Voyageurs Astronomy Retreat
Voyageurs Astronomy Retreat | October 9–11, 2026
Step beneath some of the darkest skies in North America and immerse yourself in a weekend dedicated to exploring the universe.
The Voyageurs Astronomer Retreat is an immersive three-day, two-night experience designed for amateur astronomers & dark sky enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of the night sky. Whether you're taking your first steps into astronomy or looking to build confidence using your own telescope, this retreat combines expert instruction with exceptional observing opportunities beneath the pristine skies of Voyageurs National Park, an International Dark Sky Park.
Throughout the retreat, participants will learn how to navigate the night sky, identify constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects, and confidently operate telescopes during guided observing sessions. A highlight of the experience is the opportunity to observe through professional-grade telescopes while receiving hands-on instruction from experienced educators. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own telescopes and binoculars for personalized guidance on setup, operation, and observing techniques.
By the end of the weekend, you'll leave with practical observing skills, a deeper understanding of astronomy, and the confidence to continue exploring the night sky long after the retreat concludes.
No prior astronomy experience is required—only curiosity, enthusiasm, and a desire to learn!
Meet Your Instructor: Jesse Gates
The retreat is led by Jesse Gates, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, former National Park Service Interpretive Ranger, and Voyageurs Conservancy's Dark Sky Initiative Coordinator.
Jesse has spent years inspiring people of all ages to explore the night sky through hands-on astronomy education. After earning his degree in Geosciences from Humboldt State University, he worked as a National Park Service interpretive ranger, including at Bryce Canyon National Park, another internationally recognized dark sky destination.
Since joining Voyageurs Conservancy in 2021, Jesse has helped establish Voyageurs as one of the Midwest's premier destinations for astronomy education. He leads the park's popular Park After Dark programs, coordinates the annual Voyageurs Star Party, develops astronomy programming for schools, and has introduced many thousands of visitors and students to the wonders of the night sky.
In 2025, Jesse became a NASA Solar System Ambassador, joining a national network of educators dedicated to sharing NASA science and inspiring communities through astronomy.
Known for his engaging teaching style and infectious enthusiasm, Jesse combines scientific expertise with approachable instruction to help participants build the knowledge and confidence to become lifelong observers of the night sky.
Voyageurs Astronomy Retreat 2026: Full Program Schedule
Click the arrow to view the full schedule of Star Party events
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Welcome
1:00–1:30 PMIntroduction to Constellations
1:30–2:00 PMBreak
2:00–2:15 PMTelescope Work
2:15–3:15 PMBreak
3:15–3:30 PMSpace & Astronomy
3:00–4:00 PMDinner & Evening Break
4:00–7:30 PMIntro to the Night Sky
7:30–8:00 PMNight Sky Viewing
8:00–11:00 PM -
"Northern Nights Starry Skies" Film Showing
1:00-2:00 PM and 3:00-4:00 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.Become a Dark Sky Junior
6:30 - 8:30 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.Combating Light Pollution with Starry Skies North
6:30 - 8:30 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.S’mores & Stories
6:30 - 9:00 PM
Enjoy a family-friendly time around the campfire with free s’mores and reading children’s books about the stars.
Sunset and Starry Night Paddles (Canoemobile with Wilderness Inquiry)
6:30 - 10:30 PM
In partnership with Voyageurs Conservancy and the National Park Service, Wilderness Inquiry is thrilled to bring Canoemobile to the Voyageurs National Park 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!Special guest speaker
8:00 - 9:00 PM
Coming Soon!Telescope Night: Exploring the Skies Together
9:00 - 11:00 PM
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 3:00-4:00 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.Become a Dark Sky Junior
6:30 - 8:30 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.Combating Light Pollution with Starry Skies North
6:30 - 8:30 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.S’mores & Stories
6:30 - 9:00 PM
Enjoy a family-friendly time around the campfire with free s’mores and reading children’s books about the stars.
Sunset and Starry Night Paddles (Canoemobile with Wilderness Inquiry)
6:30 - 10:30 PM
In partnership with Voyageurs Conservancy and the National Park Service, Wilderness Inquiry is thrilled to bring Canoemobile to the Voyageurs National Park 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!Special guest speaker
8:00 - 9:00 PM
Coming Soon!Telescope Night: Exploring the Skies Together
9:00 - 11:00 PM
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.
Voyageurs Astronomy Retreat
Things to Know:
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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 -
Please arrange your lodging accommodations early!
Lodging is not included in the registration fee.
To make planning easy, a block of rooms has been reserved for retreat participants at Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats, where retreat activities will also take place. Participants are welcome to reserve accommodations through Voyagaire or choose other lodging options in the area.
Reservation information and booking instructions for the participant room block: ADD DETAILS HERE FOR THIS
Contact General Manager Scott Lennander and the staff at Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats to arrange accommodations:
Directions From Orr, Minnesota
Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats is located at the southernmost entrance to Voyageurs National Park on beautiful Crane Lake. We are only 27 miles from Orr, and can be accessed by automobile from Highway 23 off Highway 53. From downtown Orr where you will see signs for Crane Lake, travel east on County Road 23 to Buyck. Stay on 23 to the end of the road.
Distances from Major Midwestern Cities
Duluth – 142 miles
Minneapolis – 285 milesFargo – 325 miles
SiouxFalls – 423 milesMilwaukee – 577 miles
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Your registration includes:
Three days of immersive astronomy programming led by NASA Solar System Ambassador Jesse Gates
Guided daytime workshops and evening observing sessions
Access to professional-grade telescopes and astronomy equipment
Personalized instruction on telescope setup, operation, and observing techniques
Opportunities to use your own telescope with expert guidance (optional)
Educational materials and astronomy resources
All meals throughout the retreat, beginning with lunch on Friday and concluding with lunch on Sunday
A Voyageurs Conservancy welcome gift and retreat keepsake
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Participants should plan to bring:
Comfortable, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing (including warm layers for cool evenings)
Sturdy walking shoes
Water bottle
Headlamp or flashlight with a red light mode (recommended)
Personal binoculars (optional)
Personal telescope (optional, if you would like instruction using your own equipment)
Personal medications and any other items needed for comfort during outdoor programming
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If you require specific accommodations for the Voyageurs Astronomy Retreat, like sign language interpretation or wheelchair access, please contact us right away so we can do our best to make arrangements: brandon@voyageurs.org.
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Cancellations
For the safety of participants and staff, we may cancel this program in the event of inclement weather or hazardous conditions. Participants will be notified via email and event pages will be updated if the program is cancelled.
Mixed Precipitation cancels shows when temperatures are above 98 degrees Fahrenheit, winds exceed 45 mph, there is thunder & lightning, or the air quality index is 160 or above.
Decisions to cancel are often made only 1-2 hours before showtime or after a weather delay. All CDC protocols and local guidelines are carefully followed and may also result in a cancellation.
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 VCMinimum Enrollment Not Met
This program requires a minimum number of participants to run (5 participants). If minimum enrollment is not reached, Voyageurs Conservancy reserves the right to cancel the program. Participants will be notified via email as soon as a decision is made.
Refunds
There are no refunds for participant-initiated cancellations.
Still have questions?
Please contact Jesse Gates at jgates@voyageurs.org or
Brandon Güell at brandon@voyageurs.org for more information.
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.