Day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Fry Family Park

Located in Magnolia, about 10 miles south of Canton, Fry Family Park earned the extra distinction of being an IDSP-certified urban dark sky area, meaning stargazers can still get a good view of the night sky despite its proximity to a city.

Fry Family Park uses special light fixtures that produce less light pollution and preserve the natural nighttime darkness.

From Nov. 1 to April 30, the shelter area lights are kept off for stargazing on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings. From May through October, lights are kept off on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Other stargazing destinations in or near Ohio

Here are a few other places worth checking out:

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