Zodiac Zones: Three of the Best Stargazing Spots in the U.S. Are Right Here in Illinois.

• 3,000 campers and skywatchers polled.
• Apple River Canyon State Park (Jo Daviess County); Mermet Lake (Massac County) + Middle Fork River Forest Preserve (Champaign County) included.
• Infographic included showing the top 145 spots for stargazing.

While every state has its postcard-worthy natural wonders, some places offer more than just a great view – they offer a front-row seat to the universe. From the open skies of Texas to the misty ridgelines of North Carolina, these locations feel just a little closer to the cosmos.

In an era where spiritual wellness is booming, stargazing is no longer just about astronomy. For many Americans, it’s a form of cosmic reflection – a moment to breathe, reconnect, and feel something bigger than ourselves.

But here’s the thing: while most locals can name their state’s most famous hike or waterfall, far fewer know where to find the best night sky. So TarotCards.io surveyed over 3,000 avid campers and skywatchers across the country to uncover the most magical, under-the-stars destinations in each state.

The survey found that three of the nation’s best spots for stargazing are in Illinois (# national position):

#71 Apple River Canyon State Park, Jo Daviess County
Nestled in the northwest corner of the state, Apple River Canyon features scenic limestone cliffs and a small campground. It’s far from major metro areas and offers a few open spots ideal for laying out under the stars. While not an official dark-sky site, it benefits from low population density and minimal traffic after dusk.

#95 Mermet Lake, Massac County
Located near the southern tip of Illinois, Mermet Lake is better known for hunting and diving, but its remote location also means dark skies. The lake is surrounded by forest, with minimal lighting and very little nearby development. Stargazers can use the shoreline for wide-open views over the water on calm, clear nights.

#131 Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Champaign County
This is Illinois’ first designated International Dark Sky Park and a hidden gem in east-central farmland. The preserve offers open prairie, river access, and designated viewing areas with very little surrounding development. On summer nights, you can often see the Milky Way without any equipment-especially after 10 p.m. when skies fully darken.

And the top 5 are as follows:

#1 Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Maui, Hawaii
High on the slopes of Maui’s Kula Forest Reserve, Polipoli sits at 6,200 feet and offers a quiet, high-elevation escape. The forest thins near the ridgeline, giving stargazers partial views of the southern sky. Dispersed camping is allowed with a permit, and a 4WD vehicle is required to reach the site. While chilly at night, this secluded area is a peaceful alternative to more crowded viewing spots.

#2 Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory, Tupper Lake, New York
Located in the northern Adirondacks, this observatory sits in one of the darkest regions of the state. Public star parties and events are held regularly, but the skies here are impressive even on your own. The combination of altitude, remoteness, and mountain air makes it one of New York’s most reliable stargazing sites.

#3 Grand Teton National Park, Teton County, Wyoming
Grand Teton offers incredible stargazing from multiple high-elevation viewpoints, with the jagged peaks silhouetted against a sky full of stars. The park is known for its dry summer nights and clean mountain air, and Jackson Lake’s shoreline is a favorite for night photographers. Visitor programs often include ranger-led astronomy talks.

#4 Big Bend National Park, West Texas, Texas
One of the darkest places in the continental U.S., Big Bend is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. The park spans over 800,000 acres and offers unobstructed views in nearly every direction. Summer skies are often dry and clear, making it a top destination for amateur astronomers and night photographers alike.

#5 Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, Near Tok, Alaska
Located near the Alaska Highway, this vast refuge sees little light pollution and almost no development. It’s part of a key migratory bird corridor but gets few overnight visitors. During late summer, the skies are especially dark, and stargazers often catch vivid views of constellations or northern lights. Its eastern interior location keeps it far from the state’s more tourist-heavy zones.

Infographic showing the top 145 spots for stargazing

“Whether you’re into astrology, astronomy, or just awe, stargazing gives people a sense of perspective that’s hard to find in daily life,” says Sunaree Ko from TarotCards.io. “These aren’t just scenic places – they’re spiritual reset buttons, helping people feel grounded by looking up.”