News Release

Voyageurs National Park Hosting Stargazing Opportunities During Minnesota Boreal Stargazing Week, February 10 to 18

Date: January 30, 2024

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN:  Embrace the winter darkness and discover the magic of Minnesota's starbright skies! Join us for a week of free activities for students, families, and friends that will immerse you in learning and stargazing. Specifically, join us at Voyageurs National Park on Saturday, February 10 and 17 for these events: 

Voyageurs National Park: Nighttime Snowshoe Hike 
Saturday, February 10, 6-7:30 PM 
Black Bay Beaver Pond, near Rainy Lake Visitor Center 
Join a park ranger and Voyageurs Conservancy for a guided snowshoe hike and telescope observation session at Black Bay Beaver Pond (to access the Black Bay Beaver Pond, drive ~.25 mile on the ice road from Rainy Lake Visitor Center). Snowshoe rentals are free and available upon arrival at Black Bay Beaver Pond trailhead. Bring warm layers and a headlamp!  
No reservation necessary. 

Voyageurs National Park: Ski Event and Telescope Program  
Saturday, February 17, 6-7:30 PM 
Tilson Bay Bogwalk, International Falls, MN 
Join the Polar Polers, Voyageurs National Park, and Voyageurs Conservancy for cross country skiing and a telescope observation session at Tilson Bay. Meet at the Tilson Bay Bogwalk parking lot. Bring warm layers and a headlamp!  Note: Please bring your own skis before the program begins (they are not available at Tilson Bay Bogwalk). Limited rental skis are available for free at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center if picked up before 4pm and then brought to the ski event just a short drive away. 
No reservation necessary. 

The Boreal Stargazing Week is Hosted across Minnesota parks, wilderness areas, environmental learning centers, and during virtual programs - the second-annual Boreal Stargazing Week will take place from February 10 -18, 2024 with dark sky experiences for all ages and backgrounds. Boreal Stargazing events are free and feature captivating night sky tours, snowshoe hikes, live conversations with astronomers, and more!  

Other events will be hosted around the state and via virtual platforms. Find information on other events at – https://www.voyageurs.org/stargazing or https://www.friends-bwca.org/event/boreal-stargazing-2024/ or Star Party - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) 
Attendees will enjoy a rare opportunity to explore our inspiring universe alongside dark sky experts and experience the magic of Minnesota’s night skies.  Boreal Stargazing events are brought to you by Voyageurs Conservancy, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, Starry Skies North, Voyageurs National Park, Superior National Forest, Expeditions in Education, The Bell Museum, Wood Lake Nature Center, and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.  

Teachers and Educators Students can receive FREE live virtual programs on the wonders of dark skies with special speakers from NASA, National Park Service, Expeditions in Education, and more!
Click here to learn more and register for Boreal Stargazing Week speakers live-streamed directly to your classroom. Dates: February 12-15; Grades K-12; Available to classrooms across the nation.  

Thank You to our Supporters 
Funding support for Boreal Stargazing Week was generously provided by the National Park Foundation and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).