Everything You Need to Know about the MN Dark Sky Festival

November 2024

Nestled along Minnesota’s North Shore, the annual Dark Sky Festival in Cook County offers a unique opportunity to experience some of the darkest skies in the world. From December 12-14, 2024, this festival invites explorers, adventurers, artists, and photographers to immerse themselves in the wonders of the northern night sky, including the mesmerizing northern lights and the Milky Way.

Festival Highlights:

Educational Presentations: Engage with experts through talks and panel discussions on topics like light pollution and its effects. Notably, the Minnesota Star Tribune will facilitate a panel on light pollution, offering insights into its impact on our environment.
Interactive Workshops: Participate in hands-on activities, such as building your own Moon or Mars lander with guidance from NASA representatives. This workshop provides a unique opportunity to learn about space exploration in an engaging setting.
Artistic Performances: Experience the “Untitled Night” dance performance, inspired by the beauty of dark skies, and attend a book signing with author Stephanie Vermillion, who will discuss her new book, “100 Nights of a Lifetime.”
Stargazing Opportunities: Join guided night sky walks and telescope viewing sessions to observe celestial wonders firsthand. The festival also features a portable planetarium provided by the University of Minnesota Duluth, offering immersive astronomical experiences.

Detailed Schedule of Events:

Thursday, December 12:

4:00 PM: Author Talk & Book Signing with Stephanie Vermillion on her new book, “100 Nights of a Lifetime.” Location: Studio 21, Grand Marais.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Thursday Art Night: Painting the Aurora and Night Skies. Location: Joy & Co., Grand Marais.
5:00 PM: Dark Skies Paint & Sip. Location: Surfside Ballroom, Tofte.
7:00 PM: Presentation & Panel on Light Pollution facilitated by the Star Tribune. Location: Studio 21, Grand Marais.

Friday, December 13:

4:00 PM: “Untitled Night” Dark Sky Dance Performance. Location: Grand Marais.
6:30 PM: “Wandering around Mars” presentation by Andrea Jones, planetary geologist and Public Engagement Lead of the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Location: Grand Marais.
7:30 PM: “Cosmic Perspective: How Astrophotography Shifted My Perspective on the Cosmos & Earth” by Kyle Johnson. Location: Grand Marais.

Saturday, December 14:

10:00 AM: “Journey to the Moon & Mars: Touchdown! - Build Your Own Lander” with NASA. Location: Studio 21, Grand Marais.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Telescope Viewing & Night Vision Opportunities. Location: Grand Marais.

Ongoing Activities:

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM: Documentary Screening: “Northern Nights, Starry Skies.” Location: Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center.
Art Exhibit: “Dark Skies” featuring the artwork of Kim Dayton. Location: Gunflint Lodge.

Why Cook County?

Cook County is home to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), designated as one of only 17 certified International Dark Sky Sanctuaries worldwide. Spanning over a million acres, it stands as the largest sanctuary, providing an unparalleled backdrop for stargazing and night sky photography.

Planning Your Visit:

• Accommodations: Given the festival’s popularity, it’s advisable to book your stay in advance. Options range from cozy cabins to lakeside lodges, catering to various preferences.

• Attire: December in Minnesota can be chilly. Dress warmly in layers to ensure comfort during outdoor activities, especially nighttime stargazing sessions.

• Transportation: Grand Marais is accessible by car, with scenic drives along Highway 61 offering breathtaking views of Lake Superior. Ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter driving conditions.

Additional Information:

For a detailed schedule of events and more information, visit the official festival page.

Embrace the magic of Minnesota’s night skies at the Dark Sky Festival—a celebration of nature’s nocturnal beauty and a reminder of the importance of preserving our dark sky sanctuaries.