Portage Lake Observatory, Pinckney State Recreation Area

#4 among attractions in Pinckney State Recreation Area

Observatories and planetariums

Map

Facts and practical information

The Portage Lake Observatory was an astronomical observatory owned and operated by the University of Michigan. It was located near the village of Dexter, Michigan, about 20 kilometers northwest of Ann Arbor. Construction at the site began in 1948, and the facility was closed in 1975. ()

Established: 1948 (76 years ago)Coordinates: 42°24'13"N, 83°55'28"W

Address

Pinckney State Recreation Area United States

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Day trips

Portage Lake Observatory – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Dexter-Huron Metropolitan Park, Lakelands Trail State Park, Peach Mountain Observatory, Gordon Hall.

5.8 miSE
Park
Dexter-Huron Metropolitan Park, Dexter
147 min walk • Dexter–Huron Metropark is a 122-acre park on the Huron River in the Huron-Clinton system of metro parks. The park has three picnic areas, a children's play area, a softball diamond, fishing, and canoe launching. A Metropark daily or annual vehicle permit is required for entry.
6.1 miNW
Park
Lakelands Trail State Park, Pinckney State Recreation Area
156 min walk • Lakelands Trail State Park, officially the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park since January 20, 2017, is a state park in Michigan that runs east-west from southwest of Munith to Hamburg Township, Michigan.
0.6 miSW
Observatories and planetariums
Peach Mountain Observatory, Pinckney State Recreation Area
17 min walk • The Peach Mountain Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by the University of Michigan. It is located near the village of Dexter, Michigan, about 20 kilometers northwest of Ann Arbor.
4.6 miS
Greek Revival architecture
Gordon Hall, Dexter
117 min walk • Gordon Hall, also known as the Judge Samuel W. Dexter House, is a private house located at 8341 Island Lake Road in Dexter, Michigan. It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1958 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
5 miSE
Greek Revival architecture
James Litchfield House, Dexter
127 min walk • The James Litchfield House is a private house located at 3512 Central Street in Dexter, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The house is an excellent Michigan example of a "basilica type" Greek Revival house.
4.8 miS
42°20'13"N • 83°57'1"W
Dexter Blueberry Farm, Dexter
122 min walk • Farm
3.9 miN
Village
Pinckney
100 min walk • For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the village boasts a variety of quaint shops and cafes, perfect for strolling and taking in the local ambiance. Pinckney also hosts a number of annual events and festivals, such as the Art in the Park and the St.