Stay overnight at a state park or forest to enjoy the night sky and nightlife.



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parks and rec [ [link removed] ]



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"August 2023"

Milky Way reflected on a quiet lake, framed by trees. [ [link removed] ]
"Wicaŋhpi Heciya Taŋhaŋ Uŋhipi"

"(We Come from the Stars)"

"Stellar nucleosynthesis."
"That explains "
"where everything"

"in our universe"

"came from according to astrophysicists who "
"only recently discovered the cosmological constant causing ""the expansion"

"of our universe."

"Our creation story tells us we came from the stars to this place Bdote"
"where the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers converge,"
"our journey along the Wanaġi Caŋku, "

"in our universe,"

"that stargazers later called the Milky Way now disappearing "
"in the excessive glow of a million million urban uplights. "
"The original inhabitants of this place,"

"of our universe,"

"we are Wicaŋhpi Oyate, People"
"and will remain here as long as "
"we can see ourselves "

"in the stars."

"Dr. Gwen Westerman [ [link removed] ], first Indigenous poet laureate of Minnesota"



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The dancing lights
Photographer standing by a lake while the northern lights are glowing purple and green, reflecting in the water. [ [link removed] ]

PHOTOS: Travis Novitsky

If you cannot yet count yourself among the lucky ones who have witnessed the captivating northern lights display, that might change soon.

2025 is predicted to be the peak year (or solar maximum) for the shift in the sun's magnetic fields, a cycle that happens approximately every 11 years. *As we approach solar maximum, there's increased interaction of solar wind particles with the earth's magnetic field*, accelerating the particles towards Earth's poles. What we see in the sky is the result of particles colliding with atoms and molecules, causing electrons to get to higher energy levels and release light. The atmosphere's oxygen adds the green or red hues of the aurora, and nitrogen the blues.

While the frequent occurrence is a plus for catching the night sky show, you can do your part by being at the right place at the right time.

For the "right time," you'll need to check *two forecasts*: Look for clear skies and new or young moon at your viewing location, and geomagnetic storms [ [link removed] ] in the sun. Prime season is between September and March.

As for the "right place"... we have Minnesota public lands! Thanks to responsible lighting [ [link removed] ] systems and their remote location, *many of our state parks and forests offer night sky watching opportunities — plus, campsites and cabins to spend the night.*

Northern lights with silhouettes of trees against the sky. [ [link removed] ]
Our top picks:

* [ [link removed] ]St. Croix State Park [ [link removed] ], along the St. Croix River [ [link removed] ], is Minnesota's largest state park. Surrounded by public land, (including St. Croix [ [link removed] ] and Chengwatana [ [link removed] ] state forests), this a top destination for stargazing. 
* Great River Bluffs State Park [ [link removed] ], view the night sky from the blufftops over the Mississippi River [ [link removed] ] Valley. You may see another light show put on by the fireflies. 
* Lake Vermillion - Soudan Underground Mine State Park [ [link removed] ], Armstrong Bay is the best spot! Or Blue Heron Island, if you're staying at the island's cabin [ [link removed] ].
* Buffalo River State Park [ [link removed] ], where you'll get the big open prairie sky all around you.
* George H. Crosby Manitou State Park [ [link removed] ] only has secluded backpack sites [ [link removed] ], where you can watch the night sky over the Manitou River or reflected on Benson Lake.
* The Milky Way looks amazing from the Rum River State Forest [ [link removed] ].

"From NASA.gov: Aurora: Illuminating the Sun-Earth Connection [ [link removed] ]"

"From NYtimes.com: Get Ready to See More of the Northern Lights [ [link removed] ]"


Big dipper constellation and northern lights glowing pink and green, silhouettes of trees in the foreground. [ [link removed] ]

Ojiig (fisher) is the Ojibwe name for the asterism many of us we know as Big Dipper, part of the constellation Ursa Major (Big Bear) from the Greek mythology. Travis Novitsky managed to capture ojiig and faint waawaate at the same time! Click on the photo to watch a video about the ojiig legend.

Aurora, wanáǧi thawáčhipi, waawaate

We commonly refer to northern lights as "*Aurora," the name for the Roman goddess of dawn.* Fun fact: Depending on what hemisphere you're on, you'll be looking at northern lights or aurora borealis, or southern lights or aurora australis.

*Waawaate is the Anishinaabe name*.

There are *three Dakota names for the northern lights*, depending on how you want to talk about them: 


* wanáǧi thawáčhipi, the dance of the spirits; 
* haŋwákhaŋ, sacred mystery of darkness (Haŋ is the spirit of darkness); 
* maȟpíya thaŋíŋ: the sky/heavens/clouds showing themselves.

Watch Northern Night, Starry Skies [ [link removed] ], an hour-long Minnesota-made documentary that explores how the night sky has been interpreted across cultures and through time with a special focus on Dakota and Ojibwe traditional star knowledge.

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Constellations and a super blue moon

When the northern lights aren't putting on a show, look at the stars and the moon.
The Milky Way reflected on a calm lake.

The Anishinaabe know the Milky Way as Jiibay Ziibi (River of Souls) or Jiibaykona (Spirit Path) and the Dakota call it Wanaġi Tac̣aƞku (Road of the Spirits/Ghost Trail).

Don't waste your "once in a super blue moon [ [link removed] ]" chance! Take note to look for this rare occurrence on August 30/31, or wait till January 31, 2037. *The moon will appear brighter as it'll be closest to Earth.  It so happens that it's the second full moon of the month, making it a "blue" moon.  *

For stargazing, plan on going out on a dark night, without moonlight. *Once you're in a dark spot, keep it dark*. It might feel unsettling at first, but don't turn lights on. Stay in a safe place and, after about 20 minutes, your eyes will adjust to the dark. 

To identify constellations, you can get a printed star chart [ [link removed] ] (or planisphere) or download it. There are phone apps that tell you what constellations you're looking at by pointing the camera at the sky.

*While you're most likely to hear the Greek and Roman constellation names and stories, there are multiple other stories for different cultures [ [link removed] ] around the world.*

"The University of Minnesota's Bell Museum has downloadable guides [ [link removed] ] with information about moon phases, astronomy highlights, a custom star map and stargazing tips. "

"Learn about Anishinaabe and Dakota sky objects: ""Deep Sky Objects Through an Indigenous Lens" [ [link removed] ]; "NativeSkywatchers.com [ [link removed] ] has multiple resources, including Indigenous star maps."

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Explore a park and become a Junior Ranger. Complete the activity book to earn a patch! Illustrated red fox peeks out from behind plants. [ [link removed] ]
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Experience a different kind of nightlife

Spend a night out [ [link removed] ] in nature to look at the sky, and you'll also discover a whole other world coming to life.
Mom and two young daughters at campfire, looking and pointing at the stars. Their dimly lit tent is seen in the background. [ [link removed] ]

Listen for the primeval calls of owls, coyotes and wolves. Look for fireflies [ [link removed] ] flashing their mating signals in wetland meadows and forest edges near water.

You might notice nighthawks [ [link removed] ] as they dive from above the treetops. They're active at dawn and dusk as they forage for aerial insects. If you can't see them, keep an ear out for their low, buzzy "peent" call.

We can't talk about nocturnal creatures without talking about the only mammal capable of true flight, the bat [ [link removed] ]. Bats dodge obstacles and find insects by using echolocation, emitting supersonic cries and picking up echoes as they bounce off of objects. *Echolocation was the principle that led to the development of sonar and radar!*

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Annika Samuelsson, living her best van life

Feeling stagnant in her life and work, Annika Samuelsson decided to take on a challenge, to complete the 68 Hiking Club [ [link removed] ] trails in just six months (and eight days) with her camper van.

Woman posing by bluffs. [ [link removed] ]

Annika’s love for the outdoors started at an early age, in rural Sweden. “With limited indoor activities, I had no choice but to be active.” She walked to school, hiked in the woods with friends, and went camping, skiing and sledding.

But Annika never used parks growing up. “Sweden has some designated parks but we mostly use private land. ‘Allemansrätten,’ which translates to ‘every man’s right’ or ‘right of public access,’ means you can roam on anyone’s land, enjoying nature, as long as you don’t disturb or destroy anything.”

When she moved to the U.S. Annika discovered parks and a new way to recreate outdoors. Of the different states she’s lived in, Minnesota has been a favorite for its natural spaces.



Berries threaded on a straw. [ [link removed] ]

In 2021, Annika decided to complete the Hiking Club, one last adventure with her camper van before selling it. She discovered new-to-her parts of Minnesota and had many new adventures. “Who knew I could walk to North Dakota from Red River State Recreation Area, or look at Canada from Grand Portage State Park?” Zippel Bay State Park, with its beautiful beach, “it does not even feel like you’re in the Midwest,” and all the wild berries was one of the highlights. “*In Sweden, when I was a kid, we would thread berries on straws and bring them home that way. I still like doing that.*” (Pictured.)

What’s next? Collecting state park stamps in North Carolina, visiting all U.S. National Parks, and hiking the entire Superior Hiking Trail—"but in sections, not all at once.” Wherever her personal projects take her next, Annika’s sure to remember the influence her home country and Minnesota had on her outdoor journey.    



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[ [link removed] ]
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Anishinaabe photographer and park manager

Much gratitude to renowned night sky photographer Travis Novitsky for sharing all night sky photos brightening this issue.

Man smiling and looking at the camera holding a camera with a long lens with pines and snow in the background

Through photography, I connect with nature on a deeper level. It helps me slow down and truly appreciate my surroundings. *From behind the lens, I focus on being present in the moment and my mind stops racing, and I feel more centered and at peace.*

The night sky is my favorite subject. I like trying different techniques to capture the Milky Way, aurora borealis (northern lights) or a landscape illuminated by a full moon. *With reduced vision, we have to rely more on other senses at night, which enhances our connection to nature.*





The intent camper
Female camper on chair by fire pit, tent seen in the background. [ [link removed] ]

A lifelong adventurer closes in on an impressive state park goal. Full story [ [link removed] ].

Pack and pedal
Three cyclists posing by William O'Brien State Park entrance sign. [ [link removed] ]

Ride your bike to your next campsite—and keep it simple. Full story [ [link removed] ].

Minnesota Conservation Volunteer [ [link removed] ]

""*"Minnesota Conservation Volunteer "is a print magazine dedicated to Minnesota’s wild places and creatures. For more stories, visit mnDNR.gov/MCV [ [link removed] ] or subscribe [ [link removed] ].*""




Section header reads ''naturalist events." Icon shows a calendar with a star.
Night programs

* Join the Glacial Lakes Astronomers and Stargazers Society (GLASS) at Glacial Lakes State Park [ [link removed] ] on the third Friday of the month, from April to October, for a chance to look through telescopes and binoculars and ask questions about the night sky.
* Can you imagine getting around without your GPS? Join the naturalist at St. Croix State Park [ [link removed] ] to learn about celestial navigation. 
* Curious about night sky photography? Register for "A Night Under the Stars" at Lake Bemidji State Park [ [link removed] ] and you'll have a chance to view stars and planets through the telescope (weather permitting) and have a s'more.
* Greet the Harvest Moon with a one-mile moonlit hike at Flandrau State Park [ [link removed] ].

"*Naturalist events are always free to attend, but you'll need your year-round or daily vehicle permit to enter the park. Full list of events at mndnr.gov/PTcalendar [ [link removed] ]*"




Footer graphic with four icons, a tent in the woods, a compass, pines and binoculars.

Icon representing past times. [ [link removed] ]

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