Voyageurs National Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Park/Erik Fremtsad

Those who have visited Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota know it gets dark there at night, and now it's official. The park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association.

The recognition was announced by Voyageurs National Park, the Voyageurs Conservancy, and the International Dark-Sky Association. The certification recognizes Voyageurs National Park for the exceptional quality of its dark night skies and for the park’s commitment to preserving darkness and educating the public about this outstanding resource.

“Voyageurs National Park has some of the darkest skies in the Midwest," said Superintendent Bob DeGross. “We invite visitors to experience our spectacular night sky resource for themselves, winter or summer.” 

To qualify as an International Dark Sky Park, Voyageurs’ staff developed a comprehensive Lighting Management Plan that identifies how the park will minimize impacts to the natural night by retrofitting existing exterior lighting at park facilities. This planning document was completed in conjunction, with the National Park Service’s Natural Sounds and Night Sky Division and through the generous contributions by members of the Voyageurs Conservancy.

To learn more about the Conservancy and night skies in the park, check out this page. Additionally, staff from the park, in cooperation with Voyageurs Conservancy, will conduct annual meter readings and educational opportunities to monitor our on-going dark sky quality and to encourage others to minimize impacts by taking simple steps.

Voyageurs National Park and Voyageurs Conservancy will celebrate the certification achievement with programs at the park when they are able to gather again.  

The International Dark-Sky Association advocates for the protection of the nighttime environment and dark night skies by educating the public about night sky conservation and by promoting environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. More information about IDA and its mission may be found at DarkSky.org.

The certification does not carry any legal or regulatory authority. The certification demonstrates a commitment by parks to improve night skies through the use of more energy efficient, sustainable lighting. Certification also reaffirms the Park Service's commitment to educate the public and gateway communities about the importance of park-friendly, outdoor lighting and opportunities to work together toward common goals.