For thousands of years, native peoples have relied on the night sky to mark the passing of time. At the 5th annual Dark Sky Festival, Native Skywatchers, a group leading the revitalization efforts of indigenous astronomy, will join the festival weekend to share stories and provide insight into the significance of the night sky both culturally and spiritually. 

Related: Spirits Dancing: Blending Indigenous and Western Perspectives on the Night Sky with Travis Novitsky

“We are beyond excited to welcome this new addition to the festival lineup,” said Linda Jurek, Executive Director of Visit Cook County. “These stories deepen our appreciation and understanding of the night sky by connecting the human experience with science.”

Also occurring during the festival weekend will be a presentation and book signing of local photographer Travis Novitsky’s new book “Spirits Dancing - The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, and Living Connections To The Cosmos.” In addition to the debut of Novitsky’s book, renowned author Paul Bogard will lead a presentation titled “Is It The End Of Night?” about the importance of a dark sky and its impact on the environment. 

Those looking to experience the night sky can participate in one of the official Star Parties held over the weekend. There will be a guided tour of the cosmos with the Marshall W. Alworth Planetairum’s mobile planetarium complete with telescopes to view the night sky (weather permitting) as well as two opportunities to go on small group tours with night vision monoculars where participants will have the opportunity to see both the stars and wilderness at night. 

Find full schedule and details at www.visitcookcounty.com/darkskyfestival 

THURSDAY, DEC. 7

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Documentary: Northern Nights, Starry Skies | Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Art Exhibition: Dark Skies | Johnson Heritage Post

4-6 p.m. | Thursday Art Night: Painting the aurora and night skies | Joy & Co. 

5:30 p.m. |  Dark Skies Dinner | Justine’s Dining Room | Gunflint Lodge

7:00 p.m. | Presentation by Representative from Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center | Gunflint Lodge

8:00 p.m. | Telescope viewing & photography demonstrations | Gunflint Lodge

FRIDAY, DEC. 8

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Documentary: Northern Nights, Starry Skies | Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Art Exhibition: Dark Skies | Johnson Heritage Post

2-3 p.m. | Follow the Seasons - Follow the Stars with Jim Knutseon-Kolodzne of Native Skywatchers Program | Johnson Heritage Post

3-4 p.m. | Skyglow, Satellites and Space Junk: The Transformation of the Night Sky with Jessica Heim | Johnson Heritage Post

5:30 p.m. |  Dark Skies Dinner | Justine’s Dining Room | Gunflint Lodge

6:30 p.m. | Stargazing Party with Low Light Experiences | Mink Lake parking lot on the Gunflint Trail

6:30 p.m. | “Spirits Dancing - The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowlege & Living Connects to the Cosmos” Presentation by Travis Novitsky | Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center

7:00 p.m. | Book signing and Meet & Greet with Travis Novitsky | Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center

7:00 p.m. | Stellarium: Tracking the heavens, previously, now, or in the future with Emma Adams | Gunflint Lodge

SATURDAY, DEC. 9

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Documentary: Northern Nights, Starry Skies | Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Art Exhibition: Dark Skies | Johnson Heritage Post

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Book Signing with Paul Bogard | Drury Lane Books

2:00 p.m. | Dark Sky Designated Places and Why They Are Important with Caroline Torkildson | Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery

4:00 p.m. | “Is It The End of Night?” with Paul Bogard | Studio 21

4-6 p.m. | Cultural Astronomy and the Native Skywatchers Initiative - Dakota and Ojibwe Stars | Surfside Ballroom & Waves of Superior Cafe

6-9 p.m. | Star Party with the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium | Surfside Ballroom

6:30 p.m. | Stargazing party with Low Light Experiences | Mink Lake parking lot on the Gunflint Trail

 About Visit Cook County 

Visit Cook County encompasses the northeastern Minnesota communities of Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail and Grand Portage, commonly referred to as “the Arrowhead” and the “North Shore of Lake Superior”.  Grand Marais, Minn., has earned several national accolades -- most recently it was named America’s Best Small Lake Town by Travel & Leisure Magazine, USA Today’s Best Midwestern Small Town, Outside Magazine’s The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S. 2016, and Budget Travel’s 2015 Coolest Small Town in America. Rekindle your sense of adventure by exploring the Superior National Forest or paddling through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Discover what makes the communities of Cook County, Minn. “Naturally Unforgettable.” Connect on social media using #donorthmn, Twitter @CookCoVisitors, Facebook, or Instagram @donorthmn. Learn more at www.visitcookcounty.com.