Boreal Stargazing Week

Week of Discovery, Stargazing, and Nighttime Wonder

February 9-15, 2026

Celebrate the beauty of the night sky during Boreal Stargazing Week at Voyageurs National Park. 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

Let's Go to Jupiter!

Date: Friday, February 13th, 2026

• 5:30–6:15 p.m: Indoor presentation at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center with Astro Bob, author and night sky educator.
• 6:15–6:30 p.m: Drive your car on the iceroad to Black Bay trailhead.
• 6:30–8:30 p.m: Step outside on the frozen lake for telescope viewing at Black Bay trailhead. Blast off for Jupiter and learn all about its storms, aurora and dancing moons.
• No registration required.

Valentine’s Day Special: XC Ski & Love Written in the Winter Sky

Date: Saturday, February 14th, 2026

• 1:00–5:00 p.m.: Join Park Rangers and members of the Polar Polers Nordic Ski Club for a fun cross-country ski adventure. Winter equipment (skis and snowshoes) is available from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center for free while supplies last. Drive directly on the ice road from the visitor center to the Black Bay trailhead.
• 5:30–6:15 p.m.: Indoor presentation at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center with dark sky educator, Jesse Gates.
• 6:15–6:30 p.m.: Drive your car on the ice road to Black Bay trailhead.
• 6:30–8:30 p.m.: Gather around a campfire and explore the night sky through telescopes. Hear love stories from the stars at the Black Bay trailhead.
• No registration required.

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, hikes, and more, click here.

 

Gordy Lindgren