Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, Now a Dark Sky Sanctuary, Is One of the Best Places in the World to Stargaze

Minnesota is home to more beautiful nature than one could conceivably list, but none stands out quite like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This huge stretch of more than one million acres in northern Minnesota draws more than 250,000 visitors per year. Visitors come to the area to experience its impressive scenery, untouched landscape, and many recreational opportunities - and, frankly, to escape into the wilderness away from the stressors of modern life. Now, there's yet another reason for people to plan a trip to the Boundary Waters: stargazing. The wilderness was recently named a Dark Sky Sanctuary by the International Dark Sky Association. This means the BWCAW is not only one of the places in the United States for stargazing, but it's also one of the premier places in the entire world to take in the splendor of the cosmos.

In August 2020, the International Dark Sky Association named Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. This designation is given only to places that have exceptionally dark skies and are far from sources of light pollution, such as major population areas or industrial sites like oil fields.

To date, the Boundary Waters is one of only 23 places in the world that has received the Dark Sky Sanctuary designation. Other sanctuaries are as far-flung as New Zealand and South Africa.

Thanks to its distance from big cities and other sources of light pollution, the Boundary Waters is a well-known place in Minnesota to enjoy the night sky. On clear nights, millions of stars are visible, which means it's a great place to find constellations, watch for shooting stars, and simply enjoy nature.

It's also one of the premier places in the state to see the aurora borealis, or northern lights, one of the most gorgeous natural phenomena in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The Boundary Waters' location along the Canadian Border means it's far enough north that the aurora is visible here when it can't be seen elsewhere in the Lower 48.

The Boundary Waters' designation as one of the best stargazing places in the entire world is just another wonderful reason to plan a trip to this Minnesota treasure. And if you need another reason to visit the BWCAW, how about silence? That's right: The Boundary Waters is also one of the few designated Wilderness Quiet Parks in the United States.