Join Voyageurs Conservancy in celebrating the beauty of Voyageurs National Park. From stargazing under dark skies to hands-on learning experiences, our events offer opportunities to connect, explore, and support this cherished landscape. Discover what’s coming up and be part of the adventure!
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Boreal Stargazing Week
February 9-15, 2026
Statewide In-person & Virtual ProgramsFor 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.
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Boreal Stargazing Week: Duluth Planetarium: “Painting the Universe
February 12, 2026
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Marshall W. Alworth PlanetariumExplore the colors of the night sky as we investigate the magnificent variance in the hues of stars, nebulas, and other celestial objects! Attendees will gaze into the colors of the universe within the planetarium, followed by a night hike (snowshoes provided!) in the neighboring Bagley Nature Area.
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Boreal Stargazing Week: Let’s Go to Jupiter
February 13, 2026
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Rainy Lake Visitor CenterKick off the evening with an indoor presentation by night sky educator Astro Bob, then get outside on the ice for drop-in telescope viewing. After a look at current night sky sights, we’ll blast off to Jupiter to explore its storms, aurora, and dancing moons.
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Sam Zimmerman Virtual Art Talk: “Our Relatives at Night”
February 14, 2026
Virtual Webinar
12:00-1:30 p.m. CTSam Zimmerman / Zhaawanoogiizhik (Grand Portage Ojibwe, Direct Descendent) – an artist, author and educator – will share a presentation "Our Relatives at Night" featuring art of the evening sky, including sharing of stories that inspired the pieces. Sam Zimmerman will share paintings that feature the night sky, different animal, bird, and fish relatives that are in the pieces. Children and adults of all ages and families are welcome.
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Boreal Stargazing Week: Valentine’s Day Special: XC Ski & Love Written in the Winter Sky
February 14, 2026
1:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Black Bay Trailhead, Voyageurs National ParkJoin Park Rangers and members of the Polar Polers Nordic Ski Club for a fun cross-country ski or snowshoe adventure. Then, after a brief indoor presentation, gather around a campfire and explore the night sky through telescopes and hear love stories from the stars at Black Bay trailhead.
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"Sky-Tinted Water" – Performance with the Rochester Symphony
Feburary 21, 2026
5:30-9:00 p.m.
Mayo Civic Center, Rochester MNRochester native and composer, Marko Bajzer, joins Rochester Symphony to present new music celebrating the 50th anniversary of Voyageurs National Park. Sky-Tinted Water reflects the beauty of the natural landscape and cultural history of northern Minnesota. Connect with Voyageurs Conservancy before the concert at a happy hour and pre-concert talk.
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Voyageurs National Park Trip Planning Webinar Series: Voyageurs 101
March 5, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CST
Free, Virtual WebinarLooking for a national park adventure but not sure where to start with Voyageurs? Join Voyageurs Conservancy, National Park Service staff, and representatives from the park’s gateway communities for a beginner-focused introduction to planning your first trip to Voyageurs National Park.
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Voyageurs National Park Trip Planning Webinar Series: Paddling, Boating & Camping in Voyageurs
April 7, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CST
Free, Virtual WebinarDreaming of paddling between island campsites, navigating big water by boat, or planning your first overnight trip in Voyageurs National Park? Join Voyageurs Conservancy, National Park Service staff, experienced paddlers, and gateway community partners for a practical, trip-planning-focused webinar designed for visitors ready to explore the park by water.
Scroll down for all of our upcoming events!
Full Event Listings:
Boreal Stargazing Week
A WEEK OF DISCOVERY, STARGAZING, AND NIGHTTIME WONDER
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 Week: Let's Go to Jupiter!
5:30-6:15 p.m: Indoor presentation with Astro Bob, author and night sky educator.
6:15-8:30 p.m: Step outside for telescope viewing at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Drop by and stay as long as you’d like.
After a look at current night sky sights, we blast off for Jupiter and learn all about its storms, aurora and dancing moons.
Sam Zimmerman Virtual Art Talk: “Our Relatives at Night”
Sam Zimmerman / Zhaawanoogiizhik (Grand Portage Ojibwe, Direct Descendent) – an artist, author and educator – will share a presentation "Our Relatives at Night" featuring art of the evening sky, including sharing of stories that inspired the pieces. Sam Zimmerman will share paintings that feature the night sky, different animal, bird, and fish relatives that are in the pieces. Children and adults of all ages and families are welcome.
Boreal Stargazing Week: Valentine’s Day Special: XC Ski & Love Written in the Winter Sky
Join Park Rangers and members of the Polar Polers Nordic Ski Club for a fun cross-country ski adventure. Winter equipment (skis and snowshoes) is available to borrow from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center for free while supplies last.
After skiing, gather around a campfire and explore the night sky through telescopes and hear love stories from the stars at Black Bay Beaver Pond. A short hike, snowshoe, ski, or drive will lead you to the viewing area.
No registration needed for either portion – meet at the trailhead.
"Sky-Tinted Water" – Performance with the Rochester Symphony
Composer & 2024 Artist-in-Residence Marko Bajzer will debut an original symphony orchestra piece, “Sky-Tinted Water,” inspired by the landscapes of Voyageurs. Concerts will take place at venues throughout Minnesota next fall to commemorate the 50th.
Voyageurs National Park Trip Planning Webinar Series: Voyageurs 101
Dreaming of a national park adventure but not sure where to start with Voyageurs? Join Voyageurs Conservancy, National Park Service staff, and representatives from the park’s gateway communities for a beginner-focused introduction to planning your first trip to Voyageurs National Park.
This free webinar is designed for first-time visitors, families, and travelers who are planning to experience the park from the mainland. We’ll cover what makes Voyageurs unique, the many ways to explore the park, and how to choose the trip style that’s right for you.
Voyageurs National Park Trip Planning Webinar Series: Paddling, Boating & Camping in Voyageurs
Dreaming of paddling between island campsites, navigating big water by boat, or planning your first overnight trip in Voyageurs National Park? Join Voyageurs Conservancy, National Park Service staff, experienced paddlers, and gateway community partners for a practical, trip-planning-focused webinar designed for visitors ready to explore the park by water.
This free webinar is geared toward canoeists, kayakers, boaters, and campers who want to feel prepared before heading out onto Voyageurs’ large lakes and island-studded waterways. We’ll walk through route planning, permits, campsite logistics, safety considerations, and gear essentials, plus common mistakes to avoid and tips for a successful trip.
Boreal Stargazing Week: Duluth Planetarium: “Painting the Universe"
Explore the colors of the night sky as we investigate the magnificent variance in the hues of stars, nebulas, and other celestial objects! Attendees will gaze into the colors of the universe within the planetarium, followed by a night hike (snowshoes provided!) in the neighboring Bagley Nature Area.
Voyageurs Trip Planning Webinar Series: Winter Safety & Trip Planning
Learn what makes winter at Voyageurs unique while getting essential guidance on ice safety, winter access, gear, and preparedness. Park staff will share firsthand insights and answer questions to help you plan a safe and rewarding winter experience.
Perfect for anyone planning a winter visit or wanting to learn more about exploring Voyageurs during its coldest season.
Voyageurs at The Great Northern Festival
Connect with Voyageurs Conservancy at The Great Northern Festival in Minneapolis!
Join us at the Climate Action Fair on Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, where we’ll be sharing tips on winter recreation and ice safety, and highlighting our region’s spectacular night skies, which are at their clearest during the winter months!
On Family Day, Sunday, February 1, enjoy a special presentation from our education team.
Wild Teaching and Learning: Winter Tree ID
Winter is an excellent time to foster a connection with the natural world by learning to identify local trees. Join Naturalist Moss Kupper for an exploration of the Hartley Nature Area's winter forest. We will focus on the patterns in branching structure, bark, and bud scars along the trails to deepen understanding of this environment.
Nature at Nine: Discover the Wonders of Voyageurs National Park
Discover the natural and cultural wonders that shape every experience at Voyageurs National Park. Voyageurs Conservancy staff will highlight the stories of the park’s landscape, waters, Ojibwe homelands, Voyageurs and the fur trade, wildlife, and the many people connected to this place. Learn how these treasures guide our work in youth education, scientific research, and community connection – and explore the many ways you can help protect and celebrate Minnesota’s national park.
Pints for the Park: Wild State Cider
Join us for our free Pints for the Park event at Wild State Cider in Duluth on Friday, March 24. Plan your next Voyageurs trip with Conservancy staff, play national park trivia, and connect with fellow park enthusiasts!
Wild Teaching and Learning: Identifying Plant Relatives
Get to know some of the plant relatives that exist in Minnesota’s Northwoods. We'll begin indoors by exploring Indigenous Ojibwe stories and Western scientific perspectives on the plants that inhabit this land. Afterward, we'll venture onto the trails of Bagley Nature Area to observe how local plants and animals are preparing for winter.
Wild Teaching and Learning is a series of nature-based learning experiences that center on themes of current seasonal happenings in Duluth, comparing these findings to phenology at Voyageurs National Park. Sessions are designed for educators, though all adults are welcome to attend.
Member Impact Breakfast
Rise and shine, friends of Voyageurs. Our annual member breakfast is fast approaching, and we are thrilled to welcome Graham Lee, author of Jun Fujita: Behind the Camera, as our featured speaker at this year’s gathering.
"Sky-Tinted Water" – Performance with Bemidji Symphony Orchestra
Composer and 2024 Artist-in-Residence Marko Bajzer will debut an original symphony orchestra piece, Sky-Tinted Water, inspired by the landscapes of Voyageurs. The concert program will also feature Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 and Eric Ewazen’s Piano Concerto with Tammy Miller as soloist.
Voyageurs National Park Educator Retreat
Immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Voyageurs National Park while rejuvenating your passion for teaching! Our annual educator retreats offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature, collaborate with fellow educators, and gain hands-on experience in environmental education.
Whether you're a classroom teacher, outdoor instructor, or homeschool educator, our retreats provide the tools, inspiration, and knowledge to bring environmental stewardship to life for your students! Our retreats create an unforgettable experience that blends professional development with the serenity of the great outdoors.
Wild Teaching and Learning: Fall Foraging
You can forage in the Autumn woods! Join Moss Kupper, Education Coordinator and Northwoods Naturalist, on a hike to explore and forage through Hartley Nature Area. This session will focus on easy-to-identify medicinal and edible plants, while also discussing other wild edibles that can be found during the harvest season.
Wild Teaching and Learning is a series of nature-based learning experiences that center on themes of current seasonal happenings in Duluth, comparing these findings to phenology at Voyageurs National Park. Sessions are designed for educators, though all adults are welcome to attend.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Bell Museum Statewide Star Party
Join us for Bell Musuem’s sixth annual Statewide Star Party! This year’s theme, Aurora Voyage: Chasing the Northern Lights, is an invitation to celebrate the beauty of Minnesota’s northern skies and learn more about this beloved phenomena. Every star party will celebrate their own interpretation of this theme in unique, fun and exciting ways!
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Voyageurs National Park Star Party
Experience the beauty and wonder of the night sky at the Voyageurs Star Party, a series of free astronomy events taking place Labor Day Weekend, August 29 - 30 at Voyageurs National Park. This event is open to all ages and welcomes everyone, from amateur astronomers to first-time stargazers.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Voyageurs at the Minnesota State Fair
Visit with Voyageurs Conservancy and National Park Staff at the Great Minnesota Get-Together! Visit our booth to connect with park experts, talk all things trip-planning, enter to win Voyageurs-inspired prizes, and celebrate the park’s 50th birthday!
Voyageurs at Minnesota United FC
Join us at a Minnesota United FC game! Our Voyageurs Classroom will be on the Great Lawn outside of the stadium from 5-7 PM. At 7:30 PM our Voyageurs Classroom Initiative will be recognized during the game.
Don't forget to get some Loons gear at the team store! A portion of proceeds from the stadium store will benefit Voyageurs Conservancy all throughout August.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.
Park After Dark
Attend this joint program hosted by Voyageurs Conservancy's dark sky specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador and a Voyageurs National Park ranger for a night of stargazing and discovery. Begin with a short program exploring what it means to be a dark sky park and why preserving natural darkness matters. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the night with a 60-minute guided experience, featuring powerful telescopes, constellation tours, and stunning views.