Good star gazing spots in MN? - Page 1

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Good star gazing spots in MN?

Posted: 2/4/2015 12:06:53 AM EDT

Seems like most places have a lot of...trees...blocking the horizon.

I'm going to go up by McGregor this winter but Savannah portage state park was pretty woodsy and blocked the horizon, even in the middle of the lakes.

I'm also looking for a place near the metro area--North would be best. We're in north Branch so a quick trip up I35 would get us to many state parks.

Posted: 2/4/2015 2:15:56 AM EDT

[#1]

Do you intend to look at things that are staying near the horizon, or are you just looking for a bigger sky?

When I lived up by Thief River Falls, there were not a lot of trees on the horizon. I'm sure that hasn't changed much since then.

Posted: 2/4/2015 9:15:00 AM EDT

[#2]

We're total beginners and it seemed like Lovejoy gets blocked by trees.

Maybe I'm experiencing normal for us here but don't realize it?

Posted: 2/4/2015 10:57:17 AM EDT

[#3]

Maybe the middle of Lake Mille Lacs, or one of the bigger metro lakes? Most of the State Parks north of you on 35 are really wooded. if you arnt comfortable on a large lake I would head west rather than north, way less trees that way.

Posted: 2/4/2015 6:37:51 PM EDT

[#4]

Inspiration Pointnear battle lake is pretty beautiful at night.

Posted: 2/4/2015 11:04:55 PM EDT

[#5]

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Quoted:
Inspiration Pointnear battle lake is pretty beautiful at night.

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Is that in the west part of the state, or...?

Posted: 2/5/2015 1:11:39 AM EDT

[#6]

Sorry... I posted without reading properly. That happens when I post with my iPotato...

Yeah, west part of the state, so not in the OP's area, but still beautiful nonetheless.

Posted: 2/5/2015 1:17:43 AM EDT

[#7]

Yeah, head out west. Those parks have a lot more prairies in em.

Posted: 2/8/2015 2:42:33 PM EDT

[#8]

While it doesn't tell you where clear horizons are, this will help you narrow down the best areas of the state to look for good observation points.

http://www.jshine.net/astronomy/dark_sky/

Years ago I used to go duck hunting in Roseau. There are miles and miles of grass prairies up there with good horizon views and very dark skies. Bonus is that you can see the Aurora pretty regularly that far up. I doubt you want to make that drive though.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Good star gazing spots in MN?

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