2026 Boreal Stargazing Week

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. - Boreal Stargazing Week returns Feb. 9-15 with in-person stargazing events across Minnesota and free virtual educational programs celebrating one of the world's largest dark sky regions.

Co-led by Voyageurs National Park, Voyageurs Conservancy, and Friends of the Boundary Waters, the annual event highlights the dark skies shared by Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness along the Minnesota-Canada border. This year's theme, "Art of the Night Sky," explores the connections between astronomy, creativity, and conservation.

"Voyageurs National Park plays a critical role in protecting one of the darkest night skies in the lower 48," said Brian Harmon, acting superintendent. "Our work with partner organizations across Minnesota during Boreal Stargazing Week highlights how protecting natural darkness benefits wildlife, ecosystems, and future generations."

Public programming includes guided winter outings, telescope viewing, expert talks and hands-on activities focused on astronomy, nocturnal wildlife, Indigenous perspectives, and dark sky protection. The week also includes live-streamed classroom programs reaching thousands of K-12 students.

Programming partners include the National Park Service, Starry Skies North, Superior National Forest, the Bell Museum, and other regional organizations. A full schedule of events and virtual programs is available at www.voyageurs.org/stargazing-week and www.friends-bwca.org/stargazing.