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Sip Cider & Cocoa As You Admire The Night Sky At Pipestone National Monument In Minnesota

Pipestone National Monument in Minnesota hosts regular star gazing events, with the next one scheduled for April 29, 2023.

Published Apr 11, 2023

Written by 

Trent Jonas

Pipestone National Monument Star Gazing events take place every few months. Because of its location far from any major cities, this Minnesota national park unit is an ideal spot for admiring the night sky - so be sure to mark your calendar for this spring's event.

Pipestone National Monument, in southwestern Minnesota, hosts regular star gazing events. Pipestone's Spring Star Gazing event will take place on April 29, 2023, at 8 p.m.

Sign for Pipestone National Monument Visitor Center, featuring a stone base and a National Park Service emblem.
jfadds/TripAdvisor

In case of rain or inclement weather, the event will occur on May 6, 2023.

When the sun sets over Minnesota's tallgrass prairie, the night sky at Pipestone National Monument is largely free of light pollution.

Silhouette of trees against a colorful sunset sky, transitioning from deep blue to warm orange.
Egemaster Gallo/Google

This is why Pipestone is particularly well-suited for star gazing and hosts these regular events.

The event will begin in the visitor center's theater, where National Park Ranger Gabe Yellowhawk will discuss the constellations recognized by the Dakota and Lakota cultures.

A stunning view of the Milky Way galaxy against a dark night sky, with stars twinkling brightly.
Pipestone National Monument/Facebook

The event will then move outside, where astronomers Dr. Nathan Grau of Augustana University and Dr. Larry Browning of South Dakota State University will take over.

A silhouette of a person looking through a telescope at a starry night sky filled with stars and the Milky Way.
Pipestone National Monument/Facebook

They will have their telescopes set up and will be ready to answer any star gazing questions you have.

Silhouettes of people observing the night sky with telescopes against a twilight backdrop.
Pipestone National Monument/Facebook

Feel free to bring your own binoculars or telescope if you wish.

Astrophotographer Marty DeWitt will also be on hand to offer tips and pointers for photographing the cosmos.

A serene waterfall surrounded by snow-covered rocks and trees, under a starry night sky with a hint of pink.
Pipestone National Monument/Facebook

If you're interested in learning more about shooting the night sky, bring along your DSLR or mirrorless camera, as well as a tripod.

A starry night sky viewed between rocky cliffs, with a few scattered clouds and snow on the ground.
Pipestone National Monument/Facebook

Cocoa, cider, and snacks will be served while supplies last. Visit the national monument's website or the park's Facebook page for more information. Organizers ask that participants arrive no later than the 8 p.m. start time to avoid negative impacts on star gazing from vehicle headlights. In fact, if you plan to arrive a little earlier, you can enjoy a short, but scenic, hike through this historic and sacred site. Did you know there are other excellent spots for star gazing in the Land of 10,000 Lakes? It's true! Voyageurs National Park is a certified Dark Sky Park, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the world's largest dark sky sanctuaries.

What are some of your favorite places for star gazing in the Bold North? Let us know in the comments!

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