Dark Sky Preserve at Lake Hudson State Recreation Area

Have you or your kids been able to see the Milky Way recently, or ever? Is light pollution making only a fraction of the stars viewable where you live? If you answered yes to these questions, it’s time to head to Lake Hudson State Recreation Area’s Dark Sky Preserve in

Clayton, Michigan, which is right here in Lenawee County.

Have you or your kids been able to see the Milky Way recently, or ever? Is light pollution

making only a fraction of the stars viewable where you live? If you answered yes to these

questions, it’s time to head to Lake Hudson State Recreation Area’s Dark Sky Preserve in

Clayton, Michigan, which is right here in Lenawee County.



In 1993, Lake Hudson State Recreation Area, which is managed by W.J. Hayes State Park,

became the very first “Dark Sky Preserve” in Michigan. The preserve provides a low light

area for night sky viewing that also allows other park users access and availability for other

activities. The park uses lighting fixtures that minimize light pollution and motion sensors on

lights when possible. There are no strict rules regarding light usage, but it is requested that

all visitors are aware of their light usage in the campground and in their cars.

“The Dark Sky Preserve is busy during certain times of the month, when there are certain

astronomical events happening,” said Pam Ames, a representative from W.J. Hayes State

Park. “During the winter, visitors are permitted in the preserve at any time, since the

campground is closed. From April to November, Lake Hudson is closed in areas outside the

campground from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.”



Ames also added that observing outside the campground during this time frame is permitted

if the park is contacted ahead of time at (517) 467-7401.

The Dark Sky Preserve has made Lake Hudson State Recreation Area a favorite spot for

photographers and astronomers looking for stunning views of the night sky. Local

astronomical observers recommend setting up at the Picnic or Beach parking areas as they

tend to be less used in the nighttime. This webpage for the Clear Sky Chart gives an

astronomer’s forecast for the Lake Hudson State Recreation Area. You can refer to this page

to make sure there are optimal conditions for viewing planets and galaxies with your

telescope.



Lake Hudson State Recreation Area is about 2,200 acres and surrounds the 600-acre Lake

Hudson. The park offers a semi-modern campground, picnic area, boat launch and a beach.

The park is located at 5505 Morey Hwy in Clayton, Michigan, situated between Adrian and

Hudson in Lenawee County. Visitors need a Michigan Recreation Passport to enter the park.

Recreation passports are just $11 a year for Michigan registered vehicles and permit access

to 103 state parks and recreation areas.