Only 125 parks in 22 countries around the world have been designated International Dark Sky Parks since the program’s inception in 2001. These locations are committed to implementing and maintaining proper outdoor lighting and offering dark sky programs as part of their conservation efforts.
Among Southern Idaho’s lesser-known natural wonders is Bruneau Dunes State Park, which quietly achieved the International Dark Sky Park designation in June after nine years of dedicated work by park staff.
What was the journey like, and what can visitors anticipate at Bruneau Dunes State Park?
A Labor of Dedication
Obtaining DarkSky International’s prestigious Dark Sky Park status involves more than just data monitoring; it requires ongoing dedication from park staff and the community.
Chelsea Chambers, Public Information Specialist at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, provides insight into the tasks involved in this significant endeavor.
“The process began in 2015,” Chambers explains. “The park had to replace all outdoor fixtures to comply with dark sky standards.” All traditional light bulbs were replaced with red bulbs, and any that could not be changed were covered with red lenses. Regular dark sky meter readings are taken by park staff to ensure minimal light pollution in the area.
Chambers reveals, “Park Manager Bryce Bealba engaged in discussions at Owyhee County zoning and planning meetings, advocating for building code compliance to minimize the park’s impact on new developments.”
Several park staff and management conducted outreach with local organizations, including the nearby Mountain Home Air Force Base, the City of Mountain Home, and the Boise Airport.
Even the language used online and at park facilities plays a role in Dark Sky Park certification. Dark sky messaging was integrated into all educational programs by park staff, including those at the observatory and on social media.
Bealba states, “Having this designation has been a valuable educational opportunity for the park. It has brought significant attention to us and helped us spread our message.”
Nine years of planning, data collection, fixture and system upgrades, and community coordination paid off when Bruneau Dunes State Park received its Dark Sky Park designation in June 2024. The park now proudly welcomes visitors to explore all it has to offer.
Daytime Activities
Bruneau Dunes State Park offers a variety of daytime activities. The park features diverse habitats, including dunes, lakes, marshes, and desert prairies. Standing at 470 feet, it is home to North America’s tallest single-structured dune. Visitors can also explore a series of smaller dunes, contrasting sharply with the surrounding plateaus.
In addition to enjoying the natural scenery, park guests can experience the dunes through hiking or sandboarding down the steep slopes. Chambers highlights, “The dunes offer a challenging and exciting hike, our sandboards are great fun, and the rangers regularly lead guided activities.” Fishing in the lakes, birdwatching, and camping are other popular activities.
Night Sky Observations
While Bruneau Dunes State Park is open for day use and camping throughout the year, the park’s observatory is open on Friday and Saturday nights from early April to mid-October, weather permitting. Observatory tours and solar viewing through a specialized telescope begin an hour before sunset. The park has plans to develop a winter observatory program in the future.
Chambers describes, “Our previous observatory housed a 25-inch Newtonian telescope, which was the largest public telescope in the state at the time. We still use that telescope during program nights, but the new observatory features a 27.5-inch PlaneWave telescope, now the largest public telescope in Idaho. While there are larger scopes, they are not as readily available for public use.”
The new observatory is wheelchair-accessible and includes a built-in planetarium function, allowing the park to host school groups during the day and conduct indoor programs on cloudy nights.
Chambers advises visitors, “It’s important to note that the park closes at ten pm unless you are camping, and the dunes are only for day use. The best way to experience the dark skies is by attending a program at the observatory or reserving a spot in our campgrounds.”
Other Nearby Attractions
Southern Idaho offers travelers a range of unique parks and attractions, including some hidden gems.
One such gem is the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, which quietly celebrated its 100th anniversary in May. The park features surreal landscapes and rich Native American history. Adventurous visitors can explore caves and craters while marveling at the unique lava terrain.
Located midway between Boise and Twin Falls, Bruneau Dunes State Park provides easy access to both cities. Each city offers a blend of urban amenities and outdoor activities, inviting visitors to explore history, culture, and a vibrant food and drink scene.
Southern Idaho is abundant in waterfalls, with highlights such as Shoshone Falls, often referred to as “the Niagara of the West.” The Snake River winds through the region, adding to its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. With its stunning landscapes, distinctive parks, and dark skies, it’s hard to fathom why this area receives so little attention. However, the designation of Bruneau Dunes State Park as a Dark Sky Park may soon change that.
