Top > In the News... > Voyageurs - Stargazing Week (Feb 9-15)
Boreal Stargazing Week
FEBRUARY 9-15, 2026
A WEEK OF DISCOVERY, STARGAZING, AND NIGHTTIME WONDER
Virtual Education Programs & Statewide Community Events
For generations, humans have looked to the stars for inspiration and connection. Located along the Minnesota-Canadian border is a rare sanctuary for starry skies. Voyageurs National Park and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota make up one of the largest Dark Sky Regions in the world.
Boreal Stargazing programs are brought to you by Voyageurs Conservancy, Friends of the Boundary Waters, Starry Skies North, the National Park Service, Superior National Forest, Expeditions in Education, Polar Polers Ski Club, the Wood Lake Nature Center, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and The Bell Museum.
Why are we celebrating?
Boreal Stargazing Week returns February 9–15, 2026, celebrating Minnesota’s remarkable dark skies with virtual programs for schools and community events across the state. This year’s theme, “The Art of the Night Sky,” highlights how science, creativity, and conservation come together under the stars.
Students and community members can enjoy snowshoeing and skiing outings, telescope sessions, live conversations with astronomers, and hands-on activities that explore the connections between art, astronomy, and our protected night skies. With both virtual and in-person programs, there are countless ways to experience the Northwoods after dark and learn why Minnesota is home to one of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Sanctuaries.
Join us in celebrating Minnesota's remarkable dark skies – where science meets art, and wonder illuminates the winter night.
Minnesota science teachers should know about:
