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

Skiing and Winter Fun with the Polar Polers

Date: Saturday, February 14, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Join Park Rangers and members of the Polar Polers Nordic Ski Club for a fun cross-country ski adventure. All skill levels welcome! Experienced volunteers available to provide guidance for beginners. Drop by anytime between 1:00pm-5:00pm! Winter equipment (both skis and snowshoes) available to borrow from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center for free while supplies last. Final loans for equipment end at 3pm. No registration needed—meet at the Black Bay Trailhead. After skiing, gather around a campfire and explore the night sky through telescopes at Black Bay Beaver Pond.

Love Written in the Winter Sky

Date: Saturday, February 14, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
A special Valentine’s Day astronomy program. Gather around a campfire and then 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. Dress for the weather!

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