Called the “oasis in the plains,” Jackson Lake State Park is a popular destination for swimming, boating, fishing, waterskiing… and stargazing. 

In August 2020, Jackson Lake became the first state park in Colorado and the only area east of I-25 in the state to be designated an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association. Already popular with amateur astronomers, the park now ranks as one of the best places to view the night sky in Colorado.

A $20,000 CPW Director’s Innovation Fund grant from GOCO helped the park become Dark-Sky compliant. Updates included removing large street lamps and eliminating and updating other light fixtures. Plus, the park purchased new telescopes to improve visitors’ experience. Becoming Dark Sky certified benefitted Jackson Lake State Park’s visitors and the wildlife that calls the area home.