Boreal Stargazing Week

Week of Discovery, Stargazing, and Nighttime Wonder

February 10-17, 2025

Celebrate the beauty of the night sky during Boreal Stargazing Week from February 10 to 17, 2025. Community programs will take place across Minnesota, and Voyageurs National Park is excited to host a variety of nighttime activities that highlight our dark skies and the natural wonders above.

Boreal Stargazing programs are brought to you by Voyageurs Conservancy, Friends of the Boundary Waters, Starry Skies North, the National Park Service, Superior National Forest, Expeditions in Education, Polar Polers Ski Club, the Wood Lake Nature Center, and The Bell Museum.

 

All Boreal Stargazing Week Events Visit Voyageurs Conservancy Website

 

Featured Events at Voyageurs National Park

Ski with the Polar Polers Ski Club

Date: Saturday, February 15, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Join Park Rangers and members of the Polar Polers Nordic Ski Club for a fun cross-country ski adventure. Winter equipment (both skis and snowshoes) are available to borrow from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center while supplies last. No registration needed—meet at the Black Bay Trailhead.

Telescope Night Sky Viewing

Date: Saturday, February 15, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
After skiing, gather around a campfire and explore the night sky through telescopes at Black Bay Beaver Pond. A short hike, snowshoe, or ski will lead you to the viewing area. No registration needed—meet at the trailhead.

Virtual Events

Winter Night Skies & The Aurora Borealis

Date: Monday, February 10, 12:00 PM CT
While winter months may bring freezing temperatures, there are advantages to experiencing the night sky during this time of year! Join Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky enthusiast, Jesse Gates, as we explore the wonders of the winter night sky and learn about why the rare and beautiful phenomenon of the aurora borealis may be best viewed in the year 2025.

Livestream with Expeditions in Education: Tracks in the Snow & Stars Above

Date: Tuesday, February 11, 12:00 PM CT
Grades: K-8
Join us for an exciting journey into the snowy, star-filled nights of Voyageurs National Park, where we’ll uncover the secrets of nocturnal animal behavior and the importance of dark skies. From tracking wildlife in the snow to exploring the unique challenges of winter nights in northern Minnesota, this livestream offers a glimpse into the wonders of life after dark.

Owl Detectives Program with the International Owl Center

Date: Thursday, February 13, 12:00 PM CT
Join the International Owl Center to find out whooo's in your backyard! Learn more about the traits of these nocturnal animals and why dark skies are important to them. Discover how to identify the more common owls of the Eastern U.S. by size, shape, sound, and silhouette, with an emphasis on the sounds they make.

Explore More Stargazing Events Across Minnesota

In addition to events at Voyageurs National Park, several other activities will occur throughout the state. For a complete list of events during Boreal Stargazing Week, including presentations, moon hikes, and more, click here.

 

Gordy Lindgren