Late summer is prime stargazing season out here, here's how to make the most of it

One of the perks of being this far from any city is what happens after dark. The light pollution basically disappears out here, and on a clear night the Milky Way sits right over the trees.

If you're timing a visit, mid-August is the sweet spot: the Perseid meteor shower peaks overnight on August 12 into the 13th, and this year it lines up with a new moon, so the skies will be about as dark as they get. That plus no city lights out here makes this a great place to catch it.

There are a few easy ways to take it in. The hot tub in the pool area is a favorite, slide in after dark and just look up, and our rec team can tell you which planets and constellations are out that night. Sunset Point on the western edge of the property has seating for sunset and doubles as a quiet stargazing spot once the sky goes dark. And if you want the full experience, the guided stargazing tour brings out a telescope for close-ups of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters (all ages, offered through fall).

Planning a trip around the meteor shower, or just after a good dark-sky night? Ask us and we'll help you time it.