Newport State Park near Ellison Bay in Door County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Preserving Our Dark Sky Heritage
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, November 10, 2023
1. Preserving Our Dark Sky Heritage Marker
"We all travel the Milky Way together, trees and men."
John Muir
Inspiration and Wonder Now a Rare Experience
The natural night sky, our common and universal heritage, is rapidly becoming unknown to the newest generations.
For all of human history, our ancestors experienced a sky brimming with stars the night sky inspired our curiosity, exploration, scientific discovery, philosophy and the arts. If future generations can't see the stars, how will they know what to reach for?
Countless scientists, philosophers and artists, once drew upon the galaxy and looked to dark skies for inspiration. But now, more than 80 percent of the planet's land is under skies so blotted with man-made light that our Milky Way galaxy has become virtually invisible.
National Geographic
There Once Was a Sky Full of Stars
Before the widespread use of electric lighting, people were much more connected to the rhythms and wonders of the night sky.
The night sky and natural darkness are becoming lost in the glow of artificial lights. We are just beginning to understand the value of this natural and cultural resource and the consequences of loosing the dark sky to light pollution, skyglow and light trespass.
Newport: Protecting the Ultimate Natural Resource
Nearly half the species on Earth are active at night
A naturally dark night sky is more than a scenic canvas, it is part of a complex ecosystem, a vital resource to all living things, humans included.
Naturally occurring cycles of light and dark are critical to human health and ecosystem function. The absence of light is a key element to survival. Many species rely on natural patterns of light and dark to navigate, nest, mate, hide from predators, and cue behaviors.
Experience the dark skies of Newport. Reconnect with the stars and galaxies overhead. Become inspired
this page online
Artificial light disorients nocturnal and migrating Animals Many are either attracted to, or repelled by the glare
These disruptions have significant affects on natural foraging. reproduction, communication and other critical behaviors.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Animals • Parks & Recreational Areas • Science & Medicine.
Location. 45° 14.274′ N, 86° 59.258′ 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, on the right when traveling east. 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,
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn
2. Preserving Our Dark Sky Heritage Marker
The marker is the third from left. Lake Michigan can be seen in the far background.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Welcome to Newport (here, next to this marker); The Village of Newport (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Newport Historic Waterfront (about 400 feet away); Remnants of Ancient Forests (approx. 0.2 miles away); This Forest / Out of Wilderness Into Wilderness (approx. Ό mile away); The Hotz Estate (approx. half a mile away); Pilot Island Site (approx. 3.7 miles away); Town of Liberty Grove (approx. 4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ellison Bay.
More about this marker. The sign is one of four next to a kiosk at the parking lot for the park's beach.
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.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, 2018
3. Newport State Park in the dark
An evening view of Lake Michigan
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn
4. A Quick Guide to Observing the Night Sky
This sign is just right of the Preserving Our Dark Sky marker.
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 141 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 31, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
