Dark Sky Summer Package-An All Inclusive Midweek Getaway
See the night sky the way it’s meant to be. From a pontoon on Gunflint Lake, under Bortle 2 skies, in one of the darkest spots left in the lower 48.
We’re on the edge of the BWCA International Dark Sky Sanctuary. There are only a handful of these on the planet. Every week in June, we’re running a three-night midweek package with an interpretive pontoon stargazing cruise on Gunflint Lake, plus a themed cocktail and dessert matched to whatever’s happening overhead that week.
The Dark Sky Summer All-Inclusive Package includes
- Three nights accommodations in a lakeside fireplace cabin or modern Lodge Room
- All meals from dinner night of check-in through breakfast check-out morning in Justine’s at Gunflint Lodge
- Interpretive Celestial Cruise on Gunflint Lake with themed cocktail and dessert
- Guided night hike
- Telescope Naturalist program
- All guided Naturalist activities
Celestial Conjunction Week
June 8 – 10, 2026
Jupiter and Venus sit within 1.5° of each other on June 8–9, close enough to see both through binoculars at the same time. National Geographic listed it as a must-see event this month. The cruise goes out on conjunction night, and we’re making a Cosmic Kiss cocktail for the occasion. Two ingredients in one glass. Plus a dessert.
Milky Way New Moon Week
June 15 – 17, 2026
The moon goes dark. The Milky Way shows up.
New moon on June 15, the darkest night of the month and the only time you can see the Milky Way’s bright core without equipment. Most Americans have never actually seen it. On Gunflint Lake, under Bortle 2 skies, you can. The cruise runs under peak conditions, and there’s a Milky Way cocktail and dessert included.
Summer Solstice Week
June 22 – 24, 2026
Solstice is June 21. Up here at 48° north, the blue hour over the lakes lasts longer than you’d expect, and once it fades, the sky is just as good as any other week. Conditions look good for Northern Lights viewing this stretch as well! Watch the night skies from the lake and enjoy your Blue Hour cocktail and Blueberry Cobbler.
Strawberry Moon Week
June 29 – July 1, 2026
Summer’s first full moon rises orange over Canada.
The Strawberry Moon gets its name from the wild berries that ripen around now. At moonrise, it turns brilliant orange against the Canadian shoreline across the lake. The pontoon cruise is timed to moonrise, with a Strawberry Cocktail and chocolate-covered strawberries on board. Warm air, still water, the moon right there, almost close enough to touch.
Package Dates & Pricing
- June 8 – 10: Celestial Conjunction Week
- June 15 – 17: Milky Way New Moon Week
- June 22 – 24: Summer Solstice Week
- June 29 – July 1: Strawberry Moon Week
Package Pricing
- Starting at $1,045/person in a Romantic Cabin (based on 2 people per cabin)
- Starting at $835/person in a Classic Cabin (based on 2 people per cabin)
- Starting at $712/person in a Lodge Room (based on 2 people per cabin)
- Starting at $582/person in a Lake Home (based on 4 people per cabin)
Prices include 8% resort fee. Taxes are additional.
Call 800-328-3325 or use code 3NMW to book a Three Night Midweek package online.
More dates coming for Dark Sky events in July and August — meteor showers, Saturn at opposition, and more.