Help us to celebrate our world-class dark sky at the annual Cook County Dark Sky Festival on December 12-14, 2024. Cook County, Minnesota is home to one of the darkest skies in the world. Every year, explorers, adventurers, artists and photographers from around the world travel here to experience the northern lights and night sky. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), a highlight of our region, has been named as one of only 17 certified International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world! And at over a million acres, it is the largest sanctuary, offering unparalleled opportunities for stargazing and night sky photography.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn from experts, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Cook County’s dark skies. Help us celebrate and preserve this incredible natural resource at the Blue-Sky Festival!

For more details and a full schedule of events, visit the official Cook County Dark Sky Festival website.

No tickets required for presentations or activities unless listed in description.

Experience a variety of events and activities. From guided night hikes and astrophotography workshops to engaging presentations and art installations, there’s something for everyone. This year’s festival will feature:

History and Inspiration of the Dark Sky Festival

The Dark Sky Festival in Cook County, also known as the Blue Sky Festival, began in 2018. It was inspired by the region’s exceptionally dark skies, which are among the best in the world for stargazing. The festival aims to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of preserving dark skies, which are crucial for both human health and wildlife.

Dark Sky Festival Events and Venues

The festival features a variety of events spread across different venues in Cook County. Here are some highlights for this year’s festival:

About half the Blue Sky Festival events are ‘in’ Grand Marais. The Gunflint Lodge venue of most of the other events is 45 miles north of Grand Marais.

The address for the Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters venue, even map locators on some web results show it ‘in’ Grand Marais. While the address (143 S Gunflint Lake, Grand Marais, MN 55604) lists Grand Marais, the lodge is actually about 45 miles north of the town of Grand Marais, situated on the south shore of Gunflint Lake along the Gunflint Trail. This can be a bit confusing since the mailing address is Grand Marais, but the physical location is quite a distance away from the town itself. Keep this in mind when reserving your lodging.

The festival also includes ongoing activities like telescope viewing, night vision opportunities, and documentary screenings.

Thursday, December 12:

Friday, December 13:

Saturday, December 14:

Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Cook County Dark Sky Festival in December. Be sure to make the Best Western Plus Superior Inn in Grand Marais, Minnesota your Festival HQ.

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Come celebrate all things paddling with us at the 2025 Grand Marais North Shore Water Festival in Grand Marais Harbor the third weekend of July. Cross your fingers for calm winds and sunny skies! It’s one of our favorite weekends of the summer! A chance for us to show off our paddling gear in the place that it shows off best: The Grand Marais Harbor.

Want to test the newest kayaks, canoes and paddle boards? Interested in checking out the latest outdoor gear? Want to look stylish while you’re paddling in the water or hiking in the woods? Trying to figure out how to transport your gear around? Want to take a paddle board yoga class? This is the festival for you!

Location

Grand Marais Harbor Park
Grand Marais, MN, 55604
T | (218) 387-3136 (Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply)
E | info@stoneharborws.com (Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply)

Grand Marais North Shore Water Festival 2024 Event Highlights

(This will be updated when 2025 details are available; provided only to give you an idea of what the event has previously offered.)

Half-day kayak tours – Friday morning, July 19, 2024

Half-day kayak tours will be available either on Lake Superior or an inland lake, depending on the weather. Find more information about our tours here.

Sign up for an introductory kayak safety course – Friday afternoon, July 19, 2024

Sign up for an introductory kayak safety course with ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor, Beth. If you own your own kayak, or are considering it, but you’ve never tipped over and therefore don’t know what you would do if you did tip, this course is for you. Learn about safety equipment and practice self- and assisted-rescues. You will get wet during this course! We will also review basic and advanced paddle strokes to make you more efficient on the water. You are welcome to bring your own kayak to practice with, or use one of ours. Pre-registration required.

FREE events at the harbor park – Saturday, July 20, 2024

Join us at the harbor park for FREE events. Check out the latest in canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards. Staff and brand reps will be available to speak with and help you demo boats.

Free mini kayak tours, SUP tours, and SUP yoga will take place starting at 10am. Pre-registration is recommended and will open in early July.

SALES: Paddlesports accessories will be on sale in Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, plus deals on kayaks you won’t want to miss!

This event is put on in cooperation with Grey Duck Outdoor and Visit Cook County.

About the Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply

Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply started in 2010 when Jack Stone, Owner and Founder, sought to bring top quality outdoor equipment and clothing to the North Shore. They found their niche providing affordable options to access the local environment with our tours and rentals.

They have a philosophy of balance—a balance of old techniques and new ones, of different gear and equipment, and of passion and skill. They want to help each person and group find the right mix of items to fully enjoy the unique experiences gained outdoors.

Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply invites folks to connect with them on their Facebook Page and their website, or through their newsletters.

Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Grand Marais North Shore Water Festival in June at the Grand Marais Harbor Park in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Tags: Grand Marais North Shore Water Festival, North Shore Water Festival, Things to Do in Grand Marais, Annual Grand Maris MN Events, Grand Marais Water Sports