Toledo.

The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Toledo, OH. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.

Bortle Scale
5
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
21.44
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Toledo

  • Top Community Pick: Detroit Observatory at University of Michigan (~43.5 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 6.0 at Kemil Beach
  • Local Experts: University Lowbrow Astronomers
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Toledo, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Detroit Observatory at University of Michigan for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Kemil Beach provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 6.0. The local landscape of Toledo offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Toledo

Since Toledo sits in a transitional light zone, viewing is best during the New Moon or after midnight when some commercial lighting is reduced.

Expert Tips for Toledo Observers

Because Detroit Observatory at University of Michigan is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters this location. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.

Local Top Spots

Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.

Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Detroit Observatory at University of Michigan

43.5 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

U of M Observatory at Peach Mountain

49 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Dexter, MI NaN
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Schoonover Observatory

68.7 mi
Distance

" Parking is available in the grass along the main drive leading up to the observatory. Be advised that climbing a flight of stairs will be necessary to access the observatory dome. "

Lima, OH 45802
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 80%

Sherzer Observatory

39.9 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Ypsilanti, MI 48197
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 85%

Maybury State Park

53.1 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Northville Township, MI 48167
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Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.

Kemil Beach

Indiana Dunes NL

19.88 SQM
Bortle Class 6

"Set up about 50' from the water in a depression in the sand dunes. Local glare from the western most home in the "1933 Century of Progress" homes. Other glare sources from the power plants to the SW and NE along the lakeshore are easily visible but did not saturate the camera sensor. A clear view across Lake Michigan to the Chicago skyline, though clouds and haze never completely cleared away. I suspect the industrial developments from the Port of Indiana all the way around to Chicago has a significant impact on aeresols and local cloud development. Even so, at 35 miles distant, the illuminated buildings of the Chicago skyline were easily visible to the naked eye on this evening. The light dome of Michigan City (5 miles to the ENE) was very bright, but the dome from Chicago all the way to south of INDU is by far the greatest source of skyglow. The Milky Way was visible from 15° above the horizon at both ends. Not a lot of detail was visible in the Sagittarius or Cygnus star clouds. M31 was barely visible to the naked eye without using averted vision. Comparitively, for the region, this is not too bad a place to view the night sky. If not for the local glare sources, it would be fairly quick to dark adapt and be able to see many celestial features. Was able to see 6.2 LM in Ursa Major (which was over the lake to the darker north)."

Observation Date
7/24/2017
Elevation
179m
Zenith Brightness
20.08

Dune Trail

Sleeping Bear Dunes NL

21.44 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"No clouds, but high moisture in atmosphere is creating poor transparency. Stars are soft, with a ring of moisture visible around bright stars. High airglow apparent. Milky Way just visible, no detials apparent. Travese City light dome dominates the eastern horizon. Reflection of Travese City dome is visible on Glen Lake, further impacting dark adaptation in that direction. Transparency improved over the night, with the best conditions at the end of data collection. Bortle Class would be better under better atmospheric conditions."

Observation Date
10/3/2011
Elevation
237m
Zenith Brightness
21.63

International Dark Sky Parks

Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.

IDA Certified Distance: 118.7 miles

Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park

Located in the State of Michigan, Dr. T.K. Lawless Park (Lawless Park) is nestled within Cass County, in the Southwest corner of the Lower Peninsula. The park…

Category
International Dark Sky ParkBronze
Certified
2019
Land Area
3.4 km2
Coordinates
41.9017, -85.8646
IDA Certified Distance: 129.3 miles

Geauga Observatory Park

The idea for Observatory Park began with the donation of a 0.64-meter telescope and a small parcel of land. In 2008, the park acquired nationally recognized…

Category
Dark Sky Park
Certified
2011
Land Area
4.45 km2
Coordinates
41.5848, -81.0806

Local Astronomy Clubs

Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#320

University Lowbrow Astronomers

Ann Arbor, MI

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#545

Ford Amateur Astronomy Club

Dearborn, MI, MI