22 U.S. Towns with Exceptionally Dark Skies for Stargazing

Where the stars shine brightly and the Milky Way is always visible.

As communities across the United States—and around the world—increasingly prioritize the preservation of natural darkness, many have taken active steps to reduce light pollution. These efforts allow residents and visitors alike to experience the night sky in its full, brilliant glory.

Designated as International Dark Sky Communities by the International Dark-Sky Association, these towns have implemented measures such as replacing or removing street lights and regulating commercial lighting. The outcome is truly remarkable: deep, dark skies filled with glittering stars, constellations, and the sweeping band of the Milky Way.

Here are 22 American towns where the night sky remains wonderfully dark.

Torrey, Utah

Inspired by the nearby Capitol Reef National Park—an International Dark Sky Park—the residents of Torrey have adopted outdoor lighting regulations to minimize artificial light. This ensures exceptional stargazing both within the town and in the surrounding natural areas.

Village of Oak Creek, Arizona

Also known as Big Park, this community lies near Sedona amid striking red rock formations. Despite its proximity to urban areas, it has successfully limited light pollution. Visitors enjoy fishing, climbing, and camping by day, and spectacular starry views by night.

Beverly Shores, Indiana

This small town of around 600 people is surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan. Its commitment to dark sky preservation means night views here are brilliantly starlit and unobstructed.

Borrego Springs, California

Located within the expansive Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs offers some of California’s darkest skies. The desert climate—with hot summers and cold winters—has limited development, helping maintain pristine nighttime conditions.

Dripping Springs, Texas

Known as the Gateway to the Texas Hill Country, this town is just a short drive from Austin. By day, visitors explore natural attractions like Hamilton Pool Preserve. After dark, the sky fills with stars and constellations.

Camp Verde, Arizona

Rich in history and outdoor recreation, Camp Verde offers excellent stargazing thanks to its location roughly an hour from larger cities. It is also near other dark sky communities, including Cottonwood and the Village of Oak Creek.

Helper, Utah

A historic mining and railroad town, Helper has preserved its dark night skies alongside its cultural heritage. Today, visitors can admire the stars in a setting steeped in local lore.

Cottonwood, Arizona

Nestled between Prescott and Sedona, Cottonwood is surrounded by mountains and plateaus. The nearby Verde River offers lovely settings for nighttime viewing under exceptionally dark skies.

Ketchum, Idaho

This mountain town lies near the Sawtooth National Forest and offers year-round outdoor activities. At night, the sky comes alive with stars and the glowing arc of the Milky Way.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Founded by German immigrants, Fredericksburg retains much of its historic charm. By day, visitors explore cultural sites and local wineries; after sunset, they enjoy brilliant stargazing in the Texas Hill Country.

Flagstaff, Arizona

As the world’s first International Dark Sky Community, Flagstaff has a long history of protecting the night sky. Its lighting regulations, first implemented in the 1950s, have made it a hub for astronomical research and stargazing.

Norwood, Colorado

Set in a high-desert region surrounded by mountains, Norwood’s remote location shields it from light pollution. The result is exceptionally clear views of the Milky Way.

Fountain Hills, Arizona

Despite being near Phoenix, Fountain Hills is sheltered by the McDowell Mountains, helping it maintain dark skies. The town is also known for its famous fountain, which shoots water high into the air.

Horseshoe Bay, Texas

Located on the shore of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, this community uses no streetlights and limits commercial lighting. Its commitment to darkness makes it a stellar stargazing destination.

Ridgway, Colorado

Situated at the base of the San Juan Mountains, Ridgway offers vast open spaces and dramatic mountain scenery. After dark, the night sky dazzles with stars and the Milky Way.

Lakewood Village, Texas

This small residential community north of Dallas and Fort Worth has minimal commercial development, helping keep the night sky dark. Its location along Lake Lewisville makes stargazing even more picturesque.

Homer Glen, Illinois

Founded on principles of conservation, this town located southwest of Chicago has prioritized sustainable growth and dark sky preservation, resulting in impressively starry nights.

Sedona, Arizona

Famed for its red rock formations and outdoor activities, Sedona has also committed to protecting its dark skies. Visitors can enjoy stellar views after a day of adventure.

Thunder Mountain Pootsee Nightsky, Arizona

Located within the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation, this community is recognized as the world’s first “dark sky nation.” The Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians values and conserves the night sky as a natural and cultural resource.

Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, Colorado

These sister towns, situated at high elevation, are surrounded by ranchlands and agricultural areas. Their rural setting and high altitude offer stunning views of the Milky Way and other celestial features.

Hawthorn Woods, Illinois

Located northwest of Chicago, this village has grown significantly since its founding but remains dedicated to reducing light pollution. Residents and visitors enjoy dark, star-filled skies.

Wimberley Valley, Texas

Comprising the towns of Wimberley and Woodcreek, this area lies within the scenic Texas Hill Country. Strict lighting regulations help preserve the darkness of the night sky, making it ideal for stargazing.