Three Best Dark Sky Spots on The Iron Range

It’s International Dark Skies week and to celebrate. Here are our three favorite spots for stargazing
and viewing aurora borealis (northern lights) appearances!

These locations do not meet the Dark Sky designation status. But, for most travelers, they are closer than many dark sky areas in northeast Minnesota. So let’s go down the list of our three best regional stargazing spots. Connect with a part of nature that is often overlooked but is always just above us: our dark skies!

#1 Skibo Vista

This unique spot is a favorite for northern lights chasers. It is easily the best spot in the region to catch
some stellar nights sky views! Skibo Vista is located along the Superior National Forest Scenic Byway,
just ten minutes north of Hoyt Lakes. It offers a sprawling vantage point of the Superior National
Forest.

There are camping areas nearby as well as the Country Inn in Hoyt Lakes for good places to stay with
plenty of amenities nearby for extended visits.

#2 Sax-Zim Bog

The Sax-Zim Bog is a vast area filled with boardwalks and plenty of nature. Finding an ideal spot along
these trails for some night sky shots might even net some phenomenal nature shots for visitors lucky
enough to catch some of the unique species that come out at night!

Near the Sax-Zim Bog there is a great yurt rental less than ten minutes away for visitors intending to
stick around for a better shot at some great night sky views!

#3 Redhead MTB Park

This series of trails that lead down to a former mine pit provides a private and unique view of the sky. Visitors are
surrounded by stunning cliffsides and a vast span of clear waters for some possible reflections of the
stars and northern lights (for those lucky enough to catch them)!

There is plenty of nearby lodging to choose from for an extended stay including Chisholm Inn and Suites,
the and Red Rock Hotel Suites, the Chisholm Iron Trail Campground, to name a few.

Take some time to enjoy a part of nature that is best experienced in the wide expanse of the outdoors.
The stars have inspired humanity for centuries and the beauty of the northern lights have always filled
humanity with wonder. Discover your inspiration and explore the night skies of the Iron Range!