Sometimes you really can have the sun, moon and the stars.

That is, if you are enjoying one of Northeast Michigan’s three premier recreational facilities – Thompson’s Harbor and Negwegon State Parks, as well as Rockport State Recreation Area.

The three recently were designated as dark sky preserves. The designation will allow for proper management of lights at the facilities, so that within the boundaries of each there will be great opportunities to view a dark sky for such things as constellations, meteor showers and Northern Lights.

“That (unspoiled night skies) doesn’t happen everywhere, so this is special, and if we can work to recognize and recognize this as one of our amazing assets here locally, it will help us not only embrace what makes us special but also help us share it in a way that remains respectful to the environment,” Mary Beth Stutzman, Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau president and CEO, said in a recent Alpena News story.

When you start considering all the region’s assets – things like the National Marine Sanctuary, the many lighthouses along the shoreline and the abundant natural resources this region is blessed with – all these things quickly point to a very attractive tourism destination point. With this designation add in now some of the best night viewing in the state, and it only increases the allure of the region.