Voyageurs Star Party — Voyageurs Conservancy

 Voyageurs Star Party 2024
August 9 - 10

Take in the wonder of an International Dark Sky Park at the fourth-annual Voyageurs Star Party!

Experience the beauty and wonder of the night sky at the Voyageurs Star Party, a series of free astronomy events taking place August 9 - 10 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!

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.


Star Party Program Schedule

Click the arrow to view the full schedule of Star Party events

Featured Programs

Dark Sky Ranger Programs

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

How to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower with “Astro” Bob King

Join amateur astronomer and planetarium educator “Astro” Bob King for an awe-inspiring presentation during one of the year's richest and most enjoyable meteor showers. In this program we will learn where Perseids come from and when to see them best. 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


Things to Know about the 2024 Star Party

Click here to download a helpful Things to Know Before You Join Us PDF


Ben Sunne

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in partnering or sponsoring the 2024 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:

Backus Community Center

International Falls Library

THE GREATEST WILDERNESS IS THE ONE OVER YOUR HEAD - YOU ONLY NEED TO LOOK UP.

- Astro Bob King

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.