Voyageurs National Park Named International Dark Sky Place of the Year

News Release Date: November 10, 2026

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn.
- Voyageurs National Park has been named the 2026 International Dark Sky Place of the Year by DarkSky International, recognizing the park, partner organizations, partner agencies and surrounding communities' longstanding and united commitment to protecting natural night skies and raising awareness about the impacts of light pollution.

The award is part of DarkSky International's annual DarkSky Awards, which recognize individuals, organizations and places making significant contributions to protecting night skies. Voyageurs National Park was selected due to the strong partnership between the National Park Service and the Voyageurs Conservancy, as wells as a coalition of other regional organizations, in providing in-park programming for thousands of annual visitors, expanding educational opportunities, and engaging the surrounding communities in reducing light pollution.

"Park employees and guests have long known that Voyageurs' night skies are stunning, and we are pleased to see the hard work of our staff, local community members, and the Voyageurs Conservancy, recognized" said Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Jennifer Onufer. "Protecting dark skies doesn't stop at the park boundary and Voyageurs National Park looks forward to continued work with the community to preserve our remarkable night skies."

Voyageurs National Park was certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2020. Since receiving the designation, the park and its official philanthropic partner, Voyageurs Conservancy, have continued to expand year-round dark-sky programming to connect people of all ages with the importance of protecting natural nighttime landscapes.

Programs offered in partnership include virtual educational presentations, in-person constellation tours, telescope viewings and two signature events: the annual Star Party in August and Boreal Stargazing Week in February. Together, these programs and events bring thousands of visitors together to experience and learn about the night sky.

The park's dark-sky efforts extend beyond its boundaries and rely on partnerships throughout the region. Businesses, community organizations, local advocates and volunteers in Fort Frances, Ontario; International Falls, Kabetogama, Orr, Ash River and Crane Lake, Minn., have contributed to efforts to protect the region's natural darkness.

Boreal Stargazing Week brings together multiple agencies and organizations including the Voyageurs Conservancy, the Bell Museum, Superior National Forest (USFS), Friends of the Boundary Water Canoe Area, Starry Skies North, Expeditions in Education, Polar Polers and more to host both daytime and nighttime special astronomy events across Minnesota, virtually and in-person.

Because light pollution does not stop at park boundaries, protecting the night sky requires a collaborative approach. Communities can help by reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting, using properly shielded fixtures and choosing lighting that minimizes impacts on the nighttime environment.

A dark sky also helps create a connection to the past and our cultural heritage. The park takes its name from the voyageurs-French-Canadian fur traders and canoe travelers who navigated these waterways for more than 200 years. The park offers a unique chance to truly see this landscape much as the voyageurs and indigenous people here did hundreds of years ago.

The recognition comes at an important time as light pollution continues to increase worldwide. Artificial light at night can disrupt wildlife behavior, affect ecosystems, interfere with natural cycles and diminish opportunities for people to experience an unobstructed view of the stars.

Through its dark-sky programming and community partnerships, Voyageurs National Park hopes to inspire visitors to appreciate the beauty of the natural night and become stewards of this increasingly threatened resource.

About DarkSky International
DarkSky International is a global organization dedicated to protecting the nighttime environment and the heritage of dark skies through advocacy, education and conservation. Its International Dark Sky Places program recognizes communities, parks and protected areas that demonstrate exceptional efforts to preserve and protect dark skies.

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