Newport State Park near Ellison Bay in Door County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Welcome to Newport
Your Dark Sky, Wilderness State Park
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, November 10, 2023
1. Welcome to Newport Marker
In a modern world that is accompanied by ever-increasing levels of nighttime illumination, a truly dark sky at night is now rare and unique," Michelle A. Hefty, Park Manager
'Half the Park Is After Dark'
You are in a very special place
Newport was the first Wisconsin wilderness state park and is now the first in Wisconsin (49th in the world) to receive International Dark Sky Park designation.
Finding Wilderness in the stars
The United States Wilderness Act of 1964 describes the 'opportunity for solitude' as a defining qualifier of true wilderness. Explore the wilderness of Newport. Stare up at the stars from its remote, wild spaces. Experience a quiet form of solitude that only stargazing can provide.
You Are Here
At the far edge of the Door Peninsula
Newport provides a welcomed absence of artificial light due to the wilderness aspect and geographical positioning along 11 miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline. The nights are remarkably dark, no better spot to enjoy the stars.
How Dark Is Dark?
Measuring the Night
To receive Dark Sky designation, Newport's nights had to measure up. And they did.
this page online
What Is Dark Sky Park?
"Land possessing an exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational and cultural heritage and public enjoyment" International Dark Sky Association (IDA)
Become a night sky ambassador
Join the Newport Wilderness Society
We advocate for the preservation of wilderness and the protection of the natural night sky
Members of the Newport Wilderness Society express their appreciation for keeping Newport State Park a wilderness area developed minimally, only as is essential for visitor education and safety.
Our Mission:
Work with the management of Newport to preserve the natural beauty of the Park's forest, meadow and shore areas for appropriate public use. New members always welcome!
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn
2. Welcome to Newport Marker
The marker is on the far left. Lake Michigan can be seen in the far background.
Location. 45° 14.275′ N, 86° 59.257′ W. Marker is near Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, in Door County. It is in Newport State Park. It can be reached from Newport Park Road 1.6 miles east of County Route NP. The marker is next to the parking lot for the park's beach. It is about Ύ-mile from the park entrance building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ellison Bay WI 54210, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Preserving Our Dark Sky Heritage (here, next to this marker); The Village of Newport
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, 2018
3. Newport State Park in the dark
An evening view of Lake Michigan
More about this marker. The marker is one of four signs next to a kiosk near the parking lot for the park's Lake Michigan beach.
Regarding Welcome to Newport. Newport was declared a Dark Sky Park in 2017.
Also see . . .
1. Newport Wilderness Society official site. (Submitted on January 31, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: A Dark Sky Park. (Submitted on January 31, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
3. Newport State Park Designated Wisconsins First International Dark Sky Park. A 2017 release from Dark Sky International (Submitted on January 31, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, November 10, 2023
4. Welcome to Wisconsin's First Dark Sky Park sign
This sign, immediately right of the Welcome to Newport marker, offers a map of the nearby surroundings and tips and guidance for visitors.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 187 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 31, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
