#United States #Voyageurs National Park #International Falls #Dark Sky #Star Party

Voyageurs National Park Celebrates Dark Skies with Annual Star Party

Voyageurs National Park, a stunning gem in northern Minnesota, is gearing up for its annual Star Party this Labor Day weekend, on August 29-30, as part of the park's 50th anniversary celebrations. This special event is organized in collaboration with the Voyageurs Conservancy, the National Park Service (NPS), and various partners to honor the park's remarkable dark skies and its natural beauty. Spanning over 218,000 acres, this Certified Dark Sky Park offers breathtaking views of the night sky, making it a prime location for stargazing enthusiasts.

The fifth annual Voyageurs Star Party invites visitors to participate in a myriad of activities designed to enhance the appreciation of the cosmos. From informative talks to interactive experiences, there is something for everyone in the family. The event showcases the contributions of esteemed astronomy experts, including Jesse Gates, a dark sky specialist and NASA ambassador; Todd Burlet, president of Starry Skies North; and Travis Novitsky, an acclaimed photographer and advocate for dark sky conservation. These speakers will share their extensive knowledge about the night sky and its significance in indigenous cultures.

Event Highlights

Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage in various land and water-based activities:

• - Stargazing Canoe Tours: Visitors can explore the park's waters while taking in the stunning sights of the night sky.
• - Telescope Viewing: Guided sessions will allow attendees to gaze at celestial objects through expert lenses.
• - Guided Constellation Tours: Learn about different constellations and their stories from knowledgeable rangers.
• - Interactive Learning: Educational sessions on light pollution, its effects, and sustainable practices will be available to promote awareness.
• - Dark Sky Junior Ranger Program: A special initiative for children to learn about the park's nocturnal environment and earn Jr. Ranger badges.
• - Documentary Screening: “Northern Nights, Starry Skies” will be showcased, providing insight into the beauty of the night sky and its cultural relevance.
• - Live Music and S'mores by the Campfire: Visitors can indulge in sweet treats and entertainment under a sky filled with stars.

A Galaxy of Possibilities

The Star Party festivities will take place at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center on Friday and at Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center on Saturday, running from 7 PM to midnight. Entry to the park is free, and pre-registration for the Star Party activities is encouraged but not mandatory. Specific timings and planning details can be found at voyageurs.org/starparty.

Christina Hausman Rhode, executive director of Voyageurs Conservancy, emphasized the importance of protecting these dark skies: "This event is a stellar opportunity to connect with our awe-inspiring universe. Although light pollution threatens dark skies across the globe, Voyageurs is one of the best places in the world to see night skies. Seeing the natural wonder of the park after dark and learning about the cultural connection to our night skies is a bucket list experience."

The Voyageurs Dark Sky Initiative, launched in 2020, aims to preserve light pollution-free habitats for the park's wildlife while fostering community engagement. Initiatives such as Voyageurs Classroom and Park-After-Dark Programs aim to educate about the significance of dark skies, sparking interest in the natural world among younger generations.

Celebrating 50 Years of Natural Beauty

The 50th anniversary milestones in 2025 will also include special events, philanthropic endeavors, community partnerships, and storytelling initiatives. As part of the celebrations, park enthusiasts can join the #Voyageurs50 campaign and participate in contests, including the chance to win exciting Voyageurs-themed prizes.

Visitors are encouraged to discover the newly established Voyageurs National Park exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair from August 21-23 to commemorate the park's rich history.

Kate Severson, the program manager for interpretation and education, urges everyone to experience the brilliance of the stars: "Voyageurs' annual Star Party rekindles our timeless sense of wonder, encouraging us to look up and appreciate the universe and the science that seeks to explain it."

Join Voyageurs National Park in celebrating not only its storied past but also its commitment to environmentally conscious practices and engaging the community in preserving the astonishing natural wonders that lie above us. For more information about the Star Party and other initiatives, please visit voyageurs.org.