To get started, you will want to learn more about:
The stages of the moon offers different viewing experiences of the stars. A new moon is when the sun and the moon are aligned, and the moon is invisible from earth. Thus, the sky is darker during a new moon, and the stars are brighter.
Below is the current year (2026) New Moon Calendar.
| January 18 | July 14 |
| February 17 | August 12 |
| March 18 | September 10 |
| April 17 | October 10 |
| May 16 | November 9 |
| June 14 | December 8 |
This chart shows how clear the skies are predicted to be over the next several days.
Below are maps of desired areas where you can venture around the property and at the top of the Keweenaw — with the Lodge complex (main building and Outdoor Activity Center) being the stargazing headquarters.
[ Click on the above image to download PDF version of the map ]
[ Click on the above image to download a PDF version of the map ]
You can walk around the golf course at night (as long as you stay off the greens and tees) and look up at the stars.
At the top of the Keweenaw, there are not very many areas that are developed. This offers stargazers multiple locations to look up and see the stars. This includes places along the Lake Superior lake front (on M-26 and US Hwy 41), in multiple county and state parks, and up Brockway Mountain; all of which are just a short jaunt away from the Lodge. Below is a map of several vantage points in surrounding areas.
[ Stargazing – Keweenaw Peninsula Map | Northern Lights – Keweenaw Peninsula Map ]
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (KML) is the headquarters of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park. The Park includes the outdoor grounds on the KML property, accessibly from 7pm to 7am (night time). The physical facilities at the Lodge are only available to cabin guests, with the general public able to access the physical facilities during specific dark sky-related events. Questions to be directed to KML staff via email or phone:
