This National Park In Minnesota Is One Of America’s Most Incredible Dark Sky Parks
Most Minnesotans know that our state is home to one of the prettiest – and most remote – national parks in the nation. Voyageurs National Park is a beautiful stretch of northern Minnesota, much of which can only be accessed by boat. Thanks to its location far from major cities, the park also happens to be an official Dark Sky Park. That makes it one of the best places in the United States to see the stars! If you’re looking for a beautiful place to relax under a blanket of stars – and maybe even see the Northern Lights – plan a visit to this incredible national park. Read on below to learn more:
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Voyageurs National Park is a 218,200-acre park in northern Minnesota. It’s about 40 miles east of International Falls, close to Minnesota’s border with Canada. Because of its remote location, it is one of the least visited national parks in the U.S.
Other than its location, part of the reason for the lack of visitors is the fact that much of Voyageurs National Park is only accessible by boat. The park has four larger lakes and many smaller lakes, each dotted with islands.
Boating and fishing are popular activities. Hiking and camping are also popular, with many remote campsites to choose from. In winter, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoeing are all popular activities. Every season is a great opportunity to watch for birds and other wildlife.
And of course, you can't talk about this park without mentioning the outstanding views. The clear, clean water reflects trees and sky. In the evening, lakeside sunsets make for spectacular sights that you'll never forget.
And at night, the stars come out. Voyageurs National Park was named an official Dark Sky Park in 2021. This means that the park is free from excessive light pollution, making it one of the best places in the country - and the world - to see the night sky.
On clear nights, visitors can sleep under a blanket of millions of stars. Find your favorite constellations, watch for shooting stars, and admire the awe-inspiring view.
The clear skies also make it possible to spot the Northern Lights in Voyageurs National Park. Watch out for when the aurora borealis might be visible, and then plan a trip to see them for yourself! Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota's official Dark Sky Park, is one of the best places in the nation for seeing the stars!
Have you ever been to Voyageurs National Park? For more information about the park, including how to visit, check out its page on the NPS website. And if you’d like to recommend other great places to visit in Minnesota, be sure to use our nomination form.
Address: Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN 56649, USA
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Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
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