The week of April 13 to 20 marks International Dark Sky Week, a global effort to celebrate the night while raising awareness around light pollution, energy waste, and the protection of nocturnal environments. It is also a reminder of what has been lost. Nearly 80 percent of Americans can no longer see the Milky Way from where they live.
Utah offers a rare exception.
The state is home to the highest concentration of certified International Dark Sky Places in the world. Its remote landscapes, high elevation, and long-standing conservation efforts have made it one of the best places on Earth to experience a truly dark night sky. To build on that distinction, the state has designated April as Dark Sky Month.
To bring that experience to life digitally, the Utah Office of Tourism partnered with Milwaukee-based Hanson Dodge to transform VisitUtah.com into an immersive “Dark Skies” environment.
The site shifts into its own version of dark mode, gradually transitioning from light to darkness while layering in the sounds of nocturnal wildlife. Crickets, coyotes, owls, and other native species create a subtle, atmospheric soundscape that mirrors the rhythms of the night.
A dedicated Dark Skies page takes the idea further. Its background responds in real time to the sky over Utah, dimming as the sun sets and eventually fading into complete darkness. It is a small but striking detail that connects the digital experience directly to the natural world.
Visitors can also explore a new “Stargazing in Utah” film that showcases sweeping nighttime views across Canyonlands National Park, Antelope Island State Park, and the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Watch below:
The effort taps into a growing desire for travel that feels restorative and intentional. As more people seek out quiet, open spaces and moments of stillness, Utah is positioning its night skies as both an escape and an invitation.
For those who cannot experience it in person, the site offers a compelling alternative. For everyone else, the message is simple. Look up.
CREDITS:
BRAND: Utah Office of Tourism
AGENCY: Hanson Dodge
- Chief Creative Officer: Mike Roe
- Creative Director: Katherine Schmidt
- Art Director: Jillian Turbessi
- Chief Technology Officer: Angie Rothen
- Digital Strategist: Bridget Siebert
- Web Development: Niveditha Ravuri, Julian Mancera
REELated:
Angie Rothen returns to Hanson Dodge
