December 7 – 9, 2023
Cook County is home to one of the darkest skies in the world. Every year, explorers, adventurers, artists, and photographers from around the world travel to Cook County to experience the northern lights and night sky. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) has been named one of only 17 certified International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world! At over a million acres, it is the largest. Help celebrate our world-class dark sky at the fifth Dark Sky Festival!
Make your reservation for the three-course Dark Skies Dinner including Supernova Skewers, Stellar Chicken Parmigiana, and Meteor Trail Turnovers. See the menu details and call 218-388-2294 to make your reservation.
From 7- 8:00 p.m., co-chair of Chik-Wauk Dark Sky Committee David Coleman will do a presentation on darkness, the aurora, and photography.
Enjoy telescope observations with Shawn Williams and photography demonstrations with David Coleman.
Join the resident naturalists at Gunflint Lodge for a nighttime hike, where you’ll venture up onto the hills and cliffs that overlook Gunflint Lake in order to have a fuller view of the starlit horizon. For this hike you will be provided red flashlights, which do not disrupt the natural light sensitivity of your eyes, allowing you to adjust to the darkness much more quickly upon arriving at the destination. You will also be provided foam padding for stargazers to lay down comfortably while we soak in the sights above. During the hike and after arriving at our stargazing outpost, Gunflint Lodge naturalists will present some interesting stories, legends, and commentary about darkness, night skies, and constellations for your enjoyment. Come along for a once-in-a-lifetime dark sky experience.
Reserve your spot for the guided night hike by calling 218-388-2294.