Voyageurs Star Party
Voyageurs National Park | August 29 & 30, 2025 | Labor Day Weekend
Experience the beauty and wonder of the night sky at the fifth annual Voyageurs Star Party, a series of free astronomy events taking place August 29th and 30th in Voyageurs National Park. This event is open to all ages and welcomes everyone, from amateur astronomers to first-time stargazers.
The National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy are celebrating the park’s 50th anniversary and the beauty of Voyageurs National Park's night skies. The two-day event includes special speakers, arts and crafts, Ranger programs, night sky themed music, nighttime canoe paddles, telescope viewing sessions, and guided constellation tours.
Discover an International Dark Sky Park
Join us to explore the cosmos and celebrate the importance of preserving our dark skies. Hosted over Labor Day Weekend, the Star Party offers a stellar opportunity to connect with our awe-inspiring universe.
Friday, August 29 - Rainy Lake Visitor Center
Saturday, August 30 - Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
Enjoy special speakers, a film showing, telescope sessions, campfire s’mores, guided constellation tours, and more.
Star Party 2025: Full Program Schedule
Click the arrow to view the full schedule of Star Party events
-
"Northern Nights Starry Skies" Film Showing
1:00-2:00 PM and 2:00-3:00 PM
Enjoy a special showing of Northern Nights Starry Skies - a visually stunning celebration of our spectacular starry skies above one of the world’s largest designated Dark Sky sanctuary. Ojibwe, Dakota cultural astronomers and other experts share the wonders of the heavens.After the showing, Todd Burlet, an accomplished engineer, scholar, delegate of Dark Sky International and President of Starry Skies North, will discuss the relationship between our unique location and the positive effect that minimizing light pollution can have.
Gravity Jars with the Bell Museum
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Learn about gravity and the difference between weight and mass by feeling the weight of a pop can on the B planets, the Moon, and Pluto. The Bell Museum is Minnesota’s official natural history museum and planetarium based in Saint Paul. Join the Bell Museum in Voyageurs National Park for space-themed activities, giveaways, and try your luck in a raffle for a door prize!The Voyageurs Wolf Project & Wolves of Minnesota
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Did you know that northern Minnesota, specifically near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Voyageurs National Park, is the only place in the lower 48 states where wolves were never completely extirpated during the predator removal efforts of the early 1900s? Stop by to meet Maeve Rogers, the Education and Outreach Specialist with the Voyageurs Wolf Project, and learn all about wolves in Minnesota. The table will feature scientific visuals, skulls and track casts, trail cameras, and the latest updates on our current research.Singing with the Stars
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of music under the stars with local duo Alyssa and Jep Fator, featuring their crowd favorites plus a few songs inspired by space and the night sky.S’mores & Stories
7:00 - 9:30 PM
Enjoy a family-friendly time around the campfire with free s’mores and reading children’s books about the stars.
Become a Dark Sky Junior Ranger
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Grab a Junior Ranger book and become a protector of the night! Learn about space, nocturnal wildlife in the park, and earn your very own Dark Sky Junior Ranger badge.Connect with Starry Skies North
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Starry Skies North is a nonprofit organization that works to protect night skies and reduce light pollution in Minnesota. Learn about what you can do to combat light pollution and what home and business owners can do to protect darkness in Voyageurs country.Light Pollution: Impacts, Solutions, and Opportunities
7:00 - 7:45 PM
Join Starry Skies North President Todd Burlet as he outlines some of the impacts of light pollution on human health, sustainable cities, and our natural environment, and learn about simple win-win solutions that let us enjoy the benefits of light while avoiding its potential harms. Then learn how dark-sky tourism can benefit local economies while protecting our beautiful night skies.Canoemobile with Wilderness Inquiry
7:00 - 11:00 PM
In partnership with Voyageurs Conservancy and the National Park Service, Wilderness Inquiry is thrilled to bring Canoemobile to the Voyageurs National Park 2025 Star Party for two nights of canoeing on Voyageurs lakes in our 10-person canoes. This event is free for everyone to attend and no prior paddling experience is required. People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to attend!Celestial Wonders: A Journey Through Voyageurs’ Dark Skies
8:00 - 8:45 PM
Join Voyageurs Conservancy’s dark sky specialist and NASA ambassador for a captivating introduction to the celestial wonders awaiting us in the night sky – from the ethereal aurora borealis and swift shooting stars to gleaming planets, radiant star clusters, and distant galaxies. Discover why Voyageurs’ unparalleled darkness makes this place so special, and learn how preserving our night skies can protect both nature and our connection to the cosmos.SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER:
Spirits Dancing - The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, and Cultural Connections to the Cosmos
9:00 - 10:00 PM
Join photographer Travis Novitsky as he shares Indigenous connections to the cosmos through his breathtaking photos of the night sky. Travis is the photographer for the book Spirits Dancing and served as co-producer and narrator of the award-winning documentary "Northern Nights, Starry Skies". His creative work was featured extensively in the film, which celebrates star-bright skies and dark sky places of the Minnesota-Ontario border region.Telescope Night: Exploring the Skies Together
9:30 PM - Midnight
Step into the night as we venture beneath Voyageurs’ pristine skies for a guided stargazing experience. Peer through telescopes to witness planets, star clusters, galaxies, and perhaps even a meteor streaking across the darkness. Here, under nature’s untouched canopy, we’re reminded of what’s worth safeguarding. -
"Northern Nights Starry Skies" Film Showing
1:00-2:00 PM and 2:00-3:00 PM
Enjoy a special showing of Northern Nights Starry Skies - a visually stunning celebration of our spectacular starry skies above one of the world’s largest designated Dark Sky sanctuary. Ojibwe, Dakota cultural astronomers and other experts share the wonders of the heavens.After the showing, Todd Burlet, an accomplished engineer, scholar, delegate of Dark Sky International and President of Starry Skies North, will discuss the relationship between our unique location and the positive effect that minimizing light pollution can have.
Gravity Jars with the Bell Museum
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Learn about gravity and the difference between weight and mass by feeling the weight of a pop can on the B planets, the Moon, and Pluto. The Bell Museum is Minnesota’s official natural history museum and planetarium based in Saint Paul. Join the Bell Museum in Voyageurs National Park for space-themed activities, giveaways, and try your luck in a raffle for a door prize!The Voyageurs Wolf Project & Wolves of Minnesota
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Did you know that northern Minnesota, specifically near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Voyageurs National Park, is the only place in the lower 48 states where wolves were never completely extirpated during the predator removal efforts of the early 1900s? Stop by to meet Maeve Rogers, the Education and Outreach Specialist with the Voyageurs Wolf Project, and learn all about wolves in Minnesota. The table will feature scientific visuals, skulls and track casts, trail cameras, and the latest updates on our current research.Singing with the Stars
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of music under the stars with local duo Alyssa and Jep Fator, featuring their crowd favorites plus a few songs inspired by space and the night sky.S’mores & Stories
7:00 - 9:30 PM
Enjoy a family-friendly time around the campfire with free s’mores and reading children’s books about the stars.
Become a Dark Sky Junior Ranger
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Grab a Junior Ranger book and become a protector of the night! Learn about space, nocturnal wildlife in the park, and earn your very own Dark Sky Junior Ranger badge.Connect with Starry Skies North
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Starry Skies North is a nonprofit organization that works to protect night skies and reduce light pollution in Minnesota. Learn about what you can do to combat light pollution and what home and business owners can do to protect darkness in Voyageurs country.Light Pollution: Impacts, Solutions, and Opportunities
7:00 - 7:45 PM
Join Starry Skies North President Todd Burlet as he outlines some of the impacts of light pollution on human health, sustainable cities, and our natural environment, and learn about simple win-win solutions that let us enjoy the benefits of light while avoiding its potential harms. Then learn how dark-sky tourism can benefit local economies while protecting our beautiful night skies.Canoemobile with Wilderness Inquiry
7:00 - 11:00 PM
In partnership with Voyageurs Conservancy and the National Park Service, Wilderness Inquiry is thrilled to bring Canoemobile to the Voyageurs National Park 2025 Star Party for two nights of canoeing on Voyageurs lakes in our 10-person canoes. This event is free for everyone to attend and no prior paddling experience is required. People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to attend!Celestial Wonders: A Journey Through Voyageurs’ Dark Skies
8:00 - 8:45 PM
Join Voyageurs Conservancy’s dark sky specialist and NASA ambassador for a captivating introduction to the celestial wonders awaiting us in the night sky – from the ethereal aurora borealis and swift shooting stars to gleaming planets, radiant star clusters, and distant galaxies. Discover why Voyageurs’ unparalleled darkness makes this place so special, and learn how preserving our night skies can protect both nature and our connection to the cosmos.SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER:
Spirits Dancing - The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, and Cultural Connections to the Cosmos
9:00 - 10:00 PM
Join photographer Travis Novitsky as he shares Indigenous connections to the cosmos through his breathtaking photos of the night sky. Travis is the photographer for the book Spirits Dancing and served as co-producer and narrator of the award-winning documentary "Northern Nights, Starry Skies". His creative work was featured extensively in the film, which celebrates star-bright skies and dark sky places of the Minnesota-Ontario border region.Telescope Night: Exploring the Skies Together
9:30 PM - Midnight
Step into the night as we venture beneath Voyageurs’ pristine skies for a guided stargazing experience. Peer through telescopes to witness planets, star clusters, galaxies, and perhaps even a meteor streaking across the darkness. Here, under nature’s untouched canopy, we’re reminded of what’s worth safeguarding.
Featured Programs
-
Special Guest Speaker: Travis Novitsky
9:00 - 10:00 PM Each Night
Join photographer Travis Novitsky as he shares Indigenous connections to the cosmos through his breathtaking night sky photos. Travis is the photographer for the book Spirits Dancing and served as co-producer and narrator of the award-winning documentary "Northern Nights, Starry Skies". His creative work was featured extensively in the film, which celebrates star-bright skies and dark sky places of the Minnesota-Ontario region.
-
Dark Sky Ranger Programs
Program times vary; See schedule
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.
-
Canoemobile: Paddle Under the Stars
7:00 - 11:00 PM Each Night
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.
-
Telescope and Constellation Tour
9:30 - 11:00 PM Each Night
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
Things to Know:
Voyageurs Star Party
Safety
During night-time programs do not use cell phone lights, flash photography, or any white flashlights. We ask that no white light flashlights be used due to their negative effect on night vision. After using a white light, it can take well over thirty minutes for your eyes to begin to readjust to the profound darkness of Voyageurs. Instead, bring a red flashlight!
Please follow the wayfinding paths marked with our red lights and red rope lights. These red posts will also mark uneven depressions on the ground, as well as the water’s edge.
Telescopes are very fragile; please do not touch them at any time. A dark sky specialist will guide during the telescope session and will make adjustments as needed. The Star Party events end at midnight when telescopes are taken down. However, on nights with clear, calm skies, you are welcome to stay beyond the official program. Please note that National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy Staff will leave the site after the event and you will be responsible for your safety while in the park.
Parking & Star Party Event Map
Parking is very limited at the visitor centers. Carpool if you can and give yourself extra time to find a spot or be prepared to walk from overflow areas.
Rainy Lake Visitor Center Map
August 29 Star Party Events
Kabetogama Lake Center Map
August 30 Star Party Events
Additional Information
-
The Voyageurs Star Party is FREE and open to all. There is no entrance fee to Voyageurs National Park and no pre-registration for the Star Party is required. The Star Party has both daytime and night-time programs you can attend. The dark sky viewing elements of the program begin at 9 PM, for best viewing of the night sky (sunset for mid-August at Voyageurs National Park is approximately at 8:30 PM, but astronomical twilight is around 10:00 PM).
This late night event ends at midnight when telescopes are taken down. However, on nights with clear, calm skies, you are welcome to stay beyond the official program. Please note that National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy Staff will leave the site after the event and you will be responsible for your safety while in the park.Planning! What to bring and wear to the Star Party
Dress in layers. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset—even during summer months.
Bring a chair or blanket for night sky viewing. No seating is provided.
Parking is very limited at the visitor centers. Carpool if you can and give yourself extra time to find a spot or be prepared to walk from overflow areas.
Bug spray is highly recommended, as mosquitoes are very active in the park around sun-down.
Please plan to eat dinner before the event - support a local business! If you’d like to eat dinner at the park, bring a picnic dinner or order a to-go meal from one of the area resorts. There will not be food or beverages available on-site for purchase.
Please plan to pack out any trash with you.
Restrooms will be available at the visitor centers during the Star Party event.
Leave yourself extra time to park and carpool if you can. Parking is limited and you may have to wait in line or be prepared to walk from overflow parking areas
Light Etiquette - Darkness is our friend!
During night-time programs do not use cell phone lights, flash photography, or any white flashlights. We ask that no white light flashlights be used due to their negative effect on night vision. After using a white light, it can take well over thirty minutes for your eyes to begin to readjust to the profound darkness of Voyageurs
Instead, bring a red flashlight! You can make a red flashlight by:
Covering any flashlight with red cellophane, a limited supply of cellophane and rubber bands are available at the welcome tent OR Painting the flashlight lens with red nail polish or a red magic marker.For more on why red flashlights are helpful, and how the human eye works after dark, click here.
Please follow the wayfinding paths marked with our red lights and red rope lights. These red posts will also mark uneven depressions on the ground, as well as the water’s edge.
Enjoying the wilderness above our heads
The moon will be in its Waxing Crescent phase with 4% to a 31% illumination (less moonlight), night sky viewing includes the Milky Way, Pleiades, other constellations, planets (including Jupiter and Saturn) and depending on solar storm activity, the Northern Lights.
One question we get asked a lot is how to take photos of the night sky from a cellphone like an iphone. Download a Night Sky app and set your phone to a long exposure to capture the Northern Lights and other celestial objects.
-
Please arrange your lodging accommodations early! Camping on-site at the event is not permitted. It is a 45-minute drive between International Falls and Kabetogama, partly on an unlit two-way highway in a remote area at night.
International Falls
International Falls, Rainy Lake and Ranier Convention and Visitors Bureau
Explore MN - International Falls, Rainy Lake, Rainier
Reserving a campsite in Voyageurs National Park
Please note: All front and backcountry campsites within Voyageurs National Park are only accessible by boat (keep in mind returning to your campsite safely on the water at night).
Kabetogama
Kabetogama Lakes Resorts and Lodging
Camping at Woodenfrog (just outside Voyageurs and administered by the Minnesota DNR, and in close proximity to the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center).
Reserving a campsite in Voyageurs National Park
Accommodations in the nearby Ash River area
Please note: All front and backcountry campsites within Voyageurs National Park are only accessible by boat (keep in mind returning to your campsite safely on the water at night). -
By car: Voyageurs National Park is approximately a 4 ½ hour drive (295 miles) from the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and a 2 ½ hour drive from Duluth (130 miles).
By plane: Fly to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), rent a car and drive to Voyageurs National Park OR fly directly to International Falls Airport (INL) and rent a car in International Falls.
Your first visit to Voyageurs? Be sure to check out additional considerations when visiting Voyageurs National Park -
In the event that inclement weather requires canceling outdoor events, we will post an update to voyageurs.org/starparty no later than 5:00 PM the day of the event.
In the event of mild weather disruptions or cloudy weather, some programs will be adapted, moved indoors, or continue as is. Even if we can’t see the stars together, we promise to do our best to share stories and science with you!
Remember that weather can shift rapidly in this area of the country and can vary on one end of the park or lake vs. another.
Local weather for Kabetogama VC
Local weather for Rainy Lake VC
-
If you require accommodations at a Voyageurs Conservancy program, like sign language interpretation, please contact us right away so we can do our best to make arrangements: 612-333-5424; contact@voyageurs.org.
The National Park Service is committed to all practicable efforts for making its facilities, programs, services, information, employment, and meaningful work opportunities accessible to all people. Contact the park directly for accommodations at 218-283-6600.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in partnering or sponsoring the 2025 Voyageurs Star Party? Sponsor partners play a critical role in the event’s success and are provided exposure and promotional benefits.
Please contact Christina Hausman Rhode at chausman@voyageurs.org or call 612-333-5424 for more information.
We’d love to explore how sponsorship can enhance your corporate citizenship and visibility. Thank you for supporting dark sky preservation and our national parks!
Star Party Partners
Voyageurs: International Dark Sky Park
In December 2020, Voyageurs National Park became officially certified as an International Dark Sky Park. This certification from the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) recognizes Voyageurs for the exceptional quality of its dark skies and its ongoing commitment to preserving darkness and educating the public about the night sky. Voyageurs Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner of Voyageurs National Park, was proud to help secure this certification by funding key light fixture changes and hosting night sky educational programs.
You can support the Voyageurs Star Party and Dark Sky Classroom with a donation at voyageurs.org/give. Sign up to receive future emails from Voyageurs Conservancy at voyageurs.org/subscribe.