The Cultural and Personal Impact of Light Pollution Since the dawn of humanity, we have relied on the night sky […]
Lake County Superior Dark Sky Experience
October 25th - 26th, 2024
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.
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.
When you arrive, please use your vehicle parking lights instead of headlights to minimize disruption to the stargazers.
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.
- Film Screening: Watch Northern Nights, Starry Skies, a documentary celebrating the beauty of the world’s largest Dark Sky sanctuary.
- Panel Discussion: Engage with experts in a lively discussion where you can ask anything about dark skies and their significance.
- Kids’ Activities: Fun and educational activities for children will be available indoors, ensuring the whole family can enjoy the experience.
Intro to Night Sky Photography
Join our Intro to Astrophotography Workshop. Bring your camera, a basic understanding of manual mode, a red headlamp, and a tripod. The workshop includes both indoor and outdoor hands-on sessions.
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.
Download a printable schedule here
Friday, October 25th - Mary MacDonald Bldg 99 Edison Blvd, Silver Bay, MN 55614
Intro to Dark Skies
3:30 pm
We are thrilled to have Todd Burlet kicking off Lake County’s first ever Superior Dark Sky Experience. Todd is president of the Starry Skies North chapter of the International Dark Sky Association. Join Todd as he talks about Dark Sky 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 Sky is getting others fired up about it!
How Light Pollution Impacts Wildlife
4:30 pm
From bats to birds, butterflies and fish, wildlife are increasingly threatened by light pollution, but simple solutions can help. Kurt Mead, Tettegouche State Park Naturalist will tell us what we can do to help the wildlife in our area.
Northern Nights, Starry Skies Film
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Join us at the Silver Bay Library at 3 pm for a special showing of the film “Northern Nights, Starry Skies”. This documentary showcases starry skies and cultural astronomers. Co-produced by WDSE and Hamline University, it also discusses ways to reduce light pollution. Don’t miss out, a discussion will follow.
Film Discussion and Dark Skies Q&A
6:00 pm
Following the film, you will have a chance to ask questions about the film and anything you want to know about dark skies and their importance.
Saturday, October 26th - Finland Community Center 6866 Cramer Rd, Finland, MN 55603
Welcome - Todd Burlet, Starry Skies North
3:00 pm
We are thrilled to have Todd Burlet kicking off Lake County’s first ever Superior Dark Sky Experience. Todd is president of the Starry Skies North chapter of the International Dark Sky Association. Join Todd as he talks about Dark Sky 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 Sky is getting others fired up about it!
Northern Nights, Starry Skies Film Screening and Discussion
3:30 pm
Before the film, author and photographer Travis Novitsky will discuss the importance of night skies to the Ojibwe and Dakota cultures and introduce his new book, “Spirits Dancing: The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, & Living Connections to the Cosmos.”
4:30 pm
Join us for a screening of “Northern Nights, Starry Skies”, a one-hour documentary that showcases starry skies and cultural astronomers. Co-produced by WDSE and Hamline University, it also discusses ways to reduce light pollution.
Panel Discussion Q&A
5:30 pm 
Engage with experts in a lively discussion where you can ask anything about dark skies and their significance.
How Light Pollution Impacts Wildlife
6:00 pm
From bats to birds, butterflies and fish, wildlife are increasingly threatened by light pollution, but simple solutions can help. Kurt Mead, Tettegouche State Park Naturalist will tell us what we can do to help the wildlife in our area.
Intro to Night Sky Photography
6:15 pm
Learn how to capture images of the Milky Way and the aurora borealis with tips from local photographers, Andy and Jill Beim. An indoor class will be followed by hands-on workshop outdoors. Bring your camera, a basic understanding of manual mode, a red headlamp, and a tripod. Get more details about the class and register here.
Telescope Viewing
7:00 pm
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.
Night Vision Stargazing
7:00 pm
Explore the night in a new way with guided night vision stargazing with Low Light Experiences, LLC.
Kids Make & Take Activities / Astronomy Kits
Throughout the event
Shannon Walz, Silver Bay Library Director will be leading Make & Take dark sky themed crafts for kids. She will also bring along two astronomy kits that are available for checkout at the library. Each kit has a pair of Skymaster binoculars and two astronomy books – all you need to get started for Superior Star Gazing!
Community Dark Sky Activities & Offers
Dark Skies Rate Special! Black Beach Inn, Silver Bay
Oct. 25th & 26th
Reserve a room during the Superior Dark Skies Event for the special rate of $110 per night plus tax. Call 833-498-1640 to reserve your room.
Restrictions may apply. Contact hotel directly for complete details.
Dark Sky Painting Workshop North Shore Area Partners, Silver Bay
Oct. 22nd – 1:30 to 3 pm
Join North Shore Area Partners on Tuesday 10/22 for an intergenerational crafting opportunity! They will be painting night sky landscapes on canvas.
Northern Lights Dark Chocolate Ice Cream! Two One Ate, Beaver Bay
Oct. 25th & 26th
Indulge in the celestial delight of Northern Lights Dark Chocolate Ice Cream from Two One Ate, crafted just for the Superior Dark Sky Experience—rich, velvety chocolate inspired by the magic of our starry northern skies!
Dark Sky Pizza Special! Zoe's Pizza, Silver Bay
Oct. 25th & 26th
Enjoy the Dark Sky Pizza from Zoe’s Pizza in Silver Bay—a 16″ large for $30, topped with sausage, peppers, onions, and black cheese. This tasty creation looks like the moon encompassing the night sky, perfect for the Superior Dark Sky Experience!
Dark Skies Drink Special! Our Place, Finland
Oct. 25th & 26th
Stop by Our Place in Finland, MN during the Superior Dark Sky Experience and enjoy $5 Dark Beer, the perfect brew to complement the mysteries of the night sky!
Dark Skies Drink Special! Tracks & Racks, Beaver Bay
Oct. 25th & 26th
Stop by Tracks n Racks in Beaver Bay for their special Dark Sky Poutine—just $15 during the Superior Dark Sky Experience! Indulge in garlic cheese fries loaded with beef, onions, peppers, and black cheese, for a rich, savory dish inspired by the night sky.
Dark Skies Drink Special! The Green Door, Beaver Bay
Oct. 25th & 26th
Head to The Green Door during the Superior Dark Sky Experience for two stellar drink specials: savor the smooth richness of Leinenkugel Dark Lager on tap or try the Obbnik Aurora Waters Gin Cocktail, a refreshing tribute to the northern lights!
Dark Skies Pizza Special! Northwoods Grill, Silver Bay
Oct. 25th & 26th
Savor the cosmic flavor of the Dark Sky Bourbon Burger, a rich, beefy burger, as dark as a black hole—$2.00 off during the Superior Dark Sky Experience! Get it to go, so you can enjoy it under the stars!
Dark Skies Drink Special! Silver Bay Lounge, Silver Bay
Oct. 25th & 26th
Sip on a Dark and Stormy for just $5 at the Silver Bay Lounge during the Superior Dark Sky Experience—a bold rum cocktail that’s as deep and mysterious as the night sky!
Dark Skies Special Timber Coffee, Silver Bay
Oct. 25th & 26th
Details coming soon!
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!
Contact info@superiordarksky.org with the details of your offer. Be sure to include your contact information!
Glare creates problems for people of all ages but is especially hard on seniors. As we age our irises are slower to respond to …
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) has revolutionized how we live, work, and play. It enhances our modern lives, and few of us can imagine …
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
Playlist
11 Videos
