Not California, Not Texas — This Surprising Midwest State Was Named America's Best Stargazing Destination

As night skies get brighter by almost 10% each year, scenic dark-sky areas are becoming harder to come across. In an effort to find these fewer patches of dark skies, you may be inclined to travel to pristine parks in California or the wide-open skies of Texas, oblivious to the fact that a particular Midwestern state is instead the answer for unmatched stargazing. Per a recent study by Live Casinos (and reported by Vice), South Dakota, as it turns out, is the place — or rather, the state — to be if you want a perfect night wrapped in the stars.

To make its rankings, each state was given a star-visibility score out of 10 based on two factors: average cloud cover and Bortle Scale ratings (a tool used by astronomers to quantify darkness of a particular location). By those estimates, South Dakota scored an impressive 7.79 and is No.1 when it comes to viewing the stars as nature intended. These evaluations also revealed that more than half of the state's territory falls within Bortle Scale 1 to 3, which means you'd be able to spot comets and gaze at the luminous Milky Way from many less-populated areas of the state.

South Dakota's low population density and chances of dreary cloud cover (just 11.65% average) are solid reasons why it rests at the top of these rankings. Rounding out the top five are Wyoming (7.65), Alaska (7.64), Montana (7.51), and Arizona (7.37). All of these states are known for their empty spaces with low light pollution, so the celestial bodies twinkle in all their raw brilliance. However, if you have your eyes set on the leading contender, here's a look at some cool places to stargaze in South Dakota.

You'll find ideal nighttime light shows away from the city lights, with unobstructed views of the horizon. Per the study, Sanborn County in the east-central region is the best place to go, achieving a stellar visibility score of 8.78, the highest of all counties. This area is an easy night drive from Sioux Falls (which also has the state's largest airport). 

Making the journey to the southwest will also reap starry rewards. Here, you will find South Dakota's darkest location, the pine-covered Black Hills National Forest. Boasting a Bortle Scale rating of 1 (a ranking reserved for the darkest skies on Earth), this 1.2-million-acre wilderness allows astro-lovers to spot strikingly beautiful constellations throughout the year. Book a site at one of the developed campgrounds or enjoy dispersed backcountry camping for a rugged experience.

Not too far away is also Badlands National Park, one of America's best road trip destinations, known for its otherworldly landscapes and billowing prairies, which are illuminated by a celestial theater as the night falls. While this iconic refuge has been popular among stargazers for a while, it wasn't until July 2026 that it received its "International Dark Sky Park" designation. If you're here in summer, the park hosts guided Night Sky Viewings every day, where you learn all about the constellations and planets above. Or you can choose your own peaceful spot instead; one Redditor recommends either the northeast entrance near the parking lot or the Hay Butte and Sage Creek overlooks, which are "both are usually empty at night so you can be out there by yourself enjoying the stars."

As one of the least-visited states in America, South Dakota offers many cozy, uncrowded spots to lie back under a canvas of stars. Besides the popular spots, you can also go for lesser-known destinations such as the wildly underrated Sica Hollow State Park or Snake Creek Recreation Area, which boasts a 2 on the Bortle Scale. After narrowing down the location, keep in mind to time your trip around the moon phase if you want to see the full display of stars, planets, and the Milky Way. A new moon or the days leading up to it are some of the best for crystal-clear panoramas.

While your eyes are all you need, a pair of binoculars or a telescope can take the experience up a notch, revealing any dark-sky objects you'd otherwise miss. Bring layers since nights can be cooler even in the summer. Finally, the stars come out in the wilderness, and so do the mosquitoes — stock up with a solid bug spray for a comfortable night. Rest assured, whether you're new to the astro-lovers club or are a dedicated night sky photographer, South Dakota may just leave you in awe of the sky's cosmic beauty as America's best stargazing destination.