Voyageurs Star Parties

Winter Night Sky above Voyageurs National Park

Boreal Stargazing - Gordy Lindgren Image

 

Voyageurs Star Party 2024

Take in the wonder of an International Dark Sky Park at the fourth-annual Voyageurs Star Party on August 9th and 10th!

Click here for a full schedule of events on the Voyageurs Conservancy website.

Experience the beauty and wonder of the night sky at the Voyageurs Star Party, a series of free astronomy events taking place August 9th and 10th at Voyageurs National Park. This event is open to all ages and welcomes everyone, from amateur astronomers to first-time stargazers.

Join us to explore the cosmos and celebrate the importance of preserving our dark skies. Hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy, the National Park Service, and numerous partners, the Star Party offers a stellar opportunity to connect with our awe-inspiring universe. Come celebrate with us!

Star Party Schedule

• Friday, August 9 - Rainy Lake Visitor Center
• Saturday, August 10 - Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center

Enjoy special speakers, Perseid meteor shower viewings, a film showing, telescope sessions, campfire s’mores, guided constellation tours, and more.

Featured Programs

Dark Sky Ranger Programs

During the afternoon, enjoy a variety of family-friendly programs to learn about the northern lights, the solar system, the captivating stories behind constellations, and more. As part of the festivities, attendees can also enjoy a special screening of the film "Northern Nights, Starry Skies," a visually stunning celebration of our spectacular starry skies above the world’s largest designated Dark Sky sanctuary.

Paddle Under the Stars - Canoemobile

Wilderness Inquiry is thrilled to bring Canoemobile to the Voyageurs Star Party! Enjoy an evening paddle with Wilderness Inquiry in a 10-person canoe. No prior paddling experience is required. PFDs will be provided for all ages.

• Friday, August 9, 7:00-11:00 PM @ Rainy Lake Visitor Center
• Saturday, August 10, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM @ Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center

Discover the Night with “Astro” Bob King

Join amateur astronomer and planetarium educator “Astro” Bob King for an awe-inspiring presentation under the night sky. Learn about August’s celestial events and what makes Voyageurs National Park’s dark skies so spectacular.

• Friday, August 9, 9:00 PM @ Rainy Lake Visitor Center
• Saturday, August 10, 9:00 PM @ Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center

Telescope Sessions and Constellation Tours

Experience an unforgettable night of stargazing. Join a team of rangers and volunteer astronomers as you peer through telescopes, taking in the stunning features of the night sky. From the distant galaxies to the rings of Saturn, you'll explore celestial wonders like never before. Additionally, embark on a constellation tour, where expert guides will share the fascinating stories behind the patterns in the sky

• Friday, August 9, 10:00 PM - Midnight @ Rainy Lake Visitor Center
• Saturday, August 10, 10:00 PM - Midnight @ Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center

A special thanks to Voyageurs Conservancy for helping put on these special events!