A comprehensive set of guidelines we encourage all astrophotographers to follow. Our goal is to ensure that those capturing the beauty of the night are …
Superior Dark Sky Experience
October 15-17th, 2026
Discover the Magic of the Night Sky!
Join us in Lake County, Minnesota, for the Superior Dark Sky Experience, a captivating event that celebrates the beauty of the night sky in one of the most pristine natural environments in the region. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos and learn about the importance of preserving our dark skies.
Download a printable schedule here
Thursday, October 15th - Silver Bay Library 9 Davis Drive, Silver Bay, MN 55614
This is our tentative schedule. Please note that there may be changes to time and subject as we continue to refine our event schedule.
Welcome - Todd Burlet, Starry Skies North
3:00 pm
We are thrilled to have Todd Burlet kicking off the Superior Dark Sky Experience. Todd is president of the Starry Skies North chapter of DarkSky International. Join Todd as he talks about Dark Skies and answers questions for the newbie through advanced Dark Sky fan. We are so grateful to have Todd involved in our event from beginning to end. The only thing Todd loves more than talking about and advocating for Dark Skies is getting others fired up about it!
Creatures of the Night - Kurt Mead, Tettegouche Naturalist
3:45
Join Tettegouche State Park Naturalist, Kurt Mead for an engaging look at flying squirrels. Learn about their unique adaptations, the vital role they play in healthy ecosystems, and how preserving dark night skies helps protect these remarkable nocturnal creatures.
Night Sky and Light Pollution - Bob King
4:30 pm
Join “Astro Bob” (Bob King) for an engaging talk about the impact of light pollution on our night skies and what we can do about it.
Solar Telescope - Sidewalk Astronomy
5:15 pmÂ
Safely observe the Sun through specially equipped solar telescopes and get a closer look at sunspots, solar flares, and other features of our nearest star.
Friday, October 16th - Tettegouche State Park Visitor Center 5702 Highway 61, Silver Bay MN 55614
This is our tentative schedule. Please note that there may be changes to time and subject as we continue to refine our event schedule.
Exploradome
3:00 pm – End of Event
Learn about the night sky in the Bell Museum’s mobile planetarium, the ExploraDome. Shows are about 30 minutes long and will run all throughout the event.
Dave Stieler, Wolf Ridge
4:00 pm
More information coming soon
Live Music with Robin Sunquiet
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Northern Saw-whet Owl Banding with David Grosshuesch
7:00 pm – End of Event
The north shore of Lake Superior is a major migration corridor for birds, including the Northern Saw-whet owl. However, the owl migration is typically unseen as they migrate at night. We will be going outside to capture and band Northern Saw-whet owls. We will be using a playback system to broadcast the call of the Northern Saw-whet owl to lure them into mist nets. We will check nets every 30-45 minutes to extract any owls, at which point we’ll band them and collect some additional information (e.g. age and sex) before releasing them to continue their journey south.
Telescope Viewing with Steve Robertson & Todd Burlet
7:30 pm to End of Event
View objects in our solar system, the Milky Way, and beyond through optical and digital telescopes. Steve Robertson and Todd Burlett will guide you with a laser tour of constellations and deep-sky objects, helping you impress your family and friends later.Â
What to Bring:
- Red Flashlight: Essential for protecting your night vision. White lights are not allowed in the telescope viewing area.
- Binoculars:Â Enhance your view of the stars and constellations. Bring your telescope if you have one.
- Chair and Blanket:Â Get comfortable as you gaze at the heavens. A blanket will help keep you warm.
Saturday, October 17th - Black Beach Inn 150 Mensing Drive Silver Bay, MN 55614
This is our tentative schedule. Please note that there may be changes to time and subject as we continue to refine our event schedule.
Welcome with Mike and Todd Burlet
4:00 pm
We are thrilled to have Todd Burlet kicking off the Superior Dark Sky Experience. Todd is president of the Starry Skies North chapter of DarkSky International. Join Todd as he explores how light pollution affects pretty much everyone and everything, then decide if the impacts on everything from blueberries to walleyes and algae to good ZZZ’s makes you a believer too.
Author Talk with Sam Zimmerman
5:00 pm
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Astro Bob - TBD
6:00 pm
Astro Bob (Bob King), is a photographer, writer and amateur astronomer living in Duluth, MN. He released his third book, “Magnificent Aurora: Your complete guide to Nature’s Greatest Light Show” in 2024. Bob will share his passion and knowledge about star gazing, our solar system, constellations, northern lights and more.
Telescope Viewing
7:30 pmÂ
View objects in our solar system, the Milky Way, and beyond through optical and digital telescopes. Astro Bob and local astronomers will guide you with a laser tour of constellations and deep-sky objects, helping you impress your family and friends later.Â
What to Bring:
- Red Flashlight:Â Essential for protecting your night vision. White lights are not allowed in the telescope viewing area.
- Binoculars:Â Enhance your view of the stars and constellations. Bring your telescope if you have one.
- Chair and Blanket:Â Get comfortable as you gaze at the heavens. A blanket will help keep you warm.
Night Vision Stargazing
7:30 pmÂ
Explore the night in a new way with guided night vision stargazing with Low Light Experiences, LLC.
Plan Your Visit:
Stargazing and Sky Watching
Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just curious, this informal astronomy night is for everyone. Bring your telescope, binoculars, or simply an appreciation for the night sky. View objects in our solar system, the Milky Way, and beyond through optical and digital telescopes. Astronomers will guide you with a laser tour of constellations and deep-sky objects, helping you impress your family and friends later.
What to Bring:
- Red Flashlight: Essential for protecting your night vision. White lights are not allowed in the telescope viewing area.
- Binoculars: Enhance your view of the stars and constellations. Bring your telescope if you have one.
- Chair and Blanket: Get comfortable as you gaze at the heavens. A blanket will help keep you warm.
Special Programs and Activities
Enjoy a variety of programs on the importance of dark skies for both humans and wildlife. Learn how preserving dark skies benefits our environment, health, and connection to nature.
- Click the Schedule tab to see a listing of all of our awesome speakers and activities.
- Kids’ Activities: STEM & craft activities for children will be available all day, along with an outdoor story walk.
- The Explorer Dome (mobile planetarium) will be in the community center and available all day. Â
- After the speakers, Astro Bob will lead us on a tour of the night sky. Telescope viewing and night vision stargazing with Low Light Experiences will begin as soon as it’s dark (around 7:45 pm).
- Hands-on photography workshop with Marc Rassel – registration required.
- Northern Saw-whet owl banding with David Grosshuesch
Lodging
Book your stay now. Explore a wide range of lodging options in the area.
Tickets & Registration:
No tickets are necessary! Just come and enjoy the events and activities.
Get Involved:
Interested in volunteering or becoming a sponsor? We’d love to have your support! Fill out our Volunteer Form or contact Amy at info@superiordarksky.org for details.
Community Dark Sky Activities & Offers
Black Beach Inn by GrandStay Silver Bay, MN
Planning to attend the Superior Dark Sky Experience, Oct. 15–17? Make a weekend of it and stay close to the stars!
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Receive 15% off your reservation when you attend the Superior Dark Skies Event. Black Beach Inn will be hosting the activities on Saturday.
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Call 833-498-1640 to reserve your room today!
Restrictions may apply. Contact hotel directly for complete details.
Black Beach Mini Golf Silver Bay, M
Glow Golf!
More details soon
Our Place Finland, MN
Crossings Bar & Grill Cove Point Lodge, Beaver Bay, MN
Two One Ate Beaver Bay, MN
Green Door Beaver Bay, MN
Silver Bay Lounge Silver Bay, MN
Advertise your Dark Sky Special here! Local businesses only please
Lake County, Minnesota businesses offering dark-sky themed discounts, specials or themed products and services in honor of the Superior Dark Sky Event can have their specials showcased here for FREE!Â
Contact info@superiordarksky.org with the details of your offer. Be sure to include your contact information!
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Why the Superior Dark Sky Experience?
The Night Skies of Western Lake Superior: A National Treasure
The night skies along western Lake Superior are among the clearest and most vibrant in the United States. This region, far from the bright lights of urban centers, offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way, distant galaxies, and meteor showers. The combination of low light pollution and the vast, open landscapes creates an exceptional stargazing environment, drawing visitors from across the country.
These dark skies are not just a natural wonder; they are a critical resource that needs to be preserved. Light pollution is a growing issue worldwide, impacting wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. By protecting the night skies of Lake County, we ensure that future generations can continue to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos.
Learn more about Light Pollution
What is Light Poilution?
Light Pollution - Facts, Figures and Effects
The Movement to Save Our Skies
The Solution is Easy!
The Impact of Light Pollution on Insects
Lights Out for Birds
Birds and Artificial Light At Night
5 Principles of Outdoor Lighting
Light Wisely
Blinded by the Glare
Light Trespass
Blue Light