Keweenaw Dark Sky Park

2026 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival
2026-04-16 15:00 - 2026-04-18 23:30 (America/Detroit) | MI
[ Purchase Tickets ]
Limit: 50 tickets
Last day to purchase tickets: April 12th
— Tickets are no longer available to be purchased —
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, is hosting its fourth annual event around International Dark Sky Week: The Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival. DarkSky International (formerly known as, the International Dark-Sky Association) encourages people worldwide to discover the night during International Dark Sky Week. This annual week-long event aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of light pollution, the solutions that exist and simultaneously celebrate the night.
The 2026 event will be held over April 16th, 17th, and 18th, and provides three days / nights of learning. Events and workshops will be hosted at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
The event is intended for all ages of dark sky enthusiasts. The evening event on Thursday allows guests to check into their accommodations, have a meal and then take in the presentation. Friday and Saturday’s events in the afternoon allow guests to have a morning adventure and an afternoon and evening of learning.

Schedule
Below is the schedule for the festival (last updated March 25, 2026, schedule is subject change):
Thursday, April 16th

5:00pm: Dinner (on your own, see food options)
6:00pm: Welcome / Opening Remarks (John Mueller, KML Team – Keweenaw Dark Sky Park & Amber Harrison, DarkSky International – Virtually)
8:00pm: Dark Sky Photography Workshop (Nate Bett)
Evening: Stargazing

Friday, April 17th

10:00am: Dark Sky Watercolor Workshop, with Lindsey Naylor (limited to 20 people — call 906-289-4403 ext 4 to sign up)
12:00pm: Rustic and Worldly Lunch (included in your festival ticket purchase)
1:00pm: Postcards from the Universe: 2025-2026 via NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (Robert Nemiroff)
3:30pm: Stonehenge: History and Mystery (Dave Falkner)
6:00pm: Dinner (on your own, see food options)
8:00pm: Finding Home among the Stars (Travis Novitsky)
Evening: Stargazing

Saturday, April 18th

9:00am: Open Skies Tour (limited to 24 people – call 906-289-4403 ext 4 to sign up) [ sponsored by Visit Keweenaw ] — bus leaves the Lodge at 8:30am
12:00pm: Rustic and Worldly Lunch (included in your festival ticket purchase)
1:00pm: Geomagnetic Storm Effects (“Astro” Bob King)
3:00pm: In Pursuit of the Northern Lights: Painted Nights in the Darkest Parts of the World (Melissa Kalein)
4:30pm: Leveraging Economic Incentives for Darker Skies (Jamie Westfall)
6:00pm: Dinner (on your own, see food options)
8:00pm: Deep Sky Astrophotography under Dark Skies (Ogetay Kayali)
Evening: Stargazing

Location
The festival will be held at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the headquarters of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
14252 US Hwy 41
Copper Harbor, Michigan 49918

Price
Tickets for the festival are $250 / person + tax. Tickets include admission to all presentations and the lunch on Friday and Saturday. A maximum of 50 tickets will be sold. The last day to purchase tickets is April 12, 2026.
[ Purchase Tickets ]

— Tickets are no longer available to be purchased —

Presentation Topics and Speaker Bios
Below is the list of speakers, with their bios and presentation topics. The list is sorted by last name of the speaker.
Nate Bett
Photographer and Educator
Presentation Topic: Dark Sky Photography Workshop
Join photographer Nate Bett for a comprehensive and informative session on night sky photography. Attendees will learn all the basics of night sky photography as well as instruction on image editing and processing using Adobe Lightroom Classic, and Photoshop as well as stacking software such as Starry landscape stacker. Learn more about the best gear to use and how to use it to get the night sky shot’s that you’ve always wanted.
About Nate
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, “Nate” relocated several years ago to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.
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Dave Falkner
NASA Solar System Ambassador
Presentation Topic: Stonehenge: History and Mystery
Stonehenge is a massive, prehistoric stone monument in southern England, constructed by a civilization with no written communication and only primitive tools. Through over a century of archaeological study, scientists have developed theories on how these ancient people transported and erected the mammoth stones, as well as how the site was used. Dave will walk you through the journey of discovery regarding the monument’s construction and uncover some of the enduring mysteries of Stonehenge.
About Dave
Dave has been a lifelong amateur astronomer, a passion that began as a pre-teen at the Holcomb Planetarium in Indianapolis. After retiring from the US Navy, Dave settled in Minnesota and became an active member of the Minnesota Astronomical Society (MAS), serving as President (2011–2014, 2019–2020) and Secretary (2023–2024). As a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, he frequently conducts astronomical outreach at libraries, nature centers, and schools. Dave has also taught introductory astronomy at a local community college and is the author of three books: The Stories of Astronomers and Their Stars and two editions of Mythology of the Night Sky.
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Amber Harrison
Dark Sky Places Program Manager at DarkSky International
Presentation Topic: Opening Remarks and Status of Dark Sky Places Program
Amber will join us virtually to discuss the status of the DarkSky International’s places program.
About Amber
Amber is responsible for the Dark Sky Places Program at DarkSky International. Prior to joining DarkSky International, she was a park ranger and interpreter at Big Bend Ranch State Park — the largest, most remote, and darkest park in Texas. She completed successful applications to the International Dark Sky Places program for public lands in the Big Bend of West Texas and is active in dark sky advocacy throughout the region. Her focus on dark sky conservation developed during her time as a Ranger, where she incorporated dark sky education in her programming and community engagement to raise awareness about the importance of natural dark skies on the natural world and the human experience.
Amber grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where she spent most of her time riding and caring for horses. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Anthropology with a focus on bioarchaeology at Wichita State University.
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Andrew Johnson
…
Presentation Topic: Stargazing Adventure
Join Andrew Johnson during the evenings to stargaze and learn more about the night sky and telescopes
About Andrew
Andrew Johnson is currently attending Central Michigan University (class of 2025). He is pursuing a Meteorology major with a minor in GIS (Geospatial Information System Mapping). His dream is to be a forecaster for the National Weather Service, or do a study in Space Weather. Currently he is the Headlands International Dark Sky Park Staff Astronomer.
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Melissa Kaelin
Author and Founder of the Michigan Aurora Chasers
Presentation Topic: In Pursuit of the Northern Lights: Painted Nights in the Darkest Parts of the World
Melissa will take you on a journey around the world, after catching Northern Lights in Alaska, Iceland, Canada’s Northwest Territories, Finland, and Norway — while chasing the Aurora at sea aboard a Hurtigruten ship. After three separate excursions to the Arctic Circle, she will illustrate what it’s like to chase painted skies in the northernmost corners of the world, while sharing dark sky advice and useful tips that can help you view the Aurora in any location.
About Melissa
Melissa F. Kaelin devotes her time as an aurora guide, a community leader and an author. Through guided chases, online tutorials, public talks and her book, she has led thousands of people to experience the Northern Lights for the first time. Author of “Beyond the 45th Parallel: The Beginner’s Guide to Chasing Aurora”, she loves sharing tools and techniques to help you catch the aurora in your backyard. She founded the Michigan Aurora Chasers, co-founded the Aurora Summit, and co-hosted the inaugural GLAD Jam in Houghton, MI. She has volunteered for the SolarMax Mission to study aurora from space, she was a NASA Social Media Ambassador, and she leads international tours for the University of Michigan Alumni Association, among many other pursuits.
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Ogetay Kayali
Deep Space Photographer and Michigan Technological University Graduate Student
Presentation Topic: Deep Sky Astrophotography under Dark Skies
Ogetay will talk about how remote sites under dark skies allow astrophotography to grow at an accelerating speed and show how he takes his award-winning photos. His presentation will include a beginner-friendly introduction to deep sky astrophotography with only telescopes and cameras, as well as advanced techniques.
About Ogetay
Ogetay is a PhD Candidate in Astrophysics at Michigan Tech and works for NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day. He has been doing public outreach and science communication for over 10 years, founded a popular science platform with nearly 10 volunteers that became a top-visited science platform in Turkey, and has written over 300 popular science articles and 70+ video scripts for a YouTube channel that reached over 50M views. His astrophotography has received recognition with awards by Astrobin (top astrophotography platform) — with 1 image of the day, 6 Top Picks, and 8 Top Pick Nominations. In addition, has had one of his photos on the cover of ScopeTrader magazine’s, the November 2024 issue.
—–
“Astro” Bob King
Author and Educator
Presentation Topic: Geomagnetic Storm Effects
Everything from the experience of awe to power outages and falling satellites, we look at how solar storms have touched the lives of people and wildlife throughout history.
About AstroBob
Bob King fell in love with the night sky and astronomy when he was a kid and loves to share his passion with people of all ages through teaching and public observing. He’s a long-time member of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), a community educator and writes for Sky & Telescope’s magazine and website. Bob also pens the long-time blog Astro Bob he started in 2008 and shares news of current sky events on WTIP-FM (Grand Marais) and The North 103.3 FM (Duluth).
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John Mueller
KML Team – Keweenaw Dark Sky Park
Presentation Topic: Welcome Remarks and the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park
John will provide opening remarks and welcome, talk about the progress of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park and have a Q&A session regarding the DarkSky International’s places program.
About John
John is the chief lead at the Lodge, and is heavily involved with the staff as it relates to operations and strategy of the resort. He led the application process for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, and is closely involved with and knowledgeable of the dark sky park.
Previously, John was a professor at St. Edwards University, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship (entrepreneurial finance). Before his time at St. Edward’s, he was a faculty member at Fresno State and Western Michigan University. He finished his PhD in Entrepreneurship at the University of Louisville. He is a native of Austin, Texas, and has lived in many cool places around the world.
John has started several companies, and worked as an employee in others. He is the founder of Keweenaw Resort, LLC, which owns the Lodge.
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Lindsey Naylor
Artist and Graphic Designer
Presentation Topic: A Dark Sky Watercolor Workshop
Lindsey will guide attendees through the process of creating their own galaxy watercolor painting. She will demonstrate basic watercolor technique, and then show how to create likenesses of the milky way and northern lights. You will have the opportunity to practice before creating your painting, with plenty of supplies to create another one if you wish. All materials are provided and no watercolor experience necessary.
About Lindsey
Lindsey, aka Home Squirrel, is an independent artist based in Marquette, Michigan. She applies her hand-drawn style to a variety of media, including murals, merch, packaging, branding, and patterns.
She has been making art since childhood, and doing professional graphic design since 2011. She enjoys the tactile experience of creating, and marries the handmade techniques with the latest design technology. From custom lettering to hand-drawn illustration, the work she makes has a human, imperfect, and unique quality. This humanness can spark a connection to the viewer. Through using the latest design technology in tandem with handmade techniques, she creates effective and beautiful works that resonate with the intended audience.
When she is not designing or drawing, you can find her hiking in the woods with her dog Moose, getting lost in a fantasy book, or telling her houseplants they are strong and beautiful.
Note: She is the artist that created the Lodge’s WPA-era four-season posters.
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Robert Nemiroff
Co-creator of Astronomy Picture of the Day, Astrophysicist and Professor of Physics at Michigan Technological University
Presentation Topic: Postcards from the Universe: 2025-2026 via NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day
Some of the coolest images and videos from the popular NASA science website Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD: apod.nasa.gov) that appeared during 2025 and 2026 will be presented. The science and stories behind these images will be discussed. The images not only include the best of the Hubble and Webb space telescope, but also images taken from dark skies around the world. Topics include nebulae, aurorae, galaxies, the distant universe, the nearby Solar System, and more.
About Robert
Robert J. Nemiroff is a Professor of Physics at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. He holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Dr. Nemiroff is perhaps best known as a creator, writer, and editor for one of NASA’s most popular science websites: the Astronomy Picture of the Day. Dr. Nemiroff’s new book, “Faster than Light, How Your Shadow Can Do It but You Can’t”, is available from Amazon.
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Travis Novitsky
Artist and Photographer
Presentation Topic: Finding Home among the Stars
Travis will share with us his journey as a nature photographer, which began almost 45 years ago on the Lake Superior shores within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation in northeast Minnesota. His parents introduced him to night sky experiences at a very young age, and that early exposure led to a lifelong love of the cosmos. That passion eventually led to his participation in an award-winning dark sky documentary project and a book about the night sky featuring his photography. His presentation weaves together Indigenous knowledge and cultural connections to the cosmos along with his night sky photography captured over his ancestral homelands.
About Travis
Travis is a proud member and lifelong resident of the Grand Portage Anishinaabe Nation in northeast Minnesota, He has been photographing the woods and waters of the north shore of Lake Superior for more than 35 years. He is a self-taught nature and wildlife photographer whose work focuses primarily on his ancestral homelands in Minnesota.
Travis specializes in images of nature and wildlife, but his favorite subject by far is the night sky. He devotes countless hours to capturing images of star-filled skies and the Aurora Borealis (northern lights).
He served as Co-Producer and Narrator of Northern Nights, Starry Skies, with his creative work featured extensively in the film. He is also the photographer for the book Spirits Dancing – The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge & Cultural Connections to the Cosmos (text written by Annette S. Lee).
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Jamie Westfall
Park Manager of The Headlands Dark Sky Park
Presentation Topic: Leveraging Economic Incentives for Darker Skies
Jamie will talk about strategies that dark sky enthusiasts in areas with little light pollution can use to collaborate with business leaders, which encourages them to employ more environmentally considerate lighting solutions for their operations.
About Jamie
Jamie is the Park Manager for Headlands International Dark Sky Park, as well as two other Emmet County Parks in Mackinaw City, Michigan. She is a Dark Sky Advocate with Dark Sky International, and a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. She is a self-proclaimed “parks dork,” and recreation enthusiast.
Jamie’s favorite thing about working at the Headlands has been teaming up with astronomers, learning about dark sky conservation, and actively participating in the dark sky protection movement within the parks and recreation industry.

Rustic and Worldly Lunches
Each ticket to the festival includes two rustic worldly lunches; one on Friday and one on Saturday. When purchasing your ticket please state if you prefer the lunch with meat or the vegetarian option. Please note that there are no substitutions, and the menu is subject to change as we get closer to the event based upon access to ingredients.
Friday Lunch Menu (served at 12pm)

Chicken fajitas with veggies and creamy chipotle sauce. Served with sautéed corn and onion and a side of Spanish rice and a cookie. (Mexican-influence)
– or –
Roasted eggplant dressed in lemon and olive oil with sautéed vegetables on a wrap. Served with garlic-lemon-cilantro potato and a cookie. (Lebanese-influence)
Saturday Lunch Menu (served at 12pm)
Beef Kafta Wrap with lettuce, tomato, pickled red onion and Hummus spread. Served with a side salad and a cookie. (Lebanese-influence)
– or –
Asian Buddha Bowl (Rice, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, tofu) with peanut butter dressing. Served with vegetarian samosa and a cookie. (Indian-influence)
Rustic Worldly Lunch during the 2024 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival

Lodging
The dark sky park is in a remote area, so it is important for you to plan where you are going to stay before traveling. The following options are available for lodging in the area:

Aqua Cabins at Mt. Bohemia (Lac La Belle)
Brockway Inn (Copper Harbor)
Da Beach Cabin (Lac La Belle)
Dapple-Gray Bed & Breakfast (Copper Harbor)
Eagle Harbor Inn (Eagle Harbor)
Fitzgerald’s (Eagle River)
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (host)
Mariner North (Copper Harbor)
Trails End Campground (Copper Harbor)

[ to see more Lodging options, go to Visit Keweenaw ]

Food
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge / Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is in a remote area, so it is important for you to plan where you are going to eat before traveling. The following options are available for food in the area:

Eagle Harbor Inn (Eagle Harbor)
Fitzgerald’s (Eagle River)
Glacia Tavern (Mohawk)
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (host) – see the Lodge’s dinner options during the festival (which you reserve in advance, pay for separate from the tickets)
Mariner North (Copper Harbor)

[ Purchase Tickets ]
Limit: 50 tickets | $250 per ticket + tax
— Tickets are no longer available to be purchased —

Press Releases

Full Speaker Lineup and Schedule announced for the Fourth Annual Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival (March 11, 2026)
The Fourth-annual Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival, hosted at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (January 30, 2026)

Past Instances of the Event

2025 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival (April 24-26, 2025)
2024 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival (April 11-13, 2024)
2023 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival (April 21-22, 2023)

Dark Sky Park Closed to General Public during the Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival
2026-04-16 - 2026-04-18, 2025-04-24 - 2025-04-26 | MI
The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is closed to the general public during the Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival. Only attendees of the festival are allowed in the dark sky park during this time period.

Park Closed - Staff Holiday
2025-11-16 - 2025-12-14 | MI
The park and the Lodge property is closed for a staff holiday / break. Only employees are allowed on property during this time period.

2025 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival
2025-04-24 15:00 - 2025-04-26 23:30 | MI
[ Purchase Tickets ]
Limit: 50 tickets
Last day to purchase tickets: April 20th
— Tickets are no longer available to be purchased —
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, is hosting its third annual event around International Dark Sky Week: The Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival. DarkSky International (formerly known as, the International Dark-Sky Association) encourages people worldwide to discover the night during International Dark Sky Week. This annual week-long event aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of light pollution, the solutions that exist and simultaneously celebrate the night.
The 2025 event will be held over April 24th, 25th, and 26th, and provides three days of learning. Events and workshops will be hosted at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
The event is intended for all ages of dark sky enthusiasts. The evening event on Thursday allows guests to check into their accommodations, have a meal and then take in the presentation. Friday and Saturday’s events in the afternoon allow guests to have a morning adventure and an afternoon and evening of learning.

Schedule
Below is the schedule for the festival (last updated April 7, 2025):
Thursday, April 24th

6:00pm: Welcome / Opening Remarks (John Mueller, KML Team – Keweenaw Dark Sky Park & Amber Harrison, DarkSky International – Virtually)
7:00pm: Stargazing: Dark Sky Photography and Etiquette Workshop (Tom Oliver, Photographer and Director of the Center for Science and Environmental Outreach at Michigan Technological University)
Evening: Stargazing

Friday, April 25th

9:00am: Open Skies Tour (limited to 24 people – call (906) 289-4403 ext 4 to sign up) [ sponsored by Visit Keweenaw ]
11:30am: Rustic and Worldly Lunch (included in your festival ticket purchase)
1:00pm: Illuminating Opportunities: Dark Sky Programming in the Tourism, Recreation, and Leisure Industry (Jamie Westfall, Park Manager of The Headlands Dark Sky Park)
3:30pm: Postcards from the Universe: 2024-2025 via NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (Robert Nemiroff, Co-creator of Astronomy Picture of the Day, Astrophysicist and Professor of Physics at Michigan Technological University)
8:00pm: Deep Sky Astrophotography: From First Shot to Final Masterpiece (Ogetay Kayali, Deep Space Photographer and Michigan Technological University Graduate Student)
Evening: Stargazing

Saturday, April 26th

9:30am: Ecology Tour with Tom Oliver (limited to 15 people – please call 906-289-4403 ext 4 to sign up)
11:30am: Rustic and Worldly Lunch (included in your festival ticket purchase)
1:00pm: Navigating the Impact of Light Pollution on Migratory Songbirds and Pathways to Solutions (Jared Wolfe, Ornithologist and Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University)
3:30pm: Understanding the Magnetosphere and Experiencing Solar Max! (MaryBeth Kiczenski, Adventurer / Photographer / Northern Lights Chaser)
8:00pm: Discover the Sun (Dave Falkner, NASA Solar System Ambassador)
Evening: Stargazing

Location
The festival will be held at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the headquarters of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
14252 US Hwy 41
Copper Harbor, Michigan 49918

Price
Tickets for the festival are $250 / person + tax. Tickets include admission to all presentations and the lunch on Friday and Saturday. A maximum of 50 tickets will be sold. The last day to purchase tickets is April 20, 2025.
[ Purchase Tickets ]

— Tickets are no longer available to be purchased —

Presentation Topics and Speaker Bios
Below is the list of speakers, with their bios and presentation topics. The list is sorted by last name of the speaker.
Dave Falkner
NASA Solar System Ambassador
Presentation Topic: Discover the Sun
The Northern Lights have been plentiful and spectacular over the past year. While most people know the aurora borealis occurs when the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, how much do they know about the source of the solar wind, namely, our nearest star, the Sun? In his presentation, Dave will talk about how ancient astronomers perceived the Sun. He will walk through astronomical history showing how astronomers gradually figured out what the Sun was and the source of its energy. Dave will then talk about how more recent observations of the Sun have revealed its structure, its surface features, and the sources of the solar wind. Dave will also talk about the mysteries the Sun still holds and what we are doing today to unravel them. Finally, Dave will talk about the fate of the Sun as it enters the second half of its lifetime.
About Dave
Dave Falkner is a retired Naval officer and a lifelong amateur astronomer. He has two books published (one in 2nd edition) and has taught Introduction to Astronomy at the college level. He has served on the board of the Minnesota Astronomical Society and does extensive outreach. He enjoys showing the public the wonders of the universe through his telescope. Dave is a member
of the Astronomy in Chile Education Ambassador Program (ACEAP) as well as a NASA Solar System Ambassador. He and his wife, Kathy, have 3 adult children and reside in Blaine, Minnesota.
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Amber Harrison
Dark Sky Places Program Manager at DarkSky International
Presentation Topic: Opening Remarks and Status of Dark Sky Places Program
Amber will join us virtually to discuss the status of the DarkSky International’s places program.
About Amber
Amber is responsible for the Dark Sky Places Program at DarkSky International. Prior to joining DarkSky International, she was a park ranger and interpreter at Big Bend Ranch State Park — the largest, most remote, and darkest park in Texas. She completed successful applications to the International Dark Sky Places program for public lands in the Big Bend of West Texas and is active in dark sky advocacy throughout the region. Her focus on dark sky conservation developed during her time as a Ranger, where she incorporated dark sky education in her programming and community engagement to raise awareness about the importance of natural dark skies on the natural world and the human experience.
Amber grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where she spent most of her time riding and caring for horses. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Anthropology with a focus on bioarchaeology at Wichita State University.
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Ogetay Kayali
Deep Space Photographer and Michigan Technological University Graduate Student
Presentation Topic: Deep Sky Astrophotography: From First Shot to Final Masterpiece
Curious about capturing stunning images of nebulae and galaxies but not sure where to begin? Or perhaps you are already exploring the night sky and looking to take your astrophotography to the next level? This session will guide you step by step — from basic gear and setup to advanced techniques — for producing breathtaking deep sky images with just a camera. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, you will walk away with the knowledge and inspiration to create award-winning astrophotography.
About Ogetay
Ogetay is a PhD Candidate in Astrophysics at Michigan Tech and works for NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day. He has been doing public outreach and science communication for over 10 years, founded a popular science platform with nearly 10 volunteers that became a top-visited science platform in Turkey, and has written over 300 popular science articles and 70+ video scripts for a YouTube channel that reached over 50M views. His astrophotography has received recognition with awards by Astrobin (top astrophotography platform) — with 1 image of the day, 6 Top Picks, and 8 Top Pick Nominations. In addition, has had one of his photos on the cover of ScopeTrader magazine’s, the November 2024 issue.
—–
MaryBeth Kiczenski
Adventurer / Photographer / Northern Lights Chaser
Presentation Topic: Understanding the Magnetosphere and Experiencing Solar Max!
In this presentation, we will take a deep dive into the ever evolving, ever changing world of Aurora Chasing. This field is evolving at virtually the speed of light, and as we understand more of how our magnetosphere responds to solar wind, the more we can apply this to witnessing this amazing phenome! MaryBeth will introduce the Glendale App and how to use this incredible tool used to track substorms in real time.
The hype is here!! We are officially in Solar Max! At the time of this presentation, we will be well into the declining phase. This talk will highlight some of the incredible aurora shows we have seen so far – and how it has challenged everything we thought we knew about aurora visibility. With the advent of powerful cameras and cell phones, the aurora has been seen in places once thought impossible. That “once-in-a-lifeline” event, has become multiple times in a lifetime!
About MaryBeth
Marybeth Kiczenski is a Great Lakes-based adventurer and photographer with an obsession for dark skies and northern lights.
Marybeth is also an automotive product specialist who travels on the show circuit, a job that has taken her to virtually all corners of the United States and sparked her extreme wanderlust. She says this world is full of beauty, waiting to be discovered, and that’s where the shift from automotive photography to landscapes and nightscapes happened.
Now that she has a few years experience, Marybeth loves to help others discover the beauty of the night sky! Seeing the delight that comes from capturing that first Milky Way brings her joy. As this connection to a starry dark sky has inspired many for generations. [ View MaryBeth’s Website ]
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John Mueller
KML Team – Keweenaw Dark Sky Park
Presentation Topic: Welcome Remarks and the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park
John will provide opening remarks and welcome, talk about the progress of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park and have a Q&A session with Amber Harrison on regarding the DarkSky International’s places program.
About John
John is the chief lead at the Lodge, and is heavily involved with the staff as it relates to operations and strategy of the resort. He led the application process for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, and is closely involved with and knowledgeable of the dark sky park.
Previously, John was a professor at St. Edwards University, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship (entrepreneurial finance). Before his time at St. Edward’s, he was a faculty member at Fresno State and Western Michigan University. He finished his PhD in Entrepreneurship at the University of Louisville. He is a native of Austin, Texas, and has lived in many cool places around the world.
John has started several companies, and worked as an employee in others. He is the founder of Keweenaw Resort, LLC, which owns the Lodge.
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Robert Nemiroff
Co-creator of Astronomy Picture of the Day, Astrophysicist and Professor of Physics at Michigan Technological University
Presentation Topic: Postcards from the Universe: 2024-2025 via NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day
Some of the coolest images and videos from the popular NASA science website Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD: apod.nasa.gov) that appeared during 2023 and 2024 will be presented. The science and stories behind these images will be discussed. The images not only include the best of the Hubble and Webb space telescope, but also images taken from dark skies around the world. Topics include nebulae, aurorae, galaxies, the distant universe, the nearby Solar System, and more.
About Robert
Robert J. Nemiroff is a Professor of Physics at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. He holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Dr. Nemiroff is perhaps best known as a creator, writer, and editor for one of NASA’s most popular science websites: the Astronomy Picture of the Day. Dr. Nemiroff’s new book, “Faster than Light, How Your Shadow Can Do It but You Can’t”, is available from Amazon. [ View Robert’s Michigan Tech Profile ]
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Tom Oliver
Photographer and Director of the Center for Science and Environmental Outreach at Michigan Technological University
Presentation Topic: Stargazing: Dark Sky Photography and Etiquette Workshop
Join photographer Tom Oliver for a comprehensive and informative session on night sky photography. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. Learn more about the best gear to use and how to use it to get the night sky shots that you have always wanted.
Tom has noticed that with the increase in interest in Dark Sky tourism, there are people who, while enthusiastic about experiencing Dark Sky phenomena, sometimes conduct themselves in ways that could detract from experiences of others and may place themselves and others in potentially dangerous situations. As such, he will talk about the etiquette and safety when out and about experiencing the dark sky.
About Tom
Tom is currently the director of the Michigan Tech University Center for Environmental Science and Outreach. Since he was a child, nature, wildlife, and the outdoors have always been his deepest fascination – the intrinsic force which drives him. Those interests led him through, both, his career (in wildlife ecology/management and science education) and his preferred forms of recreation (hiking, backpacking, canoeing and kayaking, photography, hunting and fishing, and birding). Although, he was born and raised in the UP, these pursuits also provided him the opportunity to live overseas (in Europe and Asia) for 15 years, which greatly expanded his experience with the outdoors and outdoor recreation in different cultures. Tom has been a passionate photographer, and has taught various photography workshops at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. His work can be viewed at teoliver.com and @theupwell on Instagram.
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Jamie Westfall
Park Manager of The Headlands Dark Sky Park
Presentation Topic: Illuminating Opportunities: Dark Sky Programming in the Tourism, Recreation, and Leisure Industry
Jamie’s presentation will highlight the growing demand for dark sky experiences and their role in sustainable tourism through an analysis of creative initiatives and existing programming opportunities and partnerships in designated DarkSky Places, and public, private, and non-profit sector attractions around the world. Attendees will learn how effective programming and partnerships can enrich visitor experiences, foster environmental stewardship, and contribute to regional economies. They will think critically about the challenges this industry might face. Participants will create their own astrotourism adventure bucket list. Attendees will leave with actionable insights, including strategies for integrating dark sky programming into their operations, and a deeper understanding of its value for communities and visitors.
About Jamie
Jamie is the Park Manager for Headlands International Dark Sky Park, as well as two other Emmet County Parks in Mackinaw City, MI. She is a Dark Sky Advocate with Dark Sky International, and a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. She is a self-proclaimed “parks dork,” and recreation enthusiast.
Jamie’s favorite thing about working at the Headlands has been teaming up with astronomers, learning about dark sky conservation, and actively participating in the dark sky protection movement within the parks and recreation industry. [ View Jamie’s LinkedIn Profile ]
—–
Jared Wolfe
Ornithologist and Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University
Presentation Topic: Navigating the Impact of Light Pollution on Migratory Songbirds and Pathways to Solutions
Dr. Wolfe will explore the complex interplay between migratory birds’ navigation mechanisms, including their use of the Earth’s magnetic fields and celestial cues, and the challenges posed by human-induced light pollution. Recent research reveals that these natural navigational aids are disrupted by artificial lighting, leading to disorientation and potential risks during nocturnal migration. This disturbance is increasingly implicated in the broader context of declines in migratory songbird populations across the hemisphere, highlighting an urgent need for conservation strategies that mitigate light pollution and protect these critical avian pathways.
About Jared
Jared Wolfe is an ornithologist and Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University, specializing in avian ecology and conservation. His research focuses on understanding the factors affecting avian survival in both temperate and tropical forests. Dr. Wolfe is co-founder of the Louisiana Bird Observatory, the Biodiversity Initiative, and has conducted extensive fieldwork across the Americas and Africa. His work aims to bridge the gap between empirical research and practical conservation efforts, contributing to the preservation of avian biodiversity.

Rustic and Worldly Lunches
Each ticket to the festival includes two rustic worldly lunches; one on Friday and one on Saturday. When purchasing your ticket please state if you prefer the lunch with meat or the vegetarian option. Please note that there are no substitutions, and the menu is subject to change as we get closer to the event based upon access to ingredients.
Friday Lunch Menu (served at 11:30am)

Pork Loin Strips Stir Fry Bowl: Pork loin strip – stir fried pork strips with vegetables and bang bang sauce served on rice with corn and cilantro.
– or –
Vegetables Stir Fry Wrap: Vegetables stir fry w/ house made Asian sauce with rice served in a wrap and a small cabbage salad.
Saturday Lunch Menu (served at 11:30am)
Roasted Chicken Sandwich: Roasted chicken with garlic, spices and lemon, served on a bun with mayo-lemon-cilantro spread, lettuce and a small side salad.
– or –
Vegetarian Lasagna: Lasagna noodles layered with vegetables in tomato sauce, ricotta with herbs and mozzarella. Served with a small side salad.
Rustic Worldly Lunch during the 2024 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival

Lodging
The dark sky park is in a remote area, so it is important for you to plan where you are going to stay before traveling. The following options are available for lodging in the area:

Aqua Cabins at Mt. Bohemia (Lac La Belle)
Brockway Inn (Copper Harbor)
Da Beach Cabin (Lac La Belle)
Dapple-Gray Bed & Breakfast (Copper Harbor)
Eagle Harbor Inn (Eagle Harbor)
Fitzgerald’s (Eagle River)
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (host)
Mariner North (Copper Harbor)
Trails End Campground (Copper Harbor)

[ to see more Lodging options, go to Visit Keweenaw ]

Food
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge / Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is in a remote area, so it is important for you to plan where you are going to eat before traveling. The following options are available for food in the area:

Eagle Harbor Inn (Eagle Harbor)
Fitzgerald’s (Eagle River)
Glacia Tavern (Mohawk)
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (host) – see the Lodge’s dinner options during the festival (which you pay for separate from the tickets)
Mariner North (Copper Harbor)

[ Purchase Tickets ]
Limit: 50 tickets | $250 per ticket + tax
— Tickets are no longer available to be purchased —

Earth Day
2024-04-22 | MI
2024 Earth Day is April 22nd, which has a theme this year of “Invest in Our Planet”.
Here is an action toolkit to work with on improving our environment: Earth Day Action Toolkit
#InvestInOurPlanet

2024 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival
2024-04-11 - 2024-04-13 | MI
[ Purchase Tickets ]
— No More Tickets Available —
The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is hosting its second annual event around International Dark Sky Week: The Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) encourages people worldwide to discover the night during International Dark Sky Week. This annual week-long event aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of light pollution, the solutions that exist and simultaneously celebrate the night.
The 2024 event will be held over April 11th, 12th, and 13th, and provides three days of learning. Events and workshops will be hosted at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
The event is intended for all ages of dark sky enthusiasts. The evening event on Thursday allows guests to check into their accommodations, have a meal and then take in the presentation. Friday and Saturday’s events in the afternoon allow guests to have a morning adventure and an afternoon and evening of learning. Below is the full schedule.

Schedule
The schedule for the festival is as follows:
Thursday April 11, 2024:

Thursday, April 11: 8:00pm – Opening Greetings from the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge and Visit Keweenaw
Thursday, April 11: 8:30pm – Stargazing in the Keweenaw by Jeremy Rowe and Chris Guibert

Friday April 12, 2024:

Friday, April 12: 9:00am – Open Skies Tour – (limited to 24 people – please call (906) 289-4403 ext 4 to sign up)
Friday, April 12: 9:30am – Ecology Tour with Tom Oliver (limited to 15 people – please call (906) 289-4403 ext 4 to sign up)
Friday, April 12: 12:00pm – Rustic and Worldly Lunch – (included in your festival ticket purchase)
Friday, April 12: 12:30pm – Navigating the Impact of Light Pollution on Migratory Songbirds by Dr. Jared Wolfe
Friday, April 12: 1:30pm – The Sky is the Limit: An Analysis of Emerging Astro-Tourism, Programming, and Advocacy Initiatives in the Public and Private Sectors by Jaime Westfall
Friday, April 12: 3:30pm – Postcards from the Universe: 2023-2024 via NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day by Dr Robert Nemiroff
Friday, April 12: 7:00pm – Meet and Greet
Friday, April 12: 8:00pm – Northern Lights Photography Workshop by Nate Bett
Friday, April 12: 9:30pm – Stargazing with Andrew Johnson and the OAC Team

Saturday April 13, 2024:

Saturday, April 13: 9:30am – Ecology Tour with Tom Oliver (limited to 15 people – please call (906) 289-4403 ext 4 to sign up)
Saturday, April 13: 12:00pm – Rustic and Worldly Lunch – (included in your festival ticket purchase)

Saturday, April 13: 1:30pm – Embrace the Darkness by Melissa Kaelin
Saturday, April 13: 3:30pm – Solar Secrets with highlights from the recent solar eclipse by MaryBeth Kiczenski
Saturday, April 13: 7:00pm – Meet and Greet
Saturday, April 13: 8:00pm – The Effects of Light pollution on Our World by Dave Falkner

As we get closer to the date, we will confirm this schedule.

Location
The festival will be held at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the headquarters of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
14252 US Hwy 41
Copper Harbor, Michigan 49918

Price
Tickets for the festival are $200/ person. Tickets include admission to all presentations and the lunch on Friday and Saturday. Tickets will be on sale sometime in February.
[ Purchase Tickets ]
— No More Tickets Available —

Rustic and Worldly Lunches
Each ticket to the festival includes two rustic worldly lunches; one on Friday and one on Saturday. When purchasing your ticket please state if you prefer the lunch with meat or the vegetarian option. Please note that there are no substitutions.
Friday Lunch Menu
In-house roasted chicken, pulled and served on a brioche bun with pesto spread (cilantro – basil – roasted jalapeno – lime -mayo), lettuce, and tomato. Served with a small side salad
Vegetarian: Not-your-mom’s falafel, side of hummus and naan bread. Served with a small side salad
Saturday Lunch Menu
Beef strips stir fried with KML Asian Sauce and vegetables served in a wrap with small cubes of roasted potatoes. Served with a small side salad
Vegetarian: Tofu and vegetables stir fried with KML Asian Sauce served on a brioche bun with a side salad.

Presentation and Activity Descriptions, with Speaker Bios

Title: Stargazing on the Keweenaw: Night Sky Locations Across the Peninsula
Description:
This presentation will be a guide to stargazing and northern light viewing spots across the Keweenaw. Jeremy will show pictures and tell stories of some of his night time adventures across the Keweenaw and share some of the better locations he’s discovered. He will also touch on some of the more remote stargazing destinations including Isle Royale and Manitou Island. A paper map with spots noted will be handed out at the beginning of the presentation for guests to make notes on. He will end on an artistic note with an acoustic song that is connected to the night sky.

About Jeremy Rowe
Jeremy Rowe is a local night sky photographer and musician. He has photographed the night sky of the Keweenaw for over a decade, his work can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/KeweenawNightSky/. Jeremy is also a talented musician with multiple albums under his belt. His songs weave themes of Americana and observations of life while living on the Keweenaw.

Title: Navigating the Impact of Light Pollution on Migratory Songbirds
In this talk, we’ll explore the complex interplay between migratory birds’ navigation mechanisms, including their use of the Earth’s magnetic fields and celestial cues, and the challenges posed by human-induced light pollution. Recent research reveals that these natural navigational aids are disrupted by artificial lighting, leading to disorientation and potential risks during nocturnal migration. This disturbance is increasingly implicated in the broader context of declines in migratory songbird populations across the hemisphere, highlighting an urgent need for conservation strategies that mitigate light pollution and protect these critical avian pathways.

About Dr. Jared Wolfe
Dr. Jared Wolfe is an ornithologist and Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University, specializing in avian ecology and conservation. His research focuses on understanding the factors affecting avian survival in both temperate and tropical forests. Dr. Wolfe is co-founder of the Louisiana Bird Observatory, the Biodiversity Initiative, and has conducted extensive fieldwork across the Americas and Africa. His work aims to bridge the gap between empirical research and practical conservation efforts, contributing to the preservation of avian biodiversity.

Title: The Sky is the Limit: An Analysis of Emerging Astro-Tourism, Programming, and Advocacy
Initiatives in the Public and Private Sector
When seeking opportunities to celebrate dark skies, the sky is the limit! Jamie Westfall, Park Manager at Headlands International Dark Sky Park, takes a look at exciting astro-tourism trends, as well as dark sky programming and advocacy initiatives in both the public and private sectors of the recreation and tourism industry.

About Jamie Westfall
Jamie is the Park Manager for Headlands International Dark Sky Park, as well as two other Emmet County Parks in Mackinaw City, MI. She is a Dark Sky Advocate with Dark Sky International, and a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. She is a self-proclaimed “parks dork,” and recreation enthusiast.
Jamie’s favorite thing about working at the Headlands has been teaming up with astronomers, learning about dark sky conservation, and actively participating in the dark sky protection movement within the parks and recreation industry. [ View Jamie’s LinkedIn Profile ]

Title: Postcards from the Universe: 2023-2024 via NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day
Some of the coolest images and videos from the popular NASA science website Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD: apod.nasa.gov) that appeared during 2023 and 2024 will be presented. The science and stories behind these images will be discussed. The images not only include the best of the Hubble and Webb space telescope, but also images taken from dark skies around the world. Topics include nebulae, aurorae, galaxies, the distant universe, the nearby Solar System, and more.

About Dr. Robert Nemiroff
Robert J. Nemiroff is a Professor of Physics at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. He holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Dr. Nemiroff is perhaps best known as a creator, writer, and editor for one of NASA’s most popular science websites: the Astronomy Picture of the Day. Dr. Nemiroff’s new book, “Faster than Light, How Your Shadow Can Do It but You Can’t”, is available from Amazon. [ View Robert’s Michigan Tech Profile ]

Title: Stargazing Adventure
Join Andrew Johnson and the KML Outdoor Activity Center (OAC) team for a guided night time interpretive hike. We will explore parts of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park on boot or snowshoe. This will be a non-strenuous hike, most likely less than a mile. Recommended Items to bring: warm, layered clothing, night lights (red preferred), snow shoes, poles, goggles and an adventurous attitude.
Bring your own snowshoes, or rent them from the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge’s Outdoor Activity Center.
Important Note: During this time of year, the weather conditions vary from a large amount of snow on the ground to no snow on the ground. So the snowshoe could turn into a hike with hiking boots.

About Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is currently attending Central Michigan University (class of 2025). He is pursuing a Meteorology major with a minor in GIS (Geospatial Information System Mapping). His dream is to be a forecaster for the National Weather Service, or do a study in Space Weather. Currently he is the Headlands International Dark Sky Park Staff Astronomer.

About the Outdoor Activities Team
Chris Guibert and Amy Oestreich from the Outdoor Activities Team will guide a snowshoe or traditional hike (dependent on the weather) on the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park grounds. [ See KML Team Members ]

Title: Embrace the Darkness: The Majesty of Dark Skies & Chasing Northern Lights
People around the world dream of viewing the Northern Lights, but there are many pieces of the puzzle when it comes to catching this elusive natural phenomenon. Dark skies are an essential piece of that puzzle, and how we preserve and interact with dark skies is key. It means the difference between witnessing a breathtaking display of dancing lights or staring into a dull haze. Embrace the Darkness: The Majesty of Aurora, STEVE & the Milky Way in Dark Skies.

About Melissa Kaelin
A lifelong nature enthusiast, Melissa F. Kaelin is an Aurora Chaser, writer and community leader. She founded the Michigan Aurora Chasers and co-founded the annual Aurora Summit, an international conference celebrating the art, culture, science and photography of the Aurora Borealis. As a NASA Social Media Ambassador, she covered the 2020 launch of the Solar Orbiter, which builds upon the science of the Parker Solar Probe to study and understand our Sun. She has written about rare natural phenomena for many publications, and in 2022, she published the book “Below the 45th Parallel: The Beginner’s Guide to Chasing the Aurora in the Great Lakes Region.” [ View Melissa’s LinkedIn Profile ]

Title: Solar Secrets
Wait a minute! How does the sun relate to the celebration of the night sky? We constantly encounter the Solar Wind as it interacts with our planet’s magnetosphere and ionospheric layer. We see this everyday when Airglow appears, or when a solar storm sparks one of nature’s greatest light displays – the Aurora Borealis! Here we will discuss and demystify our star’s different moods and phenomena. We will discuss solar flares, coronal mass ejections, radiation storms, and solar cycles. A handful of historically significant solar storms will be discussed, as well as their effects on the planet. Will wrap it up with some stories about the Total Solar Eclipse of April 8th!

About MaryBeth Kiczenski
Marybeth Kiczenski is a Great Lakes-based adventurer and photographer with an obsession for dark skies and northern lights.
Marybeth is also an automotive product specialist who travels on the show circuit, a job that has taken her to virtually all corners of the United States and sparked her extreme wanderlust. She says this world is full of beauty, waiting to be discovered, and that’s where the shift from automotive photography to landscapes and nightscapes happened.
Now that she has a few years experience, Marybeth loves to help others discover the beauty of the night sky! Seeing the delight that comes from capturing that first Milky Way brings her joy. As this connection to a starry dark sky has inspired many for generations. [ View MaryBeth’s Website ]

Title: Stargazing: Northern Lights Photography Workshop
Join photographer Nathan (Nate) Bett for a comprehensive and informative session on night sky photography. Attendees will learn all the basics of night sky photography as well as instruction on image editing and processing using Adobe Lightroom Classic, and Photoshop as well as stacking software such as Starry landscape stacker. Learn more about the best gear to use and how to use it to get the night sky shot’s that you’ve always wanted.

About Nathan Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, “Nate” recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Title: The Effects of Light Pollution on Our World

This presentation will be about the growth of light pollution over the years and its impact on our ability to enjoy the night sky. It will weave a discussion of how human physiology and nature are affected by light pollution. Ideas will be presented of how individuals and communities can reduce light pollution including some success stories about communities who have adopted measures to reduce light pollution.

About Dave Falkner – NASA Solar System Ambassador
Dave has been a life-long amateur astronomer. He first became interested in astronomy as a pre-teen when his father took him to a show at the Holcolm Planetarium in Indianapolis. He became hooked and has had an interest in astronomy ever since.
After retiring from the US Navy, Dave settled in Minnesota and became an active member of the Minnesota Astronomical Society (MAS). He has served as its President from 2011 – 2014 and again from 2019 – 2020. As a member of the MAS, Dave enjoyed performing astronomical outreach often speaking to groups at libraries, nature centers and schools.
In 2011 Dave traveled to Tucson, AZ to view the Transit of Venus at the Mount Lemmon Observatory in Tucson and visited Kitt Peak National Observatory while he was there. In 2017 he traveled to Casper, WY to view the total eclipse of the Sun. In December 2022 Dave traveled to Chile to visit the US Research telescopes located there and became part of the Astronomy in Chile Educators Ambassador Program (ACEAP) educating the public about the telescopes and research astronomy being conducted there.
Dave is a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador where he educates the public about space, space exploration and NASA missions in particular. Along with his outreach activities Dave has taught beginning Astronomy classes at a local community college and has published three books; two editions of “Mythology of the Night Sky” and the book “The Stories of Astronomers and Their Stars.” [ See Dave’s Ambassador Page ]

Cloudy Night Presentation:
Title: Experiences in Astrophotography: A personal narrative of the challenges and rewards associated with photographing subjects in motion from very, very far away
Headlands International Dark Sky Park Staff Astronomer, Andrew Johnson, shares his personal experience learning the art of astrophotography and how this passion changed the trajectory of his career goals. He will share equipment suggestions and educational opportunities for photographers with no prior background in astrophotography to get started.
Andrew will also bring some of his equipment to share with interested participants.

About Andrew Johnson
Andrew has been stargazing his whole life, but he has been interested in astronomy for the past four years. He enjoys astrophotography and teaching others using astrophotography and visual observation. He works seasonally as the staff astronomer at Headlands International Dark Sky Park. His work at the park allows him to engage with the public and teach astronomy by using telescopes; both visually, through an eyepiece, and using astrophotography; he also educates visitors on basic stars and constellations, physics concepts, and astronomy theories. At the park, he enjoys curious stargazers, the walks, the nights, and the overall environment it creates.
To date, his favorite image he’s captured was the Christmas Tree Cluster and Cone Nebula.

Morning Adventures
Title: Ecology Hike
Join Tom on an interpretive snowshoe or walking hike (depends on weather) of the Keweenaw Nature Sanctuary. Tom will discuss some of the flora and fauna found along the hike. This Friday and Saturday morning excursion is limited to 15 participants so please call ahead to book this adventure: (906) 289-4403 ext 4.

About Tom Oliver
Tom is currently the director of the Michigan Tech University Center for Environmental Science and Outreach. Since he was a child, nature, wildlife, and the outdoors have always been his deepest fascination – the intrinsic force which drives him. Those interests led him through, both, his career (in wildlife ecology/management and science education) and his preferred forms of recreation (hiking, backpacking, canoeing and kayaking, photography, hunting and fishing, and birding). Although, he was born and raised in the UP, these pursuits also provided him the opportunity to live overseas (in Europe and Asia) for 15 years, which greatly expanded his experience with the outdoors and outdoor recreation in different cultures. Tom has been a passionate photographer, and has taught various photography workshops at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. His work can be viewed at teoliver.com and @theupwell on Instagram.

Title: Open Skies Tour

Half an hour south of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park lies the old Calumet Air Force Station. This Cold War-era operation opened in the 1950s and stayed active for about 40 years. The station is known for having the last contact with a pilot who went missing while intercepting an unknown aircraft over Lake Superior in the 1953 Kinross Incident. Today, a group of Michigan Tech alumni own the property operating under the name “Open Skies Project” and are working to preserve and restore its history. Atop Mount Horace Greely, this walking historical tour (~1.5 hours) takes you to the highest natural point in the Keweenaw with great views of Brockway Mountain, Gratiot Lake, Lake Superior and Mount Bohemia. Walk the base and see the old housing, tour the radar towers and check out the nuclear fallout shelter. This tour is free but donations are encouraged to support the Open Skies Project mission. Excursion is Friday morning at 9:00am. There will be a bus leaving the Lodge to transport you to site. Please call ahead to book this adventure: (906) 289-4403 ext 4, it is limited to 24 participants.

Lodging
The dark sky park is in a remote area, so it is important for you to plan where you are going to stay before traveling. The following options are available for lodging in the area:

Brockway Inn (Copper Harbor)
Da Beach Cabin (Lac La Belle)
Eagle Harbor Inn (Eagle Harbor)
Fitzgerald’s (Eagle River)
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (host)
Mariner North (Copper Harbor)
Trails End Campground (Copper Harbor)

[ to see more Lodging options, go to Visit Keweenaw ]

Food
The dark sky park is in a remote area, so it is important for you to plan where you are going to eat before traveling. The following options are available for food in the area:

Eagle Harbor Inn (Eagle Harbor)
Fitzgerald’s (Eagle River)
Glacia Tavern (Mohawk)
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (host) – see the Lodge’s dinner options during the festival
Mariner North (Copper Harbor)

[ Purchase Tickets ]
— No More Tickets Available —

Eclipse Viewing Party
2024-04-08 14:00 - 16:30, 2024-03-02 14:00 - 16:30 | MI
Join us to view the eclipse on April 8th. On Monday, April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge will experience a partial solar eclipse; about 75% of the total solar eclipse. This event is based at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, which is the headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.

The Eclipse Viewing Party will have:

Educational materials about the eclipse
Eclipse viewing glasses to borrow
An eclipse countdown timer
A live feed projected on a screen of the total solar eclipse as seen through a Nasa Telescope
Eclipse themed snacks from the Little Cabin Cafe

Price: There is no fee associated with this event.

International Dark Sky Week
2024-04-02 - 2024-04-08 | MI
International Dark Sky Week is a worldwide celebration of the dark and natural night. The goal is to draw attention to light pollution, promote simple solutions to mitigate the issue, and celebrate the irreplaceable beauty of a natural night.

International Dark Sky Week was started by high school student Jennifer Barlow in 2003 and is now spearheaded by DarkSky International. In explaining why she started the week, Barlow said, “I want people to be able to see the wonder of the night sky without the effects of light pollution. The universe is our view into our past and our vision into the future. I want to help preserve its wonder.”
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is the the headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park (which was designated an International Dark Sky Park on June 21, 2022.) As part of being a Dark Sky Park we provide education and community outreach about unnecessary light pollution. We do this by creating educational posters, offering monthly workshops and hosting the annual Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival.

In 2024, governing municipalities in our area have begun to make proclamations for International Dark Sky Week. The following local municipalities have made a proclamation for 2024:

Eagle Harbor Township made a proclamation on March 11, 2024

[ Download the 2024 Eagle Harbor Township Dark Sky Week Proclamation ]

Night Sky Photo Workshop
2023-12-09 19:00 - 22:00 | Keweenaw Mountain Lodge – Banquet Room, 14252 US Hwy 41, Copper Harbor, MI, 49918, United States
The Night Sky Photo Workshop will be held in the Banquet Hall at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge from 7:00 PM-10:00 PM. The cost for non-lodging guests is $75. There is no cost for lodging guests. Please bring your camera, a tripod (if you have one), weather appropriate clothing, and a great attitude.

Stargazing: Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2023-11-11 19:00 - 22:00 | Keweenaw Mountain Lodge – Banquet Room, 14252 US Hwy 41, Copper Harbor, MI, 49918, United States
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief powerpoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod (if you have one), warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
You meet at the Banquet Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 7:30pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Fostering the Keweenaw's Dark Skies
2023-11-10 12:00 - 13:30 | Keweenaw Area Community Foundation, 236 Quincy St, Hancock, MI, 49930, United States
[ A Visit Keweenaw Sustainable Tourism Series Event ]
Program Description
The Keweenaw is home to some of the darkest skies in the Midwest. This provides visitors and residents access to incredible stargazing opportunities and even the chance to experience the Northern Lights. Join Visit Keweenaw for a discussion on ways to ensure the Keweenaw’s dark skies are preserved for future generations and the science behind light pollution prevention. We’ll touch on actions taken to establish the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Copper Harbor and why preserving dark skies are important to the region.
Speakers
John Mueller | Keweenaw Mountain Lodge & Keweenaw Dark Sky Park: John is the chief lead at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, where he is heavily involved with the staff as it relates to culture, operations, and strategy of the resort. He purchased the WPA-era lodge at the top of the Keweenaw in 2018, and has transitioned the rustic and historic cabins to be supported by outdoor activities, rustic worldly food, and education year-round.
Previously, John was a professor at St. Edward’s University, focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation. Before his time at St. Edward’s, he was a faculty member at Fresno State and Western Michigan University. He finished his PhD in Entrepreneurship at the University of Louisville, and has an MBA from the University of Illinois and a BBA from Southern Methodist University. He is a native of Austin, Texas, and has lived in many cool places around the world which has helped shape his perspective on life.
John Barentine | Dark Sky Consulting, LLC: John is an Arizona native and comes from the “dark side” of science — professional astronomy. He grew up in Phoenix and was involved in amateur astronomy there from grade school. Later, he attended the University of Arizona, beginning research in jobs at the National Optical Astronomy Observatories and National Solar Observatory headquarters in Tucson. From 2001-06 he was on the staff of Apache Point Observatory in New Mexico, serving first as an observing specialist on the Astrophysical Research Consortium 3.5-meter telescope and then as an observer for the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. John is the author of three books on the history of astronomy, The Lost Constellations, Uncharted Constellations, and Mystery of the Ashen Light of Venus. The asteroid (14505) Barentine is named in his honor. ​
He obtained a master’s degree in physics at Colorado State University and a master’s and Ph.D. in astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin. John has contributed to science in fields ranging from solar physics to galaxy evolution while helping develop hardware for ground-based and aircraft-borne astronomy. Throughout his career, he has been involved in education and outreach efforts to help increase the public understanding of science.
John formerly served as the International Dark Sky Places Program Manager, Director of Public Policy and Director of Conservation for the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) in Tucson, Arizona.

This event is organized by Visit Keweenaw as part of the Keweenaw Sustainable Tourism Series.

Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2023-10-15 19:30 - 22:30, 2023-09-17 20:00 - 22:30 | MI

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop
2023-08-18 20:30 - 23:00 | MI
[ Read: August 18. 2023: Night Sky Photography Workshop Recap ]
The Night Sky Photo Workshop will be held in the Banquet Hall at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge from 8:30pm -11:00pm. Please bring your camera, phone, a tripod (if you have one), weather appropriate clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
You meet at the Banquet Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 8:30pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.

About the Instructor: Tom Oliver
Tom Oliver is an avid photographer of wildlife and landscapes, including dark skies and northern lights. Since he was a child, nature, wildlife, and the outdoors have always been his deepest fascination – the intrinsic force which drives him. Those interests led him through, both, his career (in wildlife ecology/management and science education) and his preferred forms of recreation (hiking, backpacking, canoeing and kayaking, photography, hunting and fishing, and birding). Although, he was born and raised in the UP, these pursuits also provided me the opportunity to live overseas (in Europe and Asia) for 15 years, which greatly expanded my experience with the outdoors and outdoor recreation in different cultures.
Tom maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His photography work can be viewed at teoliver.com and @theupwell on Instagram.

Night Sky Photo Workshop
2023-07-16 21:00 - 23:00 | MI
[ Read: July 16, 2023: Night Sky Photography Workshop Recap ]
The Night Sky Photo Workshop will be held in the Banquet Hall at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge from 9:00 PM-11:00 PM. Please bring your camera, phone, a tripod (if you have one), weather appropriate clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
You meet at the Banquet Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 8:00pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop
2023-06-18 21:00 - 23:00 | MI
The Night Sky Photo Workshop will be held in the Banquet Hall at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge from 9:00 PM-11:00 PM. Please bring your camera, phone, a tripod (if you have one), weather appropriate clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
You meet at the Banquet Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 8:00pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop
2023-05-20 21:00 - 23:00 | MI
The Night Sky Photo Workshop will be held in the Banquet Hall at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge from 8:00 PM-10:30 PM. Please bring your camera, phone, a tripod (if you have one), weather appropriate clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
You meet at the Banquet Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 8:00pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

2023 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival
2023-04-21 - 2023-04-22 | MI
[ Purchase Tickets ]
Sold Out
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The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is hosting its first annual event during International Dark Sky Week. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) encourages people worldwide to discover the night during International Dark Sky Week. This annual week-long event aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of light pollution, the solutions that exist and simultaneously celebrate the night.
The 2023 event will be held over April 21st and 22nd, and provides two days of learning. Events and workshops will be hosted at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
The event is intended for all ages of dark sky enthusiasts. The evening event on Friday allows guests to check into their accommodations, have a meal and then take in the workshop. Saturday’s events in the afternoon allow guests to have a morning adventure and an afternoon and evening of learning. Below is the full schedule.

Schedule
The schedule for the festival is as follows:

Friday, April 21: 5:00pm – Meet and Greet
Friday, April 21: 6:00pm – Evolution of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park by John Mueller
Friday, April 21: 8:45pm – Stargazing on Snowshoes Lead by KML OAC Team and Astro Bob
Saturday, April 22: 12:30pm – Rustic and Worldly Lunch (included in your festival ticket purchase)
Saturday, April 22: 2:00pm – Chasing the Northern Lights in Michigan by Melissa Kaelin
Saturday, April 22: 4:00pm – The Story Behind the Images by MaryBeth Kiczenski
Saturday, April 22: 8:00pm – Stargazing: Northern Lights Photography Workshop by Nate Bett

As we get closer to the date, we will confirm this schedule.

Location
The festival will be held at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the headquarters of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
14252 US Hwy 41
Copper Harbor, Michigan 49918

Price
Tickets for the festival are $125 / person. Tickets include admission to all presentations and the lunch on Saturday.
[ Purchase Tickets ]

Presentation and Activity Descriptions, with Speaker Bios

Title: The Evolution of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park
In 2022, the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge was officially certified by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) as an International Dark Sky Park. The Lodge works to have its property and the Keweenaw be dark-sky friendly. The certification process that we went through with the IDA has helped the Lodge team understand. We continue to learn and improve on how to foster the dark skies. In this talk, John will walk through that evolution process of the dark sky park, the learning gained from working with the IDA and the IDA Advocate community, and the opportunities and future plans in the Keweenaw because of the dark sky park designation.
This talk will be led by John Mueller, and will feature representatives from the International Dark-Sky Association (Amber Harrison), Headlands Dark Sky Park (Jamie Westfall), and Dr. T.K. Lawless Dark Sky Park (Robert Parrish).
[ Slide decks from session: Mueller | Westfall ]

About John Mueller
John is the chief lead at the Lodge, and is heavily involved with the staff as it relates to operations and strategy of the resort. He led the application process for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, and is closely involved with and knowledgeable of the dark sky park.
Previously, John was a professor at St. Edwards University, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship (entrepreneurial finance). Before his time at St. Edward’s, he was a faculty member at Fresno State and Western Michigan University. He finished his PhD in Entrepreneurship at the University of Louisville. He is a native of Austin, Texas, and has lived in many cool places around the world.
John has started several companies, and worked as an employee in others. He is the founder of Keweenaw Resort, LLC, which owns the Lodge.
———-
Title: Stargazing on Snowshoes (or Boots, dependent on weather)
Join the KML Outdoor Activity Center (OAC) team, “Astro” Bob King, and Andrew Johnson for a guided night time interpretive hike. We will explore parts of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park on boot or snowshoe. This will be a non-strenuous hike, most likely less than a mile. Recommended Items to bring: warm, layered clothing, night lights (red preferred), snow shoes, poles, goggles and an adventurous attitude.
Bring your own snowshoes, or rent them from the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge’s Outdoor Activity Center.
Important Note: During this time of year, the weather conditions vary from a large amount of snow on the ground to no snow on the ground. So the snowshoe could turn into a hike with hiking boots.

About the Outdoor Activities Team
Chris Guibert and Amy Oestreich from the Outdoor Activities Team will guide a snowshoe or traditional hike (dependent on the weather) on the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park grounds.

About “Astro” Bob King
Bob King, author and educator, fell in love with the night sky and astronomy when he was a kid and loves to share his passion with people of all ages through teaching and public observing. He’s a long-time member of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), a community educator and writes for Sky & Telescope’s magazine and website. Bob also pens the long-time blog Astro Bob he started in 2008 and shares news of current sky events on WTIP-FM (Grand Marais) and The North 103.3 FM (Duluth).

About Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is currently attending Central Michigan University (class of 2025). He is pursuing a Meteorology major with a minor in GIS (Geospatial Information System Mapping). His dream is to be a forecaster for the National Weather Service, or do a study in Space Weather. He enjoys taking astronomy courses, as well.
Andrew has been stargazing his whole life, but he has been interested in astronomy for the past four years. He enjoys astrophotography and teaching others using astrophotography and visual observation. He works seasonally as the staff astronomer at Headlands International Dark Sky Park. His work at the park allows him to engage with the public and teach astronomy by using telescopes; both visually, through an eyepiece, and using astrophotography; he also educates visitors on basic stars and constellations, physics concepts, and astronomy theories. At the park, he enjoys curious stargazers, the walks, the nights, and the overall environment it creates.
To date, his favorite image he’s captured was the Christmas Tree Cluster and Cone Nebula.
———-
Title: Chasing the Northern Lights in Michigan
Find out what it takes to view the Northern Lights with the unaided eye in Michigan! Get the tools, advice and maps that will help you catch stunning displays of Aurora, whether you’re searching for dark skies, good viewing locations, or strong geomagnetic storms.

About Melissa Kaelin
A lifelong nature enthusiast, Melissa F. Kaelin is an Aurora Chaser, writer and community leader. She founded the Michigan Aurora Chasers and co-founded the annual Aurora Summit, an international conference celebrating the art, culture, science and photography of the Aurora Borealis. As a NASA Social Media Ambassador, she covered the 2020 launch of the Solar Orbiter, which builds upon the science of the Parker Solar Probe to study and understand our Sun. She has written about rare natural phenomena for many publications, and in 2022, she published the book “Below the 45th Parallel: The Beginner’s Guide to Chasing the Aurora in the Great Lakes Region.”
———-
Title: The Story Behind The Images
Ever curious what it’s like to be an astrophotographer? Is it what it’s cracked up to be? Welcome to astrophotography story hour! We will embark on a journey though the Cosmos, touching on the epic adventure and epic failures that come with the territory. Perhaps you’ll learn some tips and tricks on what to do… As well as what not to do! All in fun, of course!

About MaryBeth Kiczenski
Marybeth Kiczenski is a Great Lakes-based adventurer and photographer with an obsession for dark skies and northern lights.
Marybeth is also an automotive product specialist who travels on the show circuit, a job that has taken her to virtually all corners of the United States and sparked her extreme wanderlust. She says this world is full of beauty, waiting to be discovered, and that’s where the shift from automotive photography to landscapes and nightscapes happened.
Now that she has a few years experience, Marybeth loves to help others discover the beauty of the night sky! Seeing the delight that comes from capturing that first Milky Way brings her joy. As this connection to a starry dark sky has inspired many for generations.
———-
Title: Stargazing: Northern Lights Photography Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.

About Nate Bett
Nate Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nate maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

About Tom Oliver
Tom is currently the director of the Michigan Tech University Center for Environmental Science and Outreach. Since he was a child, nature, wildlife, and the outdoors have always been his deepest fascination – the intrinsic force which drives me. Those interests led him through, both, his career (in wildlife ecology/management and science education) and his preferred forms of recreation (hiking, backpacking, canoeing and kayaking, photography, hunting and fishing, and birding). Although, he was born and raised in the UP, these pursuits also provided him the opportunity to live overseas (in Europe and Asia) for 15 years, which greatly expanded his experience with the outdoors and outdoor recreation in different cultures. Tom has been a passionate photographer, and has taught various photography workshops at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. His work can be viewed at teoliver.com and @theupwell on Instagram.

Lodging
The dark sky park is in a remote area, so it is important for you to plan where you are going to stay before traveling. The following options are available for lodging in the area:

Brockway Inn (Copper Harbor)
Da Beach Cabin (Lac La Belle)
Eagle Harbor Inn (Eagle Harbor)
Fitzgerald’s (Eagle River)
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (host)
Mariner (Copper Harbor)
Trails End Campground (Copper Harbor)

[ to see more Lodging options, go to Visit Keweenaw ]

Food
The dark sky park is in a remote area, so it is important for you to plan where you are going to eat before traveling. The following options are available for food in the area:

Eagle Harbor Inn (Eagle Harbor)
Fitzgerald’s (Eagle River)
Glacier Tavern (Mohawk)
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (host)
Mariner (Copper Harbor)

[ Purchase Tickets ]

International Dark Sky Week
2023-04-15 - 2023-04-22 | MI
This is the calendar of event page for the 2023 International Dark Sky Week.

Stargazing: Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2023-03-19 20:00 - 22:30 | MI
[ Read: March 19, 2023: Night Sky Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief powerpoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod (if you have one), warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
You meet at the Banquet Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 8:00pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Stargazing: Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2023-02-18 20:00 - 22:30 | MI
[ Read: February 18, 2023: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief powerpoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod (if you have one), warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
You meet at the Banquet Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 8:00pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop
2023-01-28 19:30 - 22:30 | MI
[ Read: January 28, 2023: Night Sky Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully the milky way or the northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 2) or email events@keweenawresort.com.
Location
You meet at the Banquet Room / Winter Outdoor Activity Center at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge between 7:00pm and 7:30pm. The session will last about 2 hours – possibly more if participants would like to spend more time with guided practice. Please bring your camera, a tripod (if you have one), warm clothing, and a great attitude.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Night Sky Photography Workshop
2022-12-17 14:30 - 16:30 | MI
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully the milky way or the northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 2) or email events@keweenawresort.com.
Location
You meet at the Conference Center at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge between 7:00pm and 7:30pm. The session will last about 2 hours – possibly more if participants would like to spend more time with guided practice.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Night Sky Photography Workshop
2022-11-19 14:30 - 16:30 | MI
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a brief presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully the milky way or the northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 2) or email events@keweenawresort.com.
Location
You meet at the Banquet Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge between 7:00pm and 7:30pm. The session will last about 2 hours – possibly more if participants would like to spend more time with guided practice.
About the Instructor: Tom Oliver
Tom Oliver is an avid photographer of wildlife and landscapes, including dark skies and northern lights. Since he was a child, nature, wildlife, and the outdoors have always been his deepest fascination – the intrinsic force which drives him. Those interests led him through, both, his career (in wildlife ecology/management and science education) and his preferred forms of recreation (hiking, backpacking, canoeing and kayaking, photography, hunting and fishing, and birding). Although, he was born and raised in the UP, these pursuits also provided me the opportunity to live overseas (in Europe and Asia) for 15 years, which greatly expanded my experience with the outdoors and outdoor recreation in different cultures.
Tom maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His photography work can be viewed at teoliver.com and @theupwell on Instagram.

Dark Sky Light Management Workshop
2022-11-03 14:00 - 15:30 | MI
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on the best practices of light management for enjoying the dark skies and for stargazing activities. The workshop will cover the lighting activities we have been working on at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge to be dark-sky compliant per the International Dark-Sky Association’s lighting guidelines. As part of the workshop you will be able to learn how you can improve your lighting as it relates to dark sky initiatives.
We will also walk through the International Dark Sky Park application we have submitted to the International Dark-Sky Association, and the current status of the application.

Price
Free, open to the public.
Location
You meet at the Banquet Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 6:00pm.
If you can’t make it in person, join online:
Computer, link: https://meet.google.com/kye-rgsh-uyp, or
Phone, dial: ‪(US) +1 386-516-3742‬ PIN: ‪706 229 329‬#
About the Instructor: John Mueller
John is the interim General Manager at the Lodge, and spearheaded the Lodge’s International Dark Sky Park application. He is intimately involved with implementing dark sky park initiatives at the Lodge, including the light management.

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop
2022-10-21 15:30 - 17:30 | MI
