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. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) has been named as one of only 15 certified International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world! And at over a million acres, it is the largest. Help us to celebrate our world-class dark sky at the third Dark Sky Festival!
Most presentations are FREE but with limited capacity for safety. Early sign-up is recommended.
4:30 p.m. | Winter Constellation Stories with Emma Adams | Studio 21, Grand Marais – *Ticket Required
Have you ever wondered why the Big Bear Ursa major has such a long tail? Or where some of the names of our winter constellations come from? Join Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center Naturalist Emma Adams for an hour-long program of stories explaining different mythologies and beliefs about the night sky from around the world.
BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET FOR WINTER CONSTELLATION STORIES
3 p.m. | Animals and Dark Skies with Steve Robertsen & BWCAW Dark Sky Sanctuary with Mike Crotteau | Studio 21, Grand Marais – *Ticket Required
Learn about nocturnal animals and the impacts lights have on mammals, insects and birds from Superior National Forest Interpreter Steve Robertsen. You’ll also hear about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Dark Sky Sanctuary from Gunflint District Ranger Mike Crotteau.
BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET FOR ANIMALS AND DARK SKIES & BWCAW DARK SKY SANCTUARY
4 p.m. | Saving the Dark – a Documentary Movie and Q&A with Starry Skies North IDA | Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, Grand Marais – *Ticket Required
Join members of the International Dark Sky Association Duluth Chapter, Starry Skies North, for a one hour documentary feature about the significance of astronomy and the night skies, effects of light pollution on astronomy, human health, wildlife and beyond, and what we can do to fight it. Following the documentary will be a Q&A about dark skies, light pollution and home & business lighting choices.
BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET FOR SAVING THE DARK SCREENING AND Q&A
7 p.m. | Asteroids, Meteors and Comets Oh My!! with Emma Adams | Studio 21, Grand Marais – *Ticket Required
There is a lot of stuff flying out in space. Hear from Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center Naturalist Emma Adams to find out about the history and science behind near earth objects. Near earth Objects are more commonly known as asteroids, meteors and comets. This presentation will also explore the Geminids meteor shower.
BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET FOR ASTEROIDS, METEORS AND COMETS OH MY!!
8 p.m. | Dark Sky Adventures with Travis Novitsky | Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, Grand Marais – *Ticket Required
Travis will share stories, insights, and adventures to help illuminate the mystery and beauty of the dark skies still found in Minnesota’s Arrowhead region. Travis is a life-long resident of the north shore of Lake Superior and a citizen of the Grand Portage Anishinaabe Nation. A self-taught nature and wildlife photographer, he has been photographing the night sky for over 20 years.
BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET FOR DARK SKY ADVENTURES
9:30 p.m. | Night Sky Walk | Lake Loop Trail at municipal campground, Grand Marais
Join us for a short night time walk to view constellations and experience the night sky with Caroline Torkildson, member of Starry Skies North and a Superior National Forest employee, and dark sky photographer Travis Novitsky. Bring binoculars and meet at the Grand Marais Municipal Campground. The group will take a short, accessible hike in Sweethearts Bluff Nature Area along the Lake Loop Trail. Trailhead parking is off the western road in the campground. *Night Sky Walk will be weather/conditions dependent