Why the World’s First Dark Sky Airport Is Kind of a Big Deal
You know what never gets old? Looking up and seeing stars instead of … well, not seeing stars. We can now say that our corner of the world isn’t just pretty by day—it’s stunning by night too. In case you missed the news (and we’ll forgive you if you did), Teton County just became the first county in the world to be certified as an International Dark Sky Community. Not to be outdone, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) swooped in ten days later and grabbed its own cosmic crown: the world’s first dark sky airport.
What Is a Dark Sky Airport Anyway?
No, it’s not an airport that turns off the lights and hopes for the best. Nor is it an airport with access to the stars, the kind of place you might see the Millennium Falcon parked someday. The “dark sky” label, handed out by DarkSky International, is serious business. It means the place has put in the work to reduce light pollution and protect natural nightscapes. But usually, these titles go to remote parks or star-loving hippie towns—not airports.
Jackson Hole Airport, like pretty much everything else here, is built differently. Literally. It sits inside Grand Teton National Park, making it the only commercial airport in the U.S. nestled inside a national park. That kind of location demands some serious environmental respect. JAC staff spent hundreds of hours updating lighting fixtures and programming to meet strict dark sky standards. The result? You land at an airport that doesn’t just care about your bags—it cares about your view of the Milky Way.
Why Should You Care about Dark Sky Certifications?
Two words: better stargazing. A few more words: less disruption for wildlife, more peace for park ecosystems, and a big win for both those of us who still try to impress people by pointing out Orion’s Belt and those who pretend to be impressed.
If you’ve ever stood outside Flat Creek Inn at night and looked up, you already know that Jackson has some of the best skies anywhere. This new designation just makes it official. And we’re proud to be part of a community that’s looking out (and up) for future generations. Samuel Singer, executive director of Wyming Stargazing,, said it best: “If dark night skies ever disappear, we will have lost a part of what it means to be human.”
Whoa. We’re not entirely sure what that means, but it sounds like it should be said in a British accent and accompanied by some dramatic string music.
Planning a Visit?
Now’s the time. The national parks are stunning, the skies are starry, and our location right across from the National Elk Refuge means you’re surrounded by nature day and night. Whether you’re coming in for wildlife, hiking, or gazing up into the depths of eternity, we at Flat Creek Inn have got your cozy stay covered.
So bring a sweater, grab a hot drink, and prepare to be awed. The stars aren’t going anywhere.
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Ryan Kunz is a copywriter and freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics, including media, the outdoors, and whatever else strikes his fancy. That's all for today.
Photo credit: Dmitry Brant
