Milky Way Viewing: Voyageurs National Park Night Sky Guide Series

How to See & Photograph the Milky Way at Voyageurs National Park

Best Viewing Tips at Northern Lights Resort

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the Milky Way in all its glory, Voyageurs National Park is the place to do it. With its International Dark Sky Park designation and minimal light pollution, Kabetogama Lake offers some of the best stargazing and astrophotography opportunities in the Midwest. Summertime at Northern Lights Resort is shaping up to be perfect for Milky Way viewing, and we’re here to help you make the most of it!

Night Sky Photography Tips: How to Capture the Milky Way

Dark & Clear Skies: The best times to view the Milky Way are during moonless or near-moonless nights, with optimal viewing in the late evening and early morning hours during the summer months.
Shutter Speed: Use a long exposure of 15-30 seconds to capture the Milky Way clearly. Longer exposures might cause star trails.
Aperture: Set your camera lens to the widest aperture (f/2.8 to f/4) for maximum light capture.
ISO: Set the ISO between 1600-3200, depending on your camera’s noise performance.
Focus: Focus on distant lights or the stars manually, as autofocus may struggle in low-light conditions.
Pro Tip: Bring a “Red Light” to help the photographer’s eyes stay adjusted to low light conditions.

Make It a Night to Remember

Nothing compares to the feeling of seeing the Milky Way shimmer above a still lake, surrounded by pine trees and complete quiet. It’s just one more reason a summer stay at NLRO is unforgettable.

Best Times to See the Milky Way in May – Voyageurs National Park, Northern Minnesota

There’s something extra magical about stargazing in May. The air is crisp, the nights are quiet, and the Milky Way is just starting to rise strong in the southeastern skies. For guests visiting Northern Lights Resort in May, it’s the perfect way to welcome summer a little early—with your eyes to the stars.

New Moon = Dark Skies

Plan to visit Voyageurs National Park during these moonless or near-moonless nights for an incredible stargazing and Milky Way photography experience!

What to Expect in the Spring – Star Gazing “Up North” in Minnesota

Lower humidity: Crisp spring air means clearer skies and better visibility.
Fewer bugs: Earlier in the season, there’s less worry about mosquitoes compared to midsummer.
Peaceful vibes: May is quieter on the lake—perfect for peaceful, personal moments under the stars.

When to Look Up by Month: 2025

In May 2025, the new moon fall on may 25, which creates ideal conditions for stargazing from:

May 20–24: Leading up to the new moon, moonlight fades, and skies darken.
May 25–27: These are the best nights—the darkest skies of the month.
May 28–29: Still good, with just a faint moon starting to return.

During this window, the Milky Way’s galactic core becomes visible in the southeast around 1:00–2:30 AM, slowly shifting earlier as the month progresses.

Where & How to Watch

Look southeast: The Milky Way arcs across the southeastern sky and gradually climbs higher as the night goes on.
Pick a dark spot: Use our lakeshore docks, a firepit area, or a quiet bay view—just keep artificial lights behind you.
Bring a blanket & binoculars: Lay back, look up, and enjoy the view. If you have binoculars, you’ll spot even more stars along the Milky Way band.
Pro Tip: Stargazing in May is even better after your eyes adjust—give it 20–30 minutes of no screens or bright lights.

Make May Your Stargazing Season

Whether you’re here for the fishing opener or an early-season cabin getaway, don’t forget to take a moment under the stars. The Milky Way is putting on a show—and at NLRO, you’ve got front-row seats.

When is the best Milky Way viewing during summer months at Voyageurs National Park?

Best Times to See the Milky Way in June 2025

In June 2025, the new moon falls on June 25, which means the darkest skies—and best Milky Way viewing—will be from:

June 19–23: Moonlight fades, and skies grow darker each night.
June 24–26: The prime window—the nights right around the new moon.
June 27–28: Still excellent, with just a sliver of moonlight.
During this time, the galactic core of the Milky Way—the most visible and photogenic part—will rise higher in the southern sky around midnight, peaking between 1:00 and 2:00 AM.

Tips for Stargazing at NLRO

Find your spot: Head down to the dock or any open area on our property with a clear view to the south. You’ll want to be far from lights.
Stay up late: The Milky Way becomes most visible after midnight. Bring a blanket, lie back, and let the sky amaze you.
Bring a camera: If you’re into photography, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens and tripod will help capture stunning shots.
Use an app: Tools like PhotoPills or Sky Guide will show you exactly when and where the Milky Way will appear overhead.

Best Times to See the Milky Way in July 2025

In July 2025, the Milky Way’s galactic core will be highly visible throughout the month.

Early July: The Milky Way will be visible from 10:30 PM to 4:00 AM, making it a great time for late-night stargazers. The core will be high in the sky, especially in the later hours of the night. The new moon occurs on July 25, so expect dark skies and perfect conditions for astrophotography.
Mid-July: The Milky Way will remain visible from about 10:30 PM to 3:00 AM, and the core of the Milky Way will be positioned well in the sky for the best shots, especially on nights near the new moon.
Late July: The Milky Way’s core will still be visible, but it will start setting earlier in the night. By midnight to 1:00 AM, the core will be lower in the sky, making it ideal for landscape shots or photographs that combine the Milky Way with the horizon. The moon will start to rise around 3:00 AM, which can affect visibility, so try to plan your stargazing for earlier in the night.

Avoiding Light Pollution:

For the best viewing experience, plan your stargazing around the new moon phase (July 25), when the sky will be at its darkest. You’ll get the most dramatic views of the Milky Way during this time.

Peak Viewing Times for July 2025:

July 25-26: New moon phase. Expect dark skies and excellent visibility for the Milky Way.
July 18-19 and July 30-31: The waning crescent moon will also provide great conditions for stargazing, though the moonlight may interfere slightly.

Best Times to See the Milky Way in August 2025

The Milky Way’s galactic core—the brightest and most detailed part of the galaxy—is visible on clear nights throughout August. The best viewing times are:

Early August: After 10:30 PM until dawn (best on August 1, the new moon).
Mid-August: Late evening to dawn, with the Perseid Meteor Shower peaking August 12-13.
Late August: All night viewing is possible, especially around the August 30 new moon.
For the darkest skies, avoid nights near the full moon (August 18), as moonlight can wash out the Milky Way’s details.

Stargazing & Meteor Shower Highlights

Perseid Meteor Shower (August 12-13, 2025): This annual meteor shower is one of the best of the year, with up to 100 meteors per hour! Combine meteor watching with Milky Way photography for an unforgettable night.

Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights): While not as predictable, August and September are a great time for aurora activity, with the longer nights and especially near solar maximum. Check aurora forecasts before heading out!

Best Times to See the Milky Way in the Fall of 2025

In the fall of 2025, the Milky Way’s galactic core remains visible through September, with great viewing opportunities as the summer season gives way to autumn. Here’s when you can expect the best times to see the Milky Way.

Best Times to See the Milky Way in September 2025

Early September: From 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM for the best visibility, especially in the days around the September 3 new moon. The core of the Milky Way will be prominent in the night sky, stretching from the southwestern to the southern horizon.
Mid-September: As the nights lengthen, the Milky Way will still be visible until about 2:00 AM or later, but its core will be lower in the sky. Ideal for astrophotographers who want to capture the stars above a scenic landscape, as the core starts to set around 2:00-3:00 AM.
Late September: The Milky Way core will be visible earlier in the night and starts to set earlier by midnight. This is a great time to catch a darker, more ambient night sky before it’s obscured by the rising moon.

Peak Viewing Times for September 2025:

September 3-4: Around the new moon, you’ll have the darkest skies, perfect for capturing the Milky Way.
September 17-18: The waning crescent moon provides another great opportunity for stargazing.
Avoiding Light Pollution: For the darkest skies, try to plan your Milky Way viewing during the new moon phase on September 3, 2025, and September 17. These are optimal times for capturing the galactic core without the interference of moonlight.

Milky Way Viewing in October 2025:

Optimal Viewing Period

Early October: The best time to observe the Milky Way is during the early part of the month. The galaxy becomes visible shortly after astronomical twilight ends, around 8:00 PM, and remains observable until it sets around 10:30 PM. As the month progresses, the visibility window shortens, and by mid-October, the Milky Way sets earlier in the evening.
Moon Phases: The New Moon, occurs on October 21, 2025. The period surrounding the new moon offers the darkest skies, ideal for stargazing.
Best Viewing Windows: October 18–24: Minimal moonlight interference provides optimal conditions for Milky Way observation.
Best Viewing Direction: In October, the Milky Way arches across the southwestern sky. To maximize visibility, find an open area with an unobstructed view in that direction.
What to Expect: The Milky Way appears as a faint, misty band stretching across the sky. While the Galactic Core is no longer visible, the remaining structure still offers a beautiful sight, especially under dark skies.

Best Spots to See the Milky Way in Voyageurs National Park

For the best Milky Way experience, find a spot with open horizons, minimal tree coverage, and no artificial lights. Here are our top picks:

Kabetogama Lake: Stay at NLRO Resort and enjoy direct access to some of the best dark sky viewing areas.
Kabetogama Lake Woodenfrog Dock: Wide open lake views make this an ideal spot.
Voyageurs Visitor Center Dock: Another great place to set up a camera.
Voyageurs Island Campsites: Rent a boat and escape into the heart of the park for pristine views.
Echo Island (Near NLRO): Home to a rope swing by day and incredible stargazing by night.

Make It a Night to Remember

Nothing compares to the feeling of seeing the Milky Way shimmer above a still lake, surrounded by pine trees and complete quiet. It’s just one more reason a summer stay at NLRO is unforgettable.

Plan Your Perfect Stargazing Getaway at NLRO

Northern Lights Resort Outfitters (NLRO) is your home base for the ultimate Milky Way experience. Stay in a cozy cabin, rent a boat to access remote dark sky sites, or camp under the stars on Kabetogama Lake’s islands.

Voyageurs National Park, away from city lights, offers pristine dark skies for the ultimate Milky Way experience. Be sure to arrive early to catch the best angles and plan for a late-night or early-morning viewing session!

Interest in night sky photography workshop in the heart of Voyageurs National Park? Workshop is now booking for September 2025.

Your Stay at Northern Lights Resort

Northern Lights Resort serves as the perfect basecamp for your Voyageurs adventure both during the day and star studded night sky viewing. By planning your visit around the new moon and following these tips, you’ll have the opportunity to capture some of the most stunning views of the Milky Way over lake Kabetogama in 2025!