Only 125 parks in 22 countries worldwide hold the prestigious title of International Dark Sky Parks, showing commitment to maintaining proper outdoor lighting and offering dark sky programs for conservation purposes since the initiative began in 2001.
In June, without much fanfare, Southern Idaho’s Bruneau Dunes State Park became one of these exclusive International Dark Sky Parks. Over nine years, the park’s dedicated staff worked diligently to achieve this honor.
This article delves into the process involved in achieving this designation and what visitors can expect at Bruneau Dunes State Park.
A Labor of Love
Becoming a Dark Sky Park under DarkSky International requires more than just data monitoring; it demands a sustained effort from both the park staff and the community.
Chelsea Chambers, Public Information Specialist at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, provides insight into the monumental task and the various elements that went into earning this distinction.
“The journey began in 2015,” Chambers explains. “The park had to retrofit all outdoor fixtures to comply with dark sky standards.” All traditional light bulbs were replaced with red bulbs, and those that couldn’t be changed were covered with red lenses. Regular dark sky meter readings are done by park staff to ensure minimal light pollution in the area.
Chambers adds, “Park Manager Bryce Bealba also took part in Owyhee County zoning and planning meetings to discuss the importance of building code compliance to reduce the park’s impact on new development.”
In addition, park staff engaged in outreach efforts with local groups, including the Mountain Home Air Force Base, the City of Mountain Home, and the Boise Airport.
Even the park’s online and on-site information reflects its Dark Sky Park certification. Dark sky messaging was integrated into all educational programs, including those at the observatory and on social media platforms.
Bealba notes, “This designation has been an excellent educational opportunity for the park, bringing attention to us and helping us spread our message.”
After nine years of meticulous planning, data recording, fixture upgrades, and community collaboration, Bruneau Dunes State Park was granted its Dark Sky Park status in June 2024, welcoming visitors to explore its offerings.
Daytime Activities
Bruneau Dunes State Park provides numerous activities during the day. The park features a variety of habitats, including dunes, lakes, marshes, and desert prairies. Its 470-foot tall single-structured dune is the tallest in North America, surrounded by smaller dunes and plateaus.
Aside from enjoying the natural beauty, visitors can hike or sandboard down the dunes, fish in the lakes, go bird watching, and camp at the park.
Stargazing Opportunities
While the park is open year-round for daytime activities and camping, the observatory is available on Friday and Saturday nights from April to October for tours and solar viewing, weather permitting. There are plans to introduce a winter observatory program in the future.
Chambers remarks, “Our old observatory features a 25-inch Newtonian telescope, which was previously the largest public telescope in Idaho. Although we still use it, the new 27.5-inch PlaneWave telescope takes the title of Idaho’s largest public telescope. While there are larger telescopes, they are not typically open for public use.”
The new observatory is wheelchair accessible and has a built-in planetarium, allowing the park to accommodate school groups during the day and conduct indoor programs on cloudy evenings.
Visitors should note that the park closes at ten pm and the dunes are for day use only unless camping. The best way to experience the dark skies is by attending programs at the observatory or reserving a spot in the campgrounds.
Other Attractions
Southern Idaho boasts numerous unique parks and attractions that often go unnoticed.
One such hidden gem is the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, which recently marked its 100th anniversary in May. This park features surreal landscapes and rich Indigenous American history, offering visitors the chance to hike through caves and craters while exploring its unique lava terrain.
Located between Boise and Twin Falls, Bruneau Dunes State Park allows easy access to both cities, where visitors can enjoy urban amenities along with outdoor adventures, history, culture, and a vibrant food and beverage scene.
Southern Idaho is home to stunning waterfalls like Shoshone Falls, often called “the Niagara of the West.” The region is also traversed by the Snake River, providing more opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic beauty. With its beautiful landscapes, distinctive parks, and dark skies, Southern Idaho is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, with Bruneau Dunes State Park leading the charge as a newly designated Dark Sky Park.
